Lavender
Lavandula Angustifolia (aka L. Officinalis, L. Vera); Lavandula Latifolia (aka L. Sica); Lavandula StoechasHistory
The name lavender comes from the Latin verb lavare, to wash, because the ancient Romans used lavender in their bath water as a perfume as well as for its therapeutic properties.
The Greeks called lavender Nardus, referring to a city in Syria called Naarda, where lavender was often sold. Many simply called the plant Nard. When Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus’ feet at the feast, she was said to have broken open an alabaster box of spikenard. Many people believe that she had been using lavender oil or lavender perfume to show her devotion.
Whatever the name, Lavender has a long history of medical and folkloric use. Lavender was a key ingredient in amulets and oils used against the plague, and a renowned herbalist in the 1500s named William Turner claimed that washing men’s heads with lavender helped treat mental illness. Additionally, during those dark, dark, times, unmarried women would drink lavender in hopes that they would be granted a dream in which they would see their true love, while married women would use it on their husbands as an aphrodisiac.
And while all that sounds pretty wild, it’s not so far-fetched as you would think! Back in the 90s, the Chicago-based Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation studied male and female arousal in relation to food and perfume odors. They came to several enlightening conclusions: 1) Odors related to food were more effective to increase arousal. 2) The blend of pumpkin pie and lavender increased male arousal an average of 40 percent.
Lavender: The World’s Favorite
Gentle and extremely versatile, this essential oil has been loved and used for thousands of years and remains the unchallenged favorite in aromatherapy.
USE: Skin Care | Diffusion | Massage
Lavandula Angustifolia: This is your everyday common Lavender and you’ll find it sold under different names (Lavandula Angustifolia, Lavandula Officinalis, Lavadula Vera). This variety of Lavender has more sedative compounds (called esters) than any other Lavender variety, so if you are looking for something that will be calming and relaxing you should choose this variety with its floral, herbal, almost sweet scent. This variety pairs well with Citruses, Clary Sage, Pine, Rosemary, and Geranium.
Spike Lavender: This more medicinal-smelling Lavender also is sold under different names (Lavandula Latifolia, Lavandula Spica). It is more analgesic and antiseptic. Additionally, it is good for easing coughs and expelling mucus. The scent of Spike Lavender is slightly harsh and camphoraceous but still smells like lavender. It pairs well with True Lavender and spicy oils like Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Clove, Patchouli, Petitgrain, and Pine. Use with care. See Safety Notes.
Spanish Lavender: known as Lavandula Stoechas, this variety of Lavender has an even more caphoraceous smell than Spike Lavender. Like Spike Lavender, it is also very good for aches, pains, as an antiseptic, and for coughs. However, it’s additionally helpful in that it stimultes the central nervous system and helps with fatigue and mental exhaustion. Studies are being done to further explore its effects in the treatment of hyperglycemia, diabetes, and oxidative stress. This variety blends well with Clary Sage, Geranium, Lemon, and Sandalwood. Use with care. See Safety Notes.
Blends Well With
Depending on the Lavender variety you use, the following Essential Oils will blend very well with Lavender:
- Bergamot
- Black Pepper
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Clary Sage
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Grapefruit
- Juniper
- Lemon
- Marjoram
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Rose
- Tea Tree
Key Benefits
- Calming and Relaxing
- Improves sleep
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Mildly analgesic: headaches, migraines, muscular, and nerve pain
- Antispasmodic: Eases menstrual cramps
- Soothes skin conditions: Burns, sunburns, cuts, bites, stings
- Eases acne, eczema, psoriaces
- Reduces scarring
- In an emergency, it is said that Lavender fixes almost everything
Safety
The only essential oil you may ever use undiluted, but only in TINY areas and nowhere close to your face!
While lavender is generally very safe, there are some lavender varieties that you must be careful of. Spanish lavender is not safe to use on babies or children and is not recommended for use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally it may be mildly neurotoxic. Spike lavender has also been known to be mildly neurotoxic. Don’t use either for prolonged periods of time.
Topical Application
Beginner’s Sleepy Time Massage Oil
1% dilution. Face & neck massage:
- 3 drops Lavender
- 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion
3% dilution. Body massage:
- 9 drops Lavender
- 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion
Lights Out
3% dilution. Body massage:
- 6 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Vetiver
- 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion
Headache
3% dilution for shoulders, back of neck, arms. Use when you start feeling the symptoms:
- 5 Lavender
- 4 Peppermint
- 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion
Sun-kissed Baby
2% dilution for days when you spent a lot of time under the sun:
- 3 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Helichrysum
- 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil
- 2 tsp aloe jelly
Diffusing Blends
Mr. Sandman
- 5 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Orange
Sweetness
- 6 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Chamomile (Roman)
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
Paula’s Favorite
- 5 drops Lavender
- 4 drops Bergamot
Spic-N’-Span
- 3 drops Lemon
- 2 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Rosemary
Galentine’s Day
- 5 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Geranium (Egyptian)
It’s Raining Outside and I Warm and Cozy Inside
- 2 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Orange
- 1 drop Frankincense
DIYs
Lavender Sugar Scrub
You could use salt instead of sugar. It would just be a salt scrub
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4-1/2 cup carrier oil of choice (adjust amount depending on your desired consistency)
- 20 drops Lavender OR 20 drops of your favorite master blend from the diffusion blends.
Mix ingredients. Store in an air-tight container. Use before your evening bath/shower.