Sometimes all you need is a little Lavender...

There are four essential oils that can be used neat on the skin without being blended in a carrier such as lotion before application, they are: ravintsara, roman chamomile, tea tree, and LAVENDER!

Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, has been used for thousands of years beginning with the Ancient Egyptians and Romans who used it in their bath water; the word lavender comes from the Roman ‘lavera’ which means 'to wash'.

Lavender essential oil is known as the 'mother' oil and is cultivated in France, China, England, Tasmania, Bulgaria, Russia, and Croatia. Lavender is a bushy plant that can reach heights of three to four feet; the leaves are spiked, green-grey; the flowers can be a variety of shades of mauve to violet-lavender and are packed around a single stem. The method in which lavender essential oil is extracted is through steam distillation of the flowering tops. It has a fresh, floral scent, it is clear to pale yellow in colour, has a watery consistency, and has a middle perfume note. It blends harmoniously with all other essential oils, absolutes and essences because it is a natural balancer.

Lavender essential oil is treasured for use on cuts, burns, dermatitis, eczema, sunburn and insect bites; for rheumatism, arthritis, inflammation, tension, spasms and dysmenorrhoea; for headaches and migraines, insomnia, anxiety, panic, hysteria, fatigue, and nervousness. It is said, ‘when in doubt, use lavender’ and it is known to soother the inner child. Every household should have lavender essential on hand in their First Aid Kit because of its fabulous properties and because it can be used safely on children when diluted in a carrier like unscented lotion. In Jeanne Rose’s Herbs and Things: A Compendium of Practical and Exotic Love she writes:

‘The buds [Lavender], mixed with marjoram, clove, carnation, betony and rose leaves and worn around the neck in a bag will cure headache.’

One more interesting note to remember about lavender essential oil, it is said to be an antidote for the bite of the funnel web and black widow spiders as well as viper and adder snakes.

Lavender Essential Oil can be used as an inhalant, can be burned in an essential oil burner, or up to eight drops can be added to your bath water.