This entry was posted 14 years, 2 months ago.
March 2, 2009
Lavender oil is one of the key scents in aromatherapy, which has been used for centuries for its perfect calming and relaxing effects. Also, this fresh nostalgic floral aroma of Lavender has unique abilities to bring relief for many problems connected with negative emotions and ease the symptoms of stresses, anxiety and nervousness. A seance of therapeutic massage or a bath with several drops of Lavender oil is considered to be among the most effective natural remedies for mood disorders. Finally, needless to mention in how may ways Lavender oil can be used in household for its disinfecting and antiseptic properties.
Lavender oil is received by steam distillation from the purple flowers of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis). The plant is originated from the Mediterranean regions, in particular, from the fields of France, where the best and the highest quality Lavender flowers come from. René Maurice Gattefossé, a French scientist known as the Father or Aromatherapy, was one of the first specialists who discovered magic therapeutic properties of Lavender oil. During his experiments in the lab, he severely burned his hands and soaked them into Lavender essential oil. Shorty after, the scientist noticed that the pain was gone and the burns were completely healed.
However, excellent properties of Lavender oil to soothe and heal wounds were known since the times of the Ancient Roman Empire. The Romans used Lavender oil for their bath routine, and also it was quite common to place the flowers of Lavender in the houses as an effective insecticide. In modern medicine, lavender products are used for a great variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, sedative, nervine, bactericide and antiviral, diuretic, carminative, anti-rheumatic and many many others.
Have you ever tried using Lavender oil as a natural treatment for acne? This oil can disinfect, tone and revitalize the skin and assist in solving such problems as oily skin, insect bites, abscesses, burns, wounds and so on. To treat your skin, 2-3 drops of Lavender oil can be applied directly on the skin with the help of a cotton bud. Also, this essential oil can relieve all sorts of pains related with muscle and joint problems, such as arthritis pains, lumbago, muscle spasms, rheumatism aches, etc. For this purposes, it is effective to use Lavender compresses: add 5-7 drops of Lavender essential oil into 300-400 ml warm water, soak a piece of cloth in it, then squeeze it gently and apply to the problematic body area. Keep it warm for 30-40 minutes, than remove.
Also, it is very effective to use vapors of Lavender oil as a part of aromatherapy program. Vapor therapy can assist everyone in relieving the symptoms of allergy, anxiety, nervousness, depression, sleeplessness, nightmares, irritability, fears and psychological traumas, etc. Add 5-6 drops of Lavender oil to an oil burner (or other device for aromatherapy), place a candle under it and use it in your room. These vapors will have great effects on your skin, nervous and respiratory systems, especially if you have clear symptoms of cold, headache, overfatigue or depression.
Lavender essential oil can be great component for therapeutic massages, showers or baths. Using 2-3 drops of the oil during having a shower can help you improve your hair and skin. Besides, using 5-6 drops of Lavender oil for a bowl of warm water can be very good and refreshing for tired or dried feet or hands. Finally, Lavender bath is one of the most popular relaxing remedy for such problems as stresses, fatigue, insomnia, anorexia, bowel disorders, soreness and swelling, itching, fungal infections, muscle spasms, abdominal pains, and many others. Remember that after having a warm Lavender bath you will have the calmest and the most restful sleep ever!
Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Wonderful article! I will have me a Lavender bath tonight. =)