Lavender essential oil, an all in one solution.

Lavender is an amazing essential oil and is widely regarded as the most useful of all essential oils. It holds many beneficial properties and can be used for a range of ailments. It also has a great fragrance and is safe for sensitive skin types.

If you've never used an essential oil before, then buying lavender would be a great first step into the world of aromatherapy. Or even if you're a regular practitioner there is always a reason to include it in your essential oil kits.

Background:

It's a flowering plant and grows in gardens across Europe, the most common of the 42 species is Lavendula angustifolia. There are many farms growing Lavender for essential oil production and the majority of suppliers reside in England, France, Bulgaria and Spain. The plant or oil can be sourced from various soils, locations, climates and lavender species to create different aromas and beneficial uses (specific to each country). It is advantageous to aromatherapists that they have such a great range of Lavender oils to choose from.

Aroma:
Lavender has a fantastic sweet floral scent with herbal undertones. It can be mixed and used in blends with many other essential oils.

Benefits:

Lavenders' popularity derives from its diverse range of properties, some of these are:

- soothes burns and insect bites (antiseptic and anti-inflammatory)

- aides relaxation and sleep

- relieves headaches and is a good neurological balancer

- soothes muscular pain.

All these beneficial properties are why Lavender essential oil is crucial in any households first aid kit.

Using the oil:

You can apply Lavender neat to treat spots, burns and bites. However other essential oils should not be used neat on the skin. For all other benefits mix the oil in small 'per drop' quantities, with a carrier oil (Sweet Almond or even supermarket Olive Oil, if that's all you can find) to make a massage oil.

When used to scent rooms or to influence mood, you can use as follows:

- 3 to 6 drops in your bath water.

- fragrance a room by dripping some oil on the radiator (non electric).

- mix the oil in water and add to an oil burner.

- add 20 drops to 100ml of lotion or shampoo & shake to add fragrance.

If you suffer any allergic reaction to an essential oil then stop using it. Essential Oils are concentrated plant compounds and should never be consumed (topical use only) and should be avoided when pregnant or on medication.

If you wish to buy a Lavender oil then we recommend Tender Essence French Lavender, which can be purchased here: http://www.tenderessence.com and is available for worldwide delivery.