~The story of Gattefossé’s Burn~
“In 1910 French chemist and scholar René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the virtues of the essential oil of lavender. Gattefossé badly burned his hand during an experiment in a perfumery plant and plunged his hand into the nearest tub of liquid, which just happened to be lavender essential oil. He was later amazed at how quickly his burn healed and with very little scarring. This started a fascination with essential oils and inspired him to experiment with them during the First World War on soldiers in the military hospitals.” (1)
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Tidbits About Lavender Essential Oil
From earliest times, lavender was recognized for its wonderful aroma and also for its amazing disinfectant powers. After the Syrian city of Naarda, the ancient Greeks called the lavender herb ‘nardus’. The current name lavender comes from the Roman lavare (“ to wash”), a reference to the herb’s use as a scent for bathing and cleaning the home.
During the Roman times the flowers were sold for 100 denarii per pound, which would be the equivalent of a farm laborers wages for a month or about 50 haircuts from the local barber. Not only did the Romans fill their communal baths with lavender flowers, but also during the Middle Ages, houses were scrubbed with lavender extract to cleanse and disinfect them.
Lavender was one of the holy herbs used to prepare the holy essence. As a matter of fact, you will find mention of lavender in the bible, Solomon, 4,14. During the Middle Ages, people believed lavender to be an aphrodisiac. Therefore they would sprinkle lavender water on a lover’s head to keep him or her faithful. In addition, in the 19th century, women carried lavender-scented handkerchiefs to smell when feeling faint.
English farmers tucked lavender under their hats to prevent sunstrokes and headaches. During the Great Plague of London (1665– 1666), glove makers scented their wares with lavender to ward off disease. As lavender repels fleas, which were found to have transmitted the plague.
During the First World War, lavender oil was used as an antiseptic and is rumored to have saved many lives by preventing infection.
Lavender is well know for it’s soothing qualities, being known for inducing restful sleep due to its soothing and calming qualities. Read on to learn lavender essential oil’s many other amazing benefits.
Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil
Heals Burns & Wounds
Lavender essential oil is good for healing burns and wounds being that applying the oil to a burn will heal the tissue rapidly and alleviate scarring. Undiluted, it can also be used to reduce pain and speed the healing of insect bites and other wounds. With this in mind, try adding this fragrant oil to massage oil or bathwater to relieve sore muscles and tension.
High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Lavender reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol. For this reason it can be taken as a supplement or used topically on neck. Homemade body products like lotions made with lavender essential oil are wonderful to use daily to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check.
Insomnia & Anxiety
Lavender essential oil helps to relax the body, reduce anxiety and relieve insomnia. For this reason adding to a relaxing bath with some epsom salts after a long day is a great way to induce restful sleep. Additionally you can make a linen spray mixing the essential oil and water to mist your bedding. Due to its relaxing effects the flowers are often used in sleep pillows, small sachets tucked under pillows, thus helping you get a restful nights sleep. Lavender flower tea has been used to relieve anxiety, depression, indigestion, insomnia, and restlessness.
Anti-Fungal & Anti-Viral
Research suggests that lavender has anti-fungal and antiviral properties. Not only can it be used as a mouthwash for halitosis, but also as a douche for vaginal yeast infections. Additionally it has a long-standing reputation as a powerful antiseptic that has been supported by many studies.
Support Hormone Balance
Inhaling lavender essential oil has been shown to reduce the depression and emotional symptoms of PMS that come with hormonal fluctuations during your monthly cycle. (3)
Using a diffuser to release lavender and clary sage essential oils, alone or together, into the air for 10 minutes or more reduces anxiety & depression associated with PMS.
Balances Blood Sugar and Helps Those with Diabetes
Firstly lavender helps promote sleep, maintain a healthy nervous system and even improves blood circulation. Secondly because of its soothing qualities it helps to reduce stress calming your system.
Diffusing lavender essential oil with a cool mist diffuser in your home or office is a great way to increase wellness, alleviate stress and make your space smell wonderful.
Homemade Lavender Essential Oil Potions
Homemade Fabric Softener Sheets
Making a healthy homemade fabric softener could never be easier. First you will need a small airtight container. Next, fill 3/4 of the way with white vinegar and add 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and mix well. Then you will need a few squares of cotton fabric (I used an old t-shirt) cut to about 4” X 4” each. Next, put them into the container with the essential oil/vinegar solution. Finally, when your clothes go into the dryer just grab one and add to the load. While the vinegar softens your clothes, the lavender make your clothes smell wonderful.
Homemade Linen Spray
For restful and relaxing night’s sleep spritz your sheets and pillow cases with a homemade linen spray. First you’ll need an empty spray bottle, preferably one with a fine mist spray nozzle. Then add 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil to 4 ounces of distilled water. When you turn down your bed, spritz your linens and wait a little while for the water to evaporate. As a result you’ll climb into your bed and relax with the dreamy scent as you drift off to a restful nights sleep.
What Kind of Lavender Essential Oil Should You Get?
There are many brands of essential oils on the market. And there are several ways that they are crafted. For this reason it’s important to make sure you get the real deal. Because only a handful of companies couple responsible farming practices with the crafting of Certified Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. These are the highest grade of essential oils with greatest healing properties and are considered medicinal oils which can be used as plant-based medicine. In order to get 1 pound of lavender essential oil that is therapeutic grade it takes 150 pounds of the flowers. Make sure your oils are extracted using steam distillation or cold pressed without using chemicals. Also the oils should be bottled in dark glass containers to protect them from oxidation and sunlight.
Where Can You Get Certified Therapeutic Essential Oils?
I’ve partnered with a company that I feel ranks as one of the highest quality essential oil makers there is. To find out more about essential oils or to join our global community of Wellness Advocates please go to: http://mydoterra/wildwifeessentialoils
You’ll find fun recipes for making your own beauty and home care products and find out more about the benefits of essential oils for a healthier home and family.
Precautions
Always do a patch test when trying out new essential oils. And remember to use caution if you have low blood pressure or a heart condition.
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Disclaimer
The use of essential oils is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that essential oils can trigger side effects and skin irritations.
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider.
~Want to learn more about how Herbs & Essential Oils can enhance your health? Ultimate Bundles is by far the most comprehensive program available today. You get 34 products worth $567.48 at a deep discount. 22 eBooks, 4 ecourses, 6 printable packs, & 2 membership sites plus 444 recipes with 184 printables.
Sources:
- Balick, Michael (2014-04-29). Rodale’s 21st-Century Herbal: A Practical Guide for Healthy Living Using Nature’s Most Powerful Plants (Kindle Locations 5540-5543). Rodale Books. Kindle Edition.
- Dr. Josh Axe – The Kings Medicine Cabinet
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/lavandula