Lavender Oil: uses, facts, history, and aromatherapy

Lavender essential oil is known as the most popular and versatile essential oil and is often used to scent products for aromatherapy purposes. Lavender is steam distilled from the species Lavandula angustifolia, a perennial, bushy shrub with a purple flowery spike. Lavender oil has an ORAC score of 360.  

Many properties of lavender essential oil contribute to a vast range of uses. It is highly regarded as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, for skin care, or as a lovely fragrance. Lavender is one of the first plants Gary Young grew and distilled for its essential oil on the first farm.

Lovely Lavender Through the Ages

Traditionally, Lavendula angustifolia is used to treat burns, and is one of history’s most celebrated and versatile essential oils.

• In ancient Greece, Pedanius Dioscorides, a physician, pharmacologist, and botanist, extolled the medicinal qualities of lavender. Greeks used lavender as a perfume.
• The Romans used lavender in their baths for washing, for its healing and antiseptic qualities, and to deter insects.
• The Egyptians used lavender as an ingredient in incense and perfume.
• Queen Elizabeth I used lavender as a tea to treat her frequent migraines.
• The French scientist René Gattefossé was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. Today, lavender is one of the few essential oils to still be listed in the British Pharmacopoeia.
• Today, we use lavender as a tea, to dress wounds, to induce sleep, ease depression, and reduce stress.
• Lavender oil is one of the safest essential oils and can be used in full strength on the skin. The benefits of lavender essential oil are limitless.

What You Really Need to Know About Lavender Oil

France exports to the USA 100 times more Lavender essential oil than it produces.

What that means is Lavender is one of the most highly adulterated essential oils on the market. That means the chances of finding a lavender in any store, or product, that is the real deal is almost near zero. And yes, that include aromatherapy oils labeled Organic, and 100% Pure found in health food stores. You need to know that 100% Pure and Organic have absolutely no relation to the therapeutic benefits of an essential oil, none whatsoever.

What makes an essential oil the real deal is every step of the process; from seed to seal. With proper distillation being one of the single most important factors.

When using the highest quality Lavender oil, therapeutic-grade, keep in mind that it is extremely potent and 1 or 2 drops is oftentimes all you will need.

Primary Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil  

• Balances and normalizes body functions*
• Promotes tissue regeneration*
• Speeds up wound healing*
• Cleanses cuts, bruises and, skin irritations*
• Soothes and relaxes the mind and body
• Eases bodily aches and pains

Medical Properties of Lavender

Antiseptic, antifungal, analgesic, antitumoral, anticonvulsant, vasodilating, relaxant, anti-inflammatory, reduces blood fat/cholesterol, combats excess sebum on skin

Lavender Uses

Respiratory infections, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, menstrual problems/PMS, skin conditions (perinial repair, acne, eczema, psoriasis, scarring stretch marks), burns, hair loss/hair care, insomnia, nervous tension.

Fragrant / Aromatherapy Influence of Lavender

Calming, relaxing, and balancing, both physically and emotionally. University researchers in Japan found that diffusing certain aromas in an office environment dramatically improved mental accuracy and concentration.

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Combining Lavender with Other Essential Oils in Diffusing

Diffused lemon resulted in 54 percent fewer errors, Jasmine 33 percent fewer errors, and Lavender 20 percent fewer errors.

When aromas were diffused during test taking, scores increased by as much as 50 percent. Documented to improve concentration and mental acuity.

University of Miami researchers found that inhalation of lavender oil increased beta waves in the brain, suggesting heightened relaxation. It also reduced depression and improved cognitive performance (Diego et al., 1998). A 2001 Osaka Kyoiku University study found that lavender reduced mental stress and increased alertness (Motomura et al., 2001).

Additionally, diffusing a blend of Lavender and Orange therapeutic-grade essential oils also has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

How To Use Lavender

Diffuse in one of the Young Living diffusers (do not use a burner or heat type diffusers), or inhale directly for aromatherapy.

Apply topically to skin irritations, cuts, or wherever desired. Lavender can be used either neat (adults) or with a carrier oil; such as V-6 Massage Oil.

Young Living Lavender can also be added to food or rice milk or water as a dietray supplement. Note: only essential oils of the highest quality can be ingested. More on cooking with Young Living essential oils.

Usage Tips

• Inhale lavender essential oil to soothe and relax the body and mind.
• Make an herbal tea by mixing 1 drop of YL Lavender essential oil with 1 teaspoon of blue agave syrup or raw honey, to your cup of hot tea water, stir well.
• Add 4-5 drops of lavender essential oil to Bath Gel Base and use in warm bath for relaxation.
• Drop 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow to aid in a restful night of sleep.
• Massage several drops of lavender essential oil on feet to promote relaxation.

Did You Know

+ A study at the Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan found that, “Lavender aromatherapy reduced serum cortisol and improved CFVR in healthy men. These findings suggest that lavender aromatherapy has relaxation effects and may have beneficial acute effects on coronary circulation”.

+ Young Living grows its own lavender at farms in Utah, Idaho, France, and Ecuador.

+ Shakespeare grew lavender in his garden and spoke of it in his writings, including a recipe for a lavender tea in The Winter’s Tale.

Lavender essential oil, Lavandula angustifolia, is used in the traditional medicine of many cultures as a calmative. Studies have shown that the fragrance of lavender is calming and balancing. Considered the most versatile of the essential oils, lavender can be applied topically or used for aromatherapy to contribute to overall relaxation.  

Lavender Products

• Lavender Lip Balm
• Lavender Bath & Shower Gel
• Lavender Hand & Body Lotion
• Lavender Foaming Hand Soap
• Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner
• Lavender-Rosewood Bar Soap

And, for the 2009 holiday gift giving season a lovely Lavender Bath Gift collection, includes: Bath & Shower Gel, Hand & Body Lotion, and Lavender-Rosewood Bar Soap, in a pretty lavender tote.

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Learn how to buy at wholesale

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between lavender and lavandin?

A. Lavandin is a hyprid plant developed by crossing true lavender with spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). Lavandin is most commonly used to sterilize animal cages throughout Europe. Lavandin has similar calming effects as lavender but is slightly harsher.

Q. Is lavender essential oil safe for children?

A. Lavender is generally safe for children. It has traditionally been used to calm small children and babies. However, you should always consult with your child’s healthcare practitioner prior to use.

Testimonials

Dean had this to share with me recently on brain waves…

“Today I was reading about brain waves-beta, alpha, theta, delta, gamma – and noticed some articles mentioned lavender as increasing alpha states, which is a state associated with less stimulation. In addition, peppermint increases beta, thus acting as a stimulant.

In general I am looking for less stimulation, not more, so I was glad to find out I should avoid peppermint.

This afternoon I spent some time smelling the lavender bottle and noticed it helped me mellow out some.

That’s all!  Just thought I would share with you a small step forward. Take care,” ~  Dean

Joan has this to share on a hair loss study…

“(Hay  1998): Successful treatment of  stress related baldness with cedarwood, lavender, thyme, and  rosemary oils – which have been anecdotally used to treat baldness for more than 100 years.

Randomized double-blind placebo controlled study in 84 patients with  stress related alopecia areata, one who also had male pattern  baldness.

The essential oils  were massaged into scalp for minimum of 2 minutes every night. Researchers noted  “moderate regrowth of hair.”  Photographs and computer analysis of tracings of bald patches at 3 and 7  months. Of those who applied the oils, 44% had improvement after 7  months, compared to 15% in the control group. Results statistically significant.  No patients experienced negative effects from the oils. Warm  best wishes,” ~ Joan

Pen has this to share on her hair rejuvenation…

I too use it [above] and my hair, which  seems to never grow, grew 3 inches in 8 weeks. The oils are Cedarwood, Mountain Savory and Lavender and works best when using the YL shampoos and  conditioners. Peace,”  ~ Pen

Did you know…

Young Living has 3 different shampoo’s and conditioner’s?
Lavender, Lemon-Sage, and Rosewood.

Shampoo’s and Conditioner’s…

“I began using YL lavender shampoo & conditioner about 10 years ago. I thought I would give the YL Lavender shampoo and conditioner a try since I HAD to buy a different brand of shampoo and conditioner every single month because of build-up on my hair – no matter which brand of all natural shampoo & conditioner I used, I had to switch every single month (which was quite expensive as you might already know).

That was the last time I ever had to switch brands – and I’m saying this about 10 years later! Yes, I am still using the YL shampoo’s and conditioner’s. My favorites are the Lavender and the Rosewood.

Another huge surprise is the fact that the YL hair care products do NOT have nasty chemicals – and – they are extremely concentrated!

In fact, with my long hair (mid-back length) I only need to buy “2″ bottles of YL conditioner a year – that’s right only 2 bottles of YL conditioner a year! That means I’m only spending $40 a year on the best conditioner I’ve ever used!

If this is not insanely healthy for my hair, health and wallet – I don’t know what is!” ~ Evelyn

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to use. Keep away from eyes and mucus membranes; avoid using on or near sensitive skin.

Selected Research:

• Larrondo JV, et al. Antimicrobial activity of essences from labiates. Microbios. 1995; 82(332):171-2.

• Guillemain J, et al. Neurodepressive effects of the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Ann Pharm Fr. 1989;47(6):337-43.

• Kim HM, et al. Lavender oil inhibits immediate-type allergic reaction in mice and rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999;51(2):221-6.

• Siurin SA. Effects of essential oil on lipid peroxidation and lipid metabolism in patients with chronic bronchitis. Klin Med (Mosk). 1997;75(10):43-5.

• Nikolaevskii VV, et al., Effect of essential oils on the course of experimental athero – sclerosis, Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter. 1990 Sep- Oct;(5):52-3.

• Holmes C, et al., Lavender oil as a treatment for agitated behaviour in severe dementia: a placebo controlled study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2002 Apr;17(4):305-8.

• Inouye S, Uchida K, Yamaguchi H. In-vitro and in-vivo anti-Trichophyton activity of essential oils by vapour contact. Mycoses. 2001 May;44(3-4):99-107.

• Morris N. The effects of lavender (Lavendula angustifolium) baths on psychological wellbeing: two exploratory randomised control trials. Complement Ther Med. 2002 Dec;10(4):223-8.

• Louis M, Kowalski SD. Use of aromatherapy with hospice patients to decrease pain, anxiety, and depression and to promote an increased sense of well-being. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2002 Nov-Dec;19(6):381-6.

Cornwell S, Dale A. Lavender oil and perineal repair. Mod Midwife. 1995 Mar;5(3):31-3.

Yamada K, Mimaki Y, Sashida Y. Anti convulsive effects of inhaling lavender oil vapour. Biol Pharm Bull. 1994 Feb;17(2): 359-60.

Ghelardini C, et al., Local anaesthetic activity of the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia. Planta Med. 1999 Dec;65(8):700-3.

Motomura N, Sakurai A, Yotsuya Y. Reduction of mental stress with lavender odorant. Percept Mot Skills. 2001 Dec;93(3):713-8.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products
are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Article by Evelyn Vincent, Young Living Independent Distributor #476766

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"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go." ~ Dr. Seuss