Lavender: “The Swiss Knife of Essential Oils”
- Joanna Marie Nacar
- Aug 19, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 20, 2019
If you’re at a loss on where to begin with essential oils, lavender essential oil may be the best choice.
Lavender essential oil is universally regarded as one of the most powerful and versatile essential oils, and the uses for this plant are almost endless, hence it was given the name
“The Swiss Knife of Essential Oils”.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a scent that is a wonderful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. It is a relaxing oil and it blends well with many other essential oils. It treats an astonishingly wide array of PHYSICAL ailments and can make a positive difference EMOTIONALLY. It may also be used in formulating non-toxic household cleaners, laundry detergent, body soaps, deodorant, perfumes and so so much more! You see? Lavender essential oil is just so versatile!
Lavender oil is steam distilled from glands tucked around the tiny hairs on the flowers, leaves, and stems. Do you want to see how lavender is harvested to get that essential oil I love? Watch this:
Did you know that it would take approximately 27 SQUARE FEET of lavender plants to create just one 15-ml bottle of essential oil!? How crazy is that??
History:
So, who discovered the great essential oil of lavender? The French scientist Rene Gattefosse was the one who discovered lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory explosion. Today, lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the world and it is still one of the few essential oils to be listed in the *British Pharmacopoeia.
*British Pharmacopoeia is an annually published collection of quality standards for UK medicinal substances. It is a book published by the authority of the UK government that is used by individuals and organizations involved in pharmaceutical research, development, manufacture and testing. UK has such a stringent law that pharmaceutical and cosmetic company should follow.
“No wonder they ban more than 1,300 chemicals from use in lotions, soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics and other personal care products. The U.S. bans 11.” by Dr. Julia Brody
Imagine?? More than 1,300 chemicals??! And the U.S. bans just 11??! Oh well, let’s just get back into the topic.
So, Lavender essential oil is the PERFECT place to start with essential oils and a must-have in every home. This popular essential oil soothes and nourishes all skin types and is easy to incorporate into your skin care regimen every day. It has also been documented to improve concentration and mental acuity.
A few of it’s uses:
May help you when everything hurts
You know those seasonal sneezes you get? This oil is perfect for that! (that’s why it’s on the Allergy Trio recipe)
May help you purify your body and remove those bacteria away from you!
To help you age gracefully.
Do you want to have smooth skin? Add this to your skincare routine.
Great for your hair and scalp!
Worrying for nothing? This oil is for that!
Bug bites? Make your own insect repellant!
Need to calm your nerves? Grab this!
For those itchiness.
Aching joints or muscles? Rub this in!
To relax you.
Anything skin-related.
For removing those emotional and physical strain in your life.
My suggested usage:
I use it as a compress for muscle pain and stiffness.
I add a drop to my hand or I mix it with my facial moisturizer to treat my skin to a mini facial massage!
I never run out of this one! Make a basic homemade body scrub by combining coconut oil, sugar, and Lavender essential oil. Start with 3–4 drops and gradually add more as desired.
Create a spa-like retreat by combining 1 cup Epsom salt and 4 drops Lavender and adding to a hot bath.
I unwind with a Lavender-infused neck or back massage or for any physical ailments.
I use Lavender as part of my evening routine. I rub oil on the bottom of my feet before going to bed or spritz my pillow with distilled water and Lavender mixed in a spray bottle.
I diffuse it!! For a more calming and relaxing rest at night!
I create a DIY room freshener with Lavender to banish stale odors.
Precautions:
Lavender essential has a deeply relaxing effect and may act as a sedative.
Lavender essential oil should not be used prior to driving, operating machinery, or doing tasks that require concentration
Lastly, I’m gonna share here an infographic that you could also share with others or just study over!!
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