Documents show Lavender has
been used for over 2,500 years. The Egyptians and the Phoenicians used it
during the mummification process and as a perfume, the Romans during bathing,
cooking and to scent the air. From Greece the plant arrived in France around
600 BC and spread further through Europe. Today, it is grown in France, Italy,
Spain, Bulgaria and Britain where it was introduced in the 1600’s. During the
16th Century, French glove-makers perfumed their wares with lavender
and never caught cholera. In the 17th century, during the Great
Plague in London people felt protected from the disease by wearing bunches of
lavender around their wrists. The various Kings of France and their courtiers
used lavender extensively1.
Recent history
In 1910, Rene-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, discovered the healing powers of
lavender. Whilst working in his laboratory he suffered severe burns on his hand
during an explosion and immersed his hand in the nearest vat of liquid, which
happened to contain lavender oil. He was amazed at how quickly the skin healed
leaving no scarring3. This lead to him experimenting with essential
oils on wounded soldiers during World War I. He noted an increase in wound
healing that had been treated with essential oils. He later actively supported
lavender growers in France.
Origins of lavender
There are more
than 30 different varieties of lavender available commercially, mostly grown in
the Mediterranean, and this causes confusion. Cross-pollination happens very
easily with other varieties creating hybrids that do not produce the same
quality oil as the true lavender oil Lavandula angustifolia2.
Benefits
Lavender is one of the most
versatile essential oils and has a complex structure.
One of the main components, linalool, has sedative
properties4 that accounts for it to be useful with insomnia. Lavender
also has skin regenerating2
properties that help wound and scar healing. Diluted and in small quantities, it
is safe for babies. It is one of the few oils that can be applied neat on the
skin in small quantities. Test before use by applying a very small quantity on
the inside of the elbow and watch out for any skin reaction such as redness. In
the event of a reaction, remove the lavender with a vegetable oil; olive oil is
fine. Water will not help, as essential oils are not water-soluble.
Some of the
benefits are5
·
Used
in skin and wound care
·
Calming,
soothing and balancing
·
Relaxing
and refreshing
·
Uplifts
the spirits
·
Induces
a peaceful sleep, relieves insomnia
·
Treats
burns and scars (seek medical attention for anything more than a small burn)
·
Has
a calming effect on the heart and palpitations
·
Calming
or stimulating according the body’s needs
·
Reduces
muscle pain and reduces spasms
·
Keeps
moths at bay
References
2.
Arthur,
D. (1997). Aromatherapy. Course notes.
3.
Oils and plants.
Rene-Maurice Gattefossé. Retrieved from: http://www.oilsandplants.com/gattefosse.htm
4.
Bowles, E.J.
(2003). The chemistry of aromatherapeutic
oils. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
5.
Oils and Plants.
Lavender. Retrieved from http://www.oilsandplants.com/lavender.htm
