|
| |
Interesting facts about Lavender
Did you know ?
Lavender is a herb, that is steeped in history and myth. With its roots in
the ancient herbalists and witches of old, lavender's properties as a
disinfectant and antiseptic were discovered. Its healing qualities grew through
the centuries, and it was even thought of an effective inhibitor to the dreaded
plague ! Lavender's popularity with the English royalty gave it a berth in the
ranks of a cosmetic herb, and it was with Queen Victoria that lavender was
recognized as a tonic for nerves.
With its history of healing properties, glorious colours and enchanting perfume,
lavender has remained the "King" of herbs. Lavender has stepped out of its
attachment to old fashion and has found a modern status in aromatherapy. With
scientific research verifying its ancient uses, lavender is an essential
component of any household oil burner or garden that requires magnificent scent
during the summer months. We even use it in the hoover bag. It fills the room
with a beautiful perfume while we vacuum! The essential oil can also be
used on insect bites, burns, and blemishes.
The name of Lavender is a derivative of the Latin word 'lavare', meaning
'to wash', and was a bathing ritual herb in Roman times. It was said to avert
the 'eye of evil' and was a flower and essence dedicated to the Goddess of
Witches and Sorcerers called Hecate. Folklaw is full of details of
the ability of this beautiful blue, yet spicy and warm, sensual flower. For the
romantics, it is purported to invoke ecstasy and constancy in love.
A Few Facts
Lavender is cultivated all over the world: England, Bulgaria United States and
France are historically known for producing the essential oil. Harvesting the
lavender for oil must be done at the peak of the day's heat. Essential oil is
extracted by steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops.
A Little History
Lavender is considered the premier of all perfume. 'Perfume' derives its name
from the Greek meaning 'through smoke,' and in ancient times the perfumes were
used as fumigation agents. Lavendula angustifolia/officinalis grows at altitudes
reaching the height of 5,000 feet. The officinalis, known as 'vera' affords a
much smaller plant and the harvesting is more laborious. In a field ripe for
harvest the plants resemble fattened velveteen porcupines with hues ranging from
brilliant whites to shadings of violet and purple.
Personality Traits
Lavender's aroma imprint is camphoric sweet and rich ~ with an herbaceous,
floral heart and a soft balsamic-wood undertone. Its odor at evaporation is
generally a low, middle note. Its effect is calming, refreshing, uplifting,
expansive, soothing, purifying.
A Few Important Properties of Lavender
For the die hard medics, here are a few properties found in Lavender. It is
antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic,
anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, anticoagulant, carminative,
cholagogue, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, decongestant,
diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue,hypotensive, insecticidal, nervine,
parasiticidal, rubefacient, restorative, sedative, sudorfic, tonic, vermifugal,
and vulnerary.
Common Uses
Ideal for physical and emotional support or restful sleep. Lavender as a whole
is an 'adaptagenic' essence with a relationship to all Body Systems. It is
nicknamed the ultimate 'first aid in a bottle' oil. Lavender produces an
Anti-Allergic Essential oil, with an inherent antibiotic action. It is also an
astringent as well as moisturizing to skin. It alleviates aches, pains, and
swelling from arthritis to injury to headache. Lavender also alleviates motion
sickness.
Emotionally, lavender helps support a calm composure and self-expression. It
reduces irritability, insomnia, nightmares, apprehension, panic attacks combined
with uncontrollable shaking, stress, nervous tension, hysteria and is generally
balancing to the psyche, as well as the body.
Internal Possibilities
Research is proving that lavender is beneficial with regard to support for
hyperglycemia, hypertension, indigestion, arteriosclerosis, digestive
complaints, kidney stones, fragile capillaries, anemia, and heartburn. It is
non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.
Contraindications and Safety
Some say due to an unproven allergic reaction, lavender should be avoided in the
first trimester of pregnancy. It should not to be used with preparations
containing iron and/or iodine. |
