Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Lavender Aromatherapy Oil - The Essentially Essential Oil

Lavender is the safest, oldest and most well known healing plant; it has been used as medicine, cosmetic, herb, and aromatherapy oil throughout history. Being that it is safe it is the most commonly applied oil in the field of aromatherapy. Studies conducted in the UK revealed that lavender oils affected the diminishment of mental faculties, such as memory, and in fact improved both memory and attention span. In these studies the Lavender’s effect on the olfactory senses—the sense of smell—has greatly increased and improved cognitive performance and mood; the lavender aromatherapy essential oil is potent in calming uncontrolled feelings and emotions. Drops of Lavender oils in the vaporizer can ease coughs and other respiratory ailments.

Lavender essential oils remove indecisiveness as well as the pain of emotional conflict and bring about a sense of rationality to the disturbed mind. The lavender aromatherapy essential oils also function not only to calm the uncontrolled emotions, but have a positive impact on the nervous system. Numerous studies have shown that the lavender aromatherapy essential oils especially pacify a number of nervous disorders: excitability, panic, nervous tension, agitation, and promotes peaceful sleep. Some of the studies concluded that the lavender aromatherapy essential oil is initially absorbed into the skin through the hair follicles; it is then diffused into the bloodstream and disperses its healing properties into the lymphatic system and a sense of lightness and calm pervades the mind. The sensation of ethereality can simply be explained by the serotonin that is released in the brain.

Brief History

Lavenders are a genus, or class of flowering plants in the mint family. They have been cultivated thousands of years throughout the globe; they are known as French, Bulgarian, Province, Kashmir, even a Tasmanian Kashmir Lavender; and by many other names relating to their geographic origin. Lavender appeals to the senses and it yields oils that are used in perfumes, balms, cosmetics, and in topical application for its anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. Interesting adage: Lavender was believed to cure the Plague though it was only its scent that repelled insects carrying the Plague.

The Lavender, be it English, French, or Asian, is heavily scented and blends well with other essential or carrier oils such as, floral, clove, citrus, labdanum, sage, patchouli, pine, Cedar-wood, etc. and an array of other oils. The plants produce pale yellow, or tinted green oils that have strong scents, and it blends well with the majority of aromatherapy oils.

Application

The flower-petals yield nectar that is used for flavoring honey, sugar, herbs; when blended with black tea it is sold as lavender tea. English Lavender essential oils have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory curative powers and soothe head-aches. Also, the oils wards off insects and calms itchy incest bites. The extract has been known to facilitate sleep, relaxation, and calm general restlessness. Lavender oils balance, regulate, and soothe the body and mind; added to bathwater or sprinkled on pillows Lavender oils promote peaceful and relaxed sleep. Lavender is an analgesic, anti-microbial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antitoxic, etc. The oils are used to treat hypertension, water-retention, convulsions, and other spasmodic ailments.

Surrounding oneself with products of Lavender Essential Oils may bring unexpected harmony into your life; aromatherapy incense throughout the home, aromatherapy candles for evening pleasure, lavender sachets in the closets and drawers, and drops of it on the pillows. Lavender aromatherapy essential oil can be applied in light rings, aroma lamps, diffusers, and potpourri throughout your home, bathroom, or office.

Tamra Cantar is a freelance writer on topics of interest and has a website dedicated to providing the visitor with useful information and resources for Aromatherapy. Visit AromaOilEssentials for more information on Lavender oil as well as other essential oils.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tamra_Cantar

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