Lavandula angustifolia

Country of origin: France

Production Method: Certified Organic

Extraction: Steam Distilled

Description:

A beautiful, fragrant shrub with small purple flowers that may not be much on their own but look spectacular in bunches and in fields. An herb that is steeped in human history, from ancient bathing  rituals to traditional wedding bouquets symbolizing devotion and purity. Always used to perfume, to cleanse and to heal, lavender was also added to smelling salts in Victorian times and clutched by women in labour for strength and courage. It is a hardy perennial that is grown in several different climates and countries with the largest producer being France. The birth of modern day aromatherapy can be attributed to lavender. Chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (1881-1950) , who coined the term aromatherapy, was in a terrible lab accident that left him with a severely burned arm. He successfully treated it with lavender oil and began a lifelong study of essential oils. I use lavender oil  for anything to do with the skin – bug bites, rashes, scrapes, cat scratches, burns etc. It is also a wonderful, relaxing bath and calming room spray. Caution: Lavender contains linalool which is a very common allergen so not everyone can use this essential oil.

Main components:

Lavender essential has two main phytochemicals – linalool its ester linalyl acetate.   Research has proven both to be anti-inflammatory and effective for reducing stress.

Traditional Uses:

• Reduces anxiety when inhaled
• anti-fungal, treats candida
• reduces redness and helps heal wounds
• moth repellent
• diaper rash (diluted)
• disinfectant (used to clean hospitals in WWII)
• scarring

Skin Benefits:

Soothes, heals and purifies skin.

Certified organic lavender essential oil can be found in our Touchy Feely Body Lotion and in our Petal Purity Facial Cleanser and Exfoliant.