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Join us on an aromatic journey as we explore the captivating wonders of Essential Oils and experience the fascinating allure of aromatherapy! Together, we will unlock a world of therapeutic benefits, delightful fragrances, and endless wellbeing possibilities… Ready to enchant your senses?

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Writing about Lavender essential oil may seem obvious… but what a challenging task it is! Lavender essential oil is one of the most extensively studied and widely used essential oils in the world.
The amazing properties of this essential oil, often referred to as “the queen of essential oils”, could fill entire pages… So let’s embark together and explore the world of this majestic essential oil.

Lavender essential oil:
Unlocking the Elegance of Lavender Essential Oil

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as True Lavender, Lavandula officinalis, or Lavandula vera, is a lavender specie that flourishes around the Mediterranean basin. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, much like thyme and rosemary.
The plant boasts silvery-grey, narrow, and aromatic leaves with dense, violet-blue flowers that exude a captivating fragrance.
Lavender usually flourishes at high altitudes but it can also grow at lower elevations. The finest aroma and quality of this essential oil are achieved at greater heights.

A bit of History : The name “lavender” finds its roots in the Latin word “lavare,” which means “to wash.” In ancient times, women, or laundresses, would wash their linen and then infuse it with the soothing fragrance of lavender. Lavender has been known since the year 100, and its distillation started in Europe during the 16th century.

Distillation: Lavender flowers are distilled when they are in full bloom, typically around July or August depending on the area it grows in and the altitude.
The distillation process involves the flowers and twigs.

Aroma: The Delicate Signature of Lavender EO. The scent of Lavender Essential Oil (EO) is such a distinctive one that is easily recognisable by many!
It has a soft, delicate, herbaceous and floral aroma.
This elegant aroma is highly sought after by the best world perfumers, and Lavender EO is a widely used ingredient in many cosmetics formulations.

Lavender Oil’s main properties: Exploring Benefits Beyond Relaxation:

While we are all familiar with Lavender’s renowned relaxing effects, there is much more to discover…

If Lavender essential oil (EO) is as popular, it is largely due to two significant factors: its remarkable versatility coupled with its low toxicity profile! These characteristics make Lavender EO safe to use in a wide range of applications and across all age groups.

The exceptional properties of lavender EO stems primarily from two molecules found in high concentration in its composition: linalol and linalyl acetate. This special composition makes lavender EO a powerhouse in promoting well-being across the physical, mental, and psychoemotional spheres.

Physical property:

Lavender EO boasts a remarkable set of physical benefits!
Here are the main ones:

–In Skin care: Lavender EO is a must for every family’s first aid kit.
It excels as a potent skin anti-inflammatory, cicatrisant, wound healing and skin regenerator!
Lavender EO is your go to EO whenever you need to fix a broken skin. In fact, it was the remarkable skin-healing properties of Lavender EO that ignited the modern practice of aromatherapy. René Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist of the early 20 th century, stumbled upon Lavender EO healing potential when he used it to treat a burn on his hand. This pivotal event led him to study essential oils, coin the term “aromatherapy,” and launch what we now know as the modern aromatherapy!

–In Pain Relief: Lavender EO possesses analgesic properties, effectively relieving pain sensation through different pathways. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pain, including post-surgical pain, post-caesarean pain, neuropathic pain and chronic pain. In some cases, inhaling lavender EO has been shown to reduce the need for analgesic drugs—a truly impressive feature!

–As Anti-Infectious agent:  Lavender EO possesses anti-infectious properties, making it an excellent choice for treating minor wounds and cuts. Coupled with its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing abilities, you can easily understand why this essential oil is a powerful ally in first-aid situations!

–As an Antispasmodic agent: Lavender EO also acts as a potent antispasmodic, alleviating muscle contractions.

–As an Anti-Parasitic and Lice Repellent: Lavender EO is a natural lice repellent, acting upon direct contact with the parasites—an especially handy feature in this period of time when children are back to school.

Effect on the central nervous system:

Lavender EO possesses a profound impact on our central nervous system. Here are the main effects:

Calming and Anxiolytic: These very well -known properties have been demonstrated by many studies. Lavender EO has the ability to reduce both heart and respiratory rates and lower blood pressure and body temperature. That is one reason why Lavender EO is considered a valuable ally during moments of anxiety and great stress!

Improved Sleep: Inhaling, diffusion or massaging lavender EO can have a positive impact on our sleep patterns. In fact, Lavender EO shortens the time to fall asleep, lengthen the sleep duration and improves the overall sleep quality. You can easily guess that why the outcome of using lavender EO in sleep difficulties result in a restful and regenerating night!

Enhanced Focus: Lavender EO is not just used to relax and help fall asleep. Thanks to its neurotropic properties, Lavender EO helps maintaining focus and attention during prolonged tasks. Amazing lavender, isn’t it?!

Emotional Benefits: Inhaling Lavender EO is calming and reassuring for the mind. Studies have shown that Lavender EO acts on the alpha waves in our brain. These waves  are indicative of a relaxed mindset. By activating the alpha waves and reducing the stress parameters, Lavender EO creates a state of relaxation and wellbeing… What more could we ask from our queen of essential oils?

Final Recommendation:

When looking to buy Lavender essential oil, only choose a 100% pure and natural essential oil, preferably organic.
Pay close attention to labelling details to ensure the authenticity and quality of the oil you select. You can always ask our aromatherapy expert

Notes:

These recipes are intended for adult use and should not be applied to children, pregnant or lactating women. If you have any concerns or questions, please consult our aromatherapist.

The tips and advice provided in this article do not substitute medical diagnosis or treatment.

Remember to diffuse intermittently, typically 15 minutes per hour, rather than continuously. Avoid diffusing in the presence of asthmatics or children under six years old.

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Dr. Nicole Bou Khalil,
Nicole Boukhalil is a Doctor of Pharmacy specialised in medicinal plants, phytotherapy and medical aromatherapy. She is a certified clinical aromatherapist level 3, the highest level of certification in the United States. Dr. Boukhalil also holds a master’s degree in Public Health and is certified in natural dermo-cosmetology.
With over 10 years of experience to her credit in aromatherapy, she is a trainer, a teacher, a formulator and an international speaker.
Dr. Boukhalil is an IFPA Trustee board member, the NAHA international director to Lebanon and the Airmid Institute ambassador to Lebanon.