Lavender Oil (5 page)

Nowadays, gas chromatography is the main method used for analysing the exact composition of essential oils and for ascertaining their quality. A skilled
technician can easily identify a lavender oil cut with synthetic linalool, since there is a sub-component in synthetic linalool (called dihydrolinalool) which does not occur naturally in lavender oil. This trace would show up on a GLC (gas chromatography) machine – where the presence and position of each peak on the graph indicates the amount of each component.

Much of the lavender which is commonly available has been extended/ blended in this manner, although oils from Eastern Europe are less likely to have been tampered with, due to these countries’ lack of ‘technical sophistication’. A high quality pure essential oil of true lavender should be a pale yellow, mobile liquid with a pungent top note which quickly disperses, leaving a soft, fresh, floral and long-lasting aroma. As with tea tree oil, however, recent research has shown that different species and ‘chemotypes’ of lavender oil have different therapeutic effects, so the ‘quality’ of an essence in the context of aromatherapy depends largely on its specific use and appropriateness, rather than simply on its aesthetic appeal.

Lavender oil has often been called the most versatile of all essential oils … but why? By examining its history of use, medical applications and its chemical make-up, it becomes clear that lavender has several diverse areas of activity, being a valuable oil for both physical and psychological complaints. It may be useful, therefore, to divide its principal applications into the following loose categories: skin care; as a soothing remedy/for pain relief; and to help with stress-related conditions. Its secondary uses are also discussed below.

Lavender is an oil with good
antiseptic/bactericidal, anti-inflammatory
and
cicatrizant
(wound-healing) properties, which makes it an excellent treatment for all types of external injuries or infections. These properties account for why it is such a useful household first-aid remedy for minor cuts, bites, burns and stings. Such applications have been well researched and documented, principally in France.

As a
deodorant
and
antiseborrhoeic
oil, lavender is also a valuable skin care agent and is used for a wide range of common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, seborrhoea and spots. It has been credited with
‘rejuvenating’
properties,
and since it also has a pleasing floral fragrance, lavender has a long history of traditional use throughout Europe as an ingredient in various types of cosmetic and toiletry preparations, including the famous ‘lavender water’.

As a penetrating and soothing
analgesic, muscle decontractant
and
antispasmodic
agent, lavender is very valuable for all types of conditions involving spasm or pain such as rheumatism, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, cramp, toothache, earache, period pains or indigestion.

Perhaps of the greatest value, and what makes lavender unique in comparison to other oils such as tea tree, is its pronounced
regulating
effect on the nervous system. Within both the physical and psychological realm lavender is a ‘reconciler of opposites’, having an essentially
balancing
and
harmonizing
nature. In an age of extremes, it is this quality above all which may account for the strength of the popularity of lavender today! It is also this area of application which is receiving the closest examination in research studies and trials.

Of all essential oils, lavender seems to represent ‘the middle way’ – being neither ‘yin’ nor ‘yang’ in the extreme. This ‘neutral’ quality may also account for why lavender blends so readily with other essential oils – it also tends to increase the overall effectiveness of a remedy when used in combination with it. In this respect, lavender is a supreme ‘adaptogen’, i.e. it can have a
restorative
effect in cases of listlessness or weakness, yet has a
calming
effect on those
prone to hyperactivity or agitation. This is why it is recommended for what appears to be such a diverse variety of symptoms including shortness of breath, depression and nervous exhaustion as well as palpitations, hysteria and hypertension. In his work with psychiatric patients, Prof. Rovesti
¹
noted that some essential oils, including lavender, were useful for treating both anxiety and depression or, indeed, a combination of the two:

                              
It is obviously not possible to define precise limits between the two aromatherapeutic actions of nerve stimulants and nerve sedatives … because of their particular type of physiological action, which Kobert has defined as simultaneously both stimulating and sedative.
²

This
regulating
action can be seen most clearly with regard to the action of lavender oil on the nervous system as a whole. It is well known that lavender can have either a
tonic
or/and a
sedative
effect on the central nervous system depending on the state of the individual concerned. This makes it one of the most valuable oils for all types of stress-related conditions, where the nervous system can often be both depleted and over-stimulated simultaneously. Stress also depletes the immune system, and can be the cause or the precipitating agent for all types of secondary conditions such as digestive or circulatory problems – a fact which is being increasingly recognized by the orthodox medical establishment today. Lavender is consequently particularly valuable in psychosomatic conditions of this type, where a physical condition is closely related to an underlying psychological state.

Lavender essential oil has also been shown to inhibit both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system functioning, depending on which system is dysfunctional. Sympathetic hyperfunctioning is triggered more by physical stress, while parasympathetic overactivity is caused more by emotional stress – although both reactions can produce similar symptoms such as muscular cramp, indigestion, spasms or restlessness. By selectively inhibiting either the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous excess, lavender can assist the body’s response to unproductive stress of any kind. Yet lavender will not interfere with the body’s response to a productive type of stress, which is a normal and even desirable part of life.

In a similar fashion, lavender can exert either a
cooling
or
warming
effect on the entire system, depending on the temperament and condition of the individual in question. For a person with a hot, acute condition such as a fever or an inflammation, a small amount of lavender will have a
cooling
effect. On the other hand, for someone suffering from a cold condition such as a chill, muscular cramp or nervous debility, a more generous application of lavender will generate
warmth
and activity, both local and systemic. Thus, by creating an equilibrium within the body, lavender can effect both physical and the psychological changes, thereby enhancing an individual’s overall health.
³

Lavender has
fungicidal
qualities and is a valuable
prophylactic
agent and
immuno-stimulant
, although these properties are not as pronounced as in the case of tea tree oil. Nevertheless, lavender is a useful
preventative
remedy,
acting as a protection against all types of infectious conditions including colds, flu, etc., and may also be used as a treatment for genito-urinary or respiratory infections such as cystitis or bronchitis. In cases of fever, lavender has in addition a
diaphoretic
(sweat-promoting) and
antipyretic
(fever-reducing) effect.

Lavender oil also has many other secondary qualities including its
anti-toxic, anti-venomous, vermifuge
and
parasiticidal
properties. This makes it a good remedy for all kinds of insect bites and stings. It is also an effective
insecticide
and has been used to repel moths and other insects, such as mosquitoes, for centuries.

Add 8–10 drops to the bath water once the bath is full, then relax in the water for at least 10 minutes.

For bathing the feet or hands, add 6–8 drops of lavender oil to a bowl or shallow bath of warm water and soak for 5–10 minutes.

A simple disinfectant compress can be made by dipping a flannel (face-cloth) or piece of cotton wool (cotton ball) in a bowl of water (either steaming hot or ice cold, as required) to which has been added 3–5 drops of lavender oil. A poultice can be made by adding a few drops of lavender to a clay or kaolin base, and mixing well.

Use the oil direct from the bottle – dabbing with the fingertips or using a cotton bud (cotton swab) – to treat cuts, burns, spots, etc.

Most essential oils should not be used neat on the skin. Lavender oil is an exception to this rule, however.

For the treatment of mouth and gum infections, add 5–10 drops of lavender oil to a glass of warm water, mix well, then rinse the mouth and/or gargle.

Use up to 8 drops on a tissue or handkerchief for inhalation throughout the day (or onto a pillow for night use). For respiratory complaints, make a steam inhalation by adding about 5 drops of lavender to a bowl of steaming water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply for about 5–10 minutes with your eyes closed.

Before being applied to the skin for massage purposes, lavender (like other essential oils) should always be mixed with a light vegetable oil carrier or base such as sweet almond oil, jojoba or grapeseed – although sunflower or soya oil would also suffice. Jojoba oil, being a liquid wax, does not go rancid – otherwise a little wheatgerm oil should be added to the blend to prolong its shelf life. The dilution should be in the region of 2–3 per cent – though sometimes 5 per cent may be used for a concentrated effect, as in the case of local muscular pain, for example.

A rough guideline is to say that 20 drops of essential oil is equivalent to one millilitre, so an easy way of calculating the proportions for general use is to measure the carrier oil in millilitres, then add about half the number of drops of essential oil to give a 2.5 per cent dilution:

Buy a good, neutral pH value shampoo and add your own lavender to it. To a 100-ml bottle add about 60 drops of lavender oil. An alcohol-based scalp rub can be made by adding 5 ml of lavender to 100 ml of vodka – this can be used to rid the hair of fleas and lice (though it should not be used on irritated skin).

For vaginal and genito-urinary infections, add 6–8 drops of lavender oil to a shallow bath or bowl of warm water and bathe the affected area.

The proportions used for mixing skin creams, gels, masks and oils are the same as those for massage purposes – see above. For skin care, additional carrier oils
such as avocado, hazelnut, borage, peach and apricot kernel can also be included in the blend to suit different skin types.

A light, simple lavender water can be made up using 100 ml distilled water and 25 drops of lavender oil – shake well before use.

There are many vaporizing methods available now – you can use a terracotta oil burner, an electric diffuser, or you can simply put a few drops of lavender oil in a small bowl of hot water placed on a radiator or any other source of heat. This method is particularly useful for disinfecting a sick room and preventing the spread of contagious illness. Lavender may also be used to repel insects in this manner.

Many common conditions benefit from combining aromatherapy with other approaches such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, counselling, dietary changes and exercise. Essential oils and allopathic medicines can also complement one another – check with a qualified herbalist or aromatherapy practitioner for further advice.

Lavender is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It is one of the safest essential oils, with low toxicity levels and no contra-indications.

Babies, young children and pregnant women should take special care using all essential oils, because of their concentration. Despite lavender’s low toxicity
level, it is advisable not to use it neat for the treatment of children under 18 months of age – and always dilute for use during pregnancy to half the usual concentration.

ESSENTIAL OILS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN INTERNALLY!

For storage purposes lavender oil should be kept in an airtight dark-glass container, away from light and heat and well out of the reach of children or pets. The pure oil can also interact with certain plastics – plastic containers are therefore best avoided.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OBTAIN LAVENDER FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE TO ENSURE A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC RESULT!

PART TWO

A abscess or boil is a localized painful swelling and inflammation of the skin, due to an infection of a sebaceous gland.