LavenderEssential Oil- 10ml/ .33 oz
Botanical Name:Lavandula angustifolia
Country of Origin:France
Parts Used:Flowering Tops
Extraction Method:Steam Distilled
Note Classification:Middle
Aroma:Fresh, balsamic, herbaceous, floral
Overview:
French lavender is the Rolls Royce of lavender. The high altitude and rich soil of the French hills yield lavender with high Linalyl acetate content which makes it more aggressive and treating pain, inflammation and eliminating bacteria. It has a more intense aroma with balsamic undertones which make it quite in demand.
Lavender is perhaps the most famous of all essential oils. It is said to have received its name from the Latin “lavare,” meaning “to wash,” because ancient Romans used the flowers to scent the water in their infamous bathhouses. Ironic, considering lavender went on to achieve arguably its greatest popularity during the Victorian age. It’s difficult to imagine two more different cultural attitudes regarding personal hygiene, appropriate dress, public sexual activity, etc.
Lavender is probably the most well-researched of all the essential oils, and while conclusions have been mixed, at least a few studies suggest the relaxing, sedative effects of lavender essential oil merit further research. One such study found the scent of lavender was soothing to mice injected with caffeine (we know what you’re thinking, we wanted to know where we could get one of those shots too).* A few others found aromatherapy with lavender reduced the use of painkillers after surgeries.** Finally, one study found that smelling lavender temporarily decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature, all associated with a decrease in fight-or-flight response, and that participants reported themselves as more relaxed than others in a control group.
Studies
1) Calms down mice injected with caffeine
2) Decreases amount of acetametaphin used after surgery
3) Decreases the amount of painkillers needed after surgery
4) reduce agitation in elderly patients with dementia
5) impacts emotional state, brain activity, and autonomic nervous system
