Lavender essential oil is made from the Lavandula angustifolia plant. Lavender has been used in herbal medicine to promote relaxation and sleep, to help treat skin conditions, used as a flavoring for foods and drinks and as a fragrance in soaps, bath oils and other cosmetics.
Lavender essential oil can be soothing for most people and many insects are repelled by the scent as well as soothing bites. Dried lavender flowers and lavender essential oil can also be used to deter clothing moths. As well as being used topically, Lavender is used as a scent and has documented benefits in lifting the mood, due to its ability to soothe and calm.
Lavender was used in ancient Egypt for embalming and cosmetics. It was an important part of Ancient Roman bathing rituals and used for its antibacterial properties.
In 16th century France, lavender was regarded as an effective and reliable protection against infection. It was documented that glove makers who were licensed to perfume their wares with lavender were less likely to contract cholera.
During World War I, many soldiers carried lavender oil in their first aid kits, using it on the battlefield for its healing and antiseptic properties.
The power of lavender oil was initially discovered in 1910 by René-Maurice Gattefossé. After an explosion in his laboratory he plunged his burning hand into the nearest container of liquid, which happened to be lavender oil. He noted how quickly the pain subsided and how his hand healed with little scarring. He went on to devote his life to the study of Lavender Essential Oil. It is thought that the reduction in scarring is due to lavender oil promoting tissue growth.
Lavender Essential Oil is packed full of antioxidants, its compounds also stimulate the activity of our body’s natural antioxidant processes. Antioxidants work by speeding up the skin’s natural repair systems and by directly inhibiting further damage which may assist in the reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
With the combined ability to soothe the skin and antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, lavender essential oil can help to fight breakouts. Because it is non-comedogenic, it will not clog pores.
Some studies have shown that lavender oil is also both antimicrobial and antifungal and specifically shown that it can kill Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that may cause eczema.
As well as being great for your skin, studies have also shown that Lavender oil can also have a positive effect on hair growth and health.
Like all natural ingredients, just because it is natural, doesn’t mean you won’t be allergic or have a reaction to it. Always spot-test any new products or ingredients and stop using it if any signs of an adverse reaction occurs.
References:
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WebMD. 2022. Beauty and Skin Care: Vitamins and Antioxidants. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/beauty-skin-care-vitamins-antioxidants. [Accessed 08 July 2022].
Healthline. 2022. Lavender Oil for Skin: Uses and Benefits. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/lavender-oil-for-skin#blotchy-skin. [Accessed 03 July 2022].
decleor.co.uk. 2022. Lavender Essential Oil. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.decleor.co.uk/blogs/lavender.html#:~:text=History%20of%20Lavender%20Essential%20Oil,discovered%20by%20Ren%C3%A9%2DMaurice%20Gattefoss%C3%A9. [Accessed 4 July 2022].
Wikipedia. 2022. Lavandula angustifolia – Wikipedia. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula_angustifolia. [Accessed 04 July 2022].
CACHE CREEK LAVENDER. 2022. History of Lavender – CACHE CREEK LAVENDER. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.cachecreeklavender.com/history-of-lavender.html. [Accessed 04 July 2022].
Wikipedia. 2022. Aromatherapy – Wikipedia. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatherapy. [Accessed 08 July 2022].