Lavender

This is the safest and most versatile oil in aromatherapy. It is one of the very few essential oils that may be used undiluted directly on your skin. A small minority of people may still be allergic to it. Normally, such people cannot stand the smell of lavender in the first place. If a person does not like the smell of the oil, than that oil is not suitable for her.
The lavender oil that is most valuable for aromatherapy is true lavender, or lavender Vera, or lavender officinalis or lavandula angustifolia. In some cases, a lower grade lavender oil, spike lavender or aspic may be distilled together with lavender Vera. Lavandin which is a hybrid between spike lavender and true lavender may sometimes also be sold as lavender. The properties of Spike lavender, lavandin and true lavender do differ to some extent. This is why you should get your essential oils from a reputable supplier, to ensure you are getting the right lavender oil for your needs.

Composition

Main components are linalol, which is a monoterpene alcohol and linalyl acetate, which is an ester
Linalol is effective in inhibiting micro organisms without hurting humans. Linalyl acetate is antispasmodic. It also acts as a fungicide.
Uses

The uses of lavender oil are many and varied. Basically, true lavender oil is anti-depressant, relaxing, balancing and antiseptic. It also offers pain relief. It blends well with most oils. It usually boosts the effectiveness of the other essential oils in the blend.
For insomnia, 2 drops of lavender oil on your pillow may help you sleep. A massage with 1 teaspoon of any cold pressed vegetable oil and 1 drop of lavender oil can help relax you and help you sleep. Diffuse lavender oil in your room for a more relaxing atmosphere. At a few drops of lavender oil to your bath water and soak in it to relax. If that doesn't work, add 1 drop of geranium oil and 2 drops of lavender oil to 1 teaspoon of any cold pressed vegetable oil. Use that to massage your body. That should help you sleep.

For burns or bruises, apply pure lavender oil directly on the burn or bruise. For bad burns, please seek medical attention right after that.

For stress, a massage with lavender oil in a carrier oil, or a bath with a few drops of lavender oil in the bath water may help.

For hair loss, A blend of 1 drop rosemary oil and 2 drops of lavender oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil may be used as a massage oil for your scalp. Pour the olive oil into a small bottle, add the lavender and rosemary oils, shake well and use twice daily. Note that you should NEVER use rosemary oil if you are an epileptic or have high blood pressure.

For acne or oily skin, a lavender facial steam can be beneficial. Put 2 drops of lavender oil in a bowl of hot water keep your face 10 to 20 cm above the bowl. Hold a towel over your head and the bowl to form a tent to keep in the steam. NEVER TRY THIS IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA. The steam may trigger an asthma attack.

For eczema, applying pure lavender oil on the affected area daily for up to 2 weeks at a time may help.

For flu, a steam inhalation of lavender oil and tea tree oil, followed by a long nap, lots of water and rest can help you recover faster. For a steam inhalation, put 1 drop of lavender oil and 1 drop of tea tree oil in a bowl of hot water keep your face 10 to 20 cm above the bowl. Hold a towel over your head and the bowl to form a tent to keep in the steam. NEVER TRY THIS IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA. The steam may trigger an asthma attack.

For insect bites, apply pure lavender oil directly on the affected area. It may be used as a mild insect repellent. Add 3 drops of lavender oil to 1 teaspoon of cold pressed vegetable oil and apply on the affected areas.

Even children and babies can benefit from it. 1 drop of the oil on the cot of a fretful baby may help him relax a bit.

It is a very useful oil. Anyone interested in aromatherapy should have a bottle of this oil all the time.



 Spike Lavender

Spike lavender, to lavandula latifolia is another variety of lavender.
Unlike true lavender, it contains ketones. Ketones are potentially neurotoxic. They can attack part of the nervous system.

This oil should be diluted before use. It should not be used undiluted on your skin. It contains a high level of ketones which are toxic. As such, it should be used sparingly. The spike lavender from Spain contains a higher level of ketones than the spike lavender from France. Which makes it more toxic than the spike lavender than France. Ketones may be trigger epilepsic fits, they may cause abortions in pregnant women or may harm the central nervous system.

If you really must use this oil, use it with care. True lavender or lavender vera or lavender officinalis are a far safer choice. In the correct doses, has its value in Aromatherapy. But be aware of the dangers as well.

Lavandin

This hybrid between true lavender and spike lavender is often used to substitute true lavender in perfumery.The plants yield much more oil than true lavender. Hence its lower price. It is sometimes sold as lavender.
It is less sedative than lavender and more effective than true lavender in inhalations to treat colds amd flu.

It should be diluted before use. 3 drops on the oil in 1 teaspoon of cold pressed oil would make a good massage oil for muscular pain and stiffness.