Lavender MNB

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula

Botany

Lavender is an aromatic evergreen sub-shrub with alinear or lance-shaped leaves. It grows up to 0.9 m high and is native of the Mediterranean region. The Lavandula genus has approximately 30 species that grow around the world. The four main species of lavender are:

–Lavandula angustifolia – true lavender

–Lavandula latifolia – spike lavender

–Lavandula x intermedia  – lavandin-Lavandula stoechas – maritime lavender

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Flowers are abundant in the springtime and represent new growth. Flowers are beautiful, colorful and gentle. They produce aromas to attract insects for pollination. The oils made from flowers are often used for emotional support. Giving flowers, or blends made from flowers, is about supporting love, friendship, forgiveness and soothing the heart and mind. Flowers are associated with the head, good for facial skin care, and to calm the mind.

Steam distillation of the fresh or wilted, dried flowering spikelets in july and August.

Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

1 kg oil yield from 100 – 500 kg of the herb (moderate yield)

35.5 oz oil yield from 100,000 to 500,000 grams of herb

1 drop oil yield from 23.60 grams of herb.

Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Calming, soothing, sedative, emotionally uplifting

Antispasmodic; regulating and balancing action on the sympathetic nervous system; anti-inflammatory; effective on skin rashes and irritations.They are adaptogenic (helping the body adjust to, and deal with stress)

Some are analgesic (like Clary sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Lavandin, Roman chamomile and Ylang Ylang)

Anti-infectious, immune stimulants over the long term, healing for the skin; activate white blood cells (Apply in lymphs) 

  • linalol is effective against bacterial, geraniol to be effective against fungi, and terpinen-4-ol activates white blood cells that deal with infection.
  • Menthol and geraniol make the site of application feel cool
  • Linalool provides a significant sedating quality, making oils such as Clary Sage, Lavender or Ho Wood ideal for insomnia.
  • Linalol, menthol, citronellol, and borneol are especially antispasmodic to smooth muscles
  • Linalol rich oils are very calming to the nervous system.

Linalyl acetate 27.78% Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumoral, antiulcerogenic, immunostimulant, sedative.

  • Linalool 28.86% Airborne antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antifungal, (candida), antioxidant, antitumoral, antiviral, immuno stimulant, hypotensive, Antibacterial, anesthetic, sedative, anti-anxiety, anti-infectious, antispasmodic, calming
  • Terpinen-4-ol 4.08% Antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory,  anticonvulsant, antifungal, antifungal (candida), antispasmodic, antitumoral, antiulcerogenic, cns depressant, hypotensive, kills head lice, treats scabies, Activates white blood cells, fights infections, antibacterial, antiviral, immune stimulant
  • Α-terpineol  1.51%  Wound healing, anti-inflammatory, inhibits the influx of neutrophils, antimicrobial, antifungal. Antinociceptive 
lavender-1

Inflammatory conditions, skin infections, wounds, cuts, grazes, rashes, itching, stress-related eczema, nervous psoriasis, sunburn, burns, muscular spasm, muscular contraction, abdominal cramp, headache, migraine, insomnia, nervousness and related conditions, acne, pimples, insect bites, stress, tension, anxiety, tension, panic, insect deterrent.

Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti venomous, calmative, cicatrizing, sedative, soporific, spasmolytic, vulnerary.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.

Irritability, mood swings, emotional confusion, negative emotions, nervous tension, restlessness, agitation, agitated depression, anxiety, fear, insomnia, disturbed sleep, wakes up at night, palpitations, headaches, muscle aches and pains, upper digestive bloating and pain, lifeless blue skin, cold extremities, scanty periods, stopped periods

Essential PNEI function and indication: Regulating in dysregulation conditions; relaxant in overstimulation conditions; mildly euphoric in acute shock conditions. 

Possible brain dynamics: Reduces limbic system system and basal ganglia hyperfunctioning; resolves temporal lobes dysregulation

Indicated psychological disorders: Hypomania, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression, phobias, PTSD.

CALMS THE MIND AND PROMOTES RELAXATION AND MILD EUPHORIA

  • Nervous tension, restlessness, anxiety, emotional tension, fear, panic, phobia
  • Emotional shock of any kind
  • Depression with anxiety or agitation; other types of depression (for short-term use)

PROMOTES EMOTIONAL STABILITY AND RENEWAL

  • Irritability, moodiness, mood swings
  • Emotional conflict or instability with confusion
  • Feeling-sensing disconnection and conflict.
  • All pathogenic (stuck) emotions and distressed feelings in general.

Tropism: Neuroendocrine, digestive, urinary, reproductive, respiratory systems.

Essential functional and diagnostic indication: Relaxes hypertonic / tense conditions, cools thenic / hot conditions and restores weak conditions.

Primarily relaxant and cooling:

ANS regulator and systemic nervous relaxant: dysregulated, hypertonic (tense) and sthenic (hot) and conditions with anxiety, pain and spasms, esp. Of nervous , cardiovascular, respiratory and reproductive systems; all stress-related conditions in general.

Analgesic, spasmolytic: spasmodic and pain conditions of all types, incl. Tension and vascular headaches, incl. Migraine; chronic pain conditions, arthritic and rheumatic pain, incl. Fibromyalgia; tendinitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis.

  • Cerebral sedative, mild hypnotic: insomnia, anxiety
  • Cardiovascular relaxant hypotensive: palpitations / tachycardia, neurocardiac syndrome, hypertension.
  • Respiratory relaxant: bronchodilator, antitussive: spasmodic bronchial conditions, incl. Spasmodic asthma, whooping cough, croup.
  • Intestinal relaxant, carminative, antiemetic: spasmodic digestive conditions, incl. IBS, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting; incl. Stress-related conditions.
  • Uterine relaxant: spasmodic dysmenorrhoea or dystocia, menstrual cramping. 

Anti-inflammatory: inflammatory and allergic conditions, incl. Neuritis, otitis, bronchitis,

Moderate antihistamine, antiallergic:Allergic dermatitis, asthma, rhinitis, etc

Antipyretic: fevers, esp. Low-grade; eruptive fevers with anuria, incl. Chickenpox, measles

Primarily restorative and stimulant:

Nervous restorative, antidepressant: chronic atonic (weak) conditions with fatigue, insomnia, chronic stress; neurasthenia with fatigue or agitation. 

Cardiac restorative: heart weakness (from illness, ageing, constitution)

Biliary stimulant: cholagogue: upper gastric dyspepsia, liver-gallbladder congestion

Arterial and capillary circulatory stimulant: poor arterial and capillary circulation

Diuretic, detoxicant: edema, systemic toxicosis

Uterine stimulant:emmenagogue, parturient: amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, difficult or stalled labour, retained placenta

Mild anticoagulant: hematomas

Moderate antioxidant

Antimicrobial actions:

Anti-infective (inc. immunostimulant / leucocyte stimulant);

  • Moderate antifungal: fungal infections with Candida albicans, Tinea pedis, Aspergillus niger, incl. Candidiasis, athlete’s foot.
  • Moderate antibacterial, antipyretic: bacterial infections (incl. With Strep. pyogenes), e.g. laryngitis, pharyngitis, impetigo; esp, with fever; also with Klebsiella, E.coli, Beta-haemolytic strep., Staph. Aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae
  • Moderate antiparasitic: intestinal and skin parasites.
TOPICAL – Compress, liniment, lotion and other cosmetic preparations

Skin care: Sensitive and combination skin types.

Skin-cell stimulant: For all skin types, esp. Sensitive skin, scar tissue, hair loss

Vulnerary, skin regenerator: wounds, cuts, ulcers, sores, perineal tears, scabs, esp. Slow-healing wounds and injuries.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipruritic: burns, scalds, sunburn, ulcers, bruises, sprains, acute dermatitis, pruritus, acne, insect stings, arthritic and rheumatic conditions.

Antifungal: fungal skin conditions, incl. Tinea.

Preparations:
  • Diffusor: 2-4 drops in water
  • Massage oil: 2-5% dilution in vegetable oil
  • Liniment: 5-10% dilution in vegetable carrier oil
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Dysmenorrhea: Lavender blends well with Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, and Marjoram to relieve menstrual cramps.

Immune support: Lavender works well in blends to enhance immune function.

Musculoskeletal: Lavender is an excellent addition to blends for pain, inflammation, rheumatic problems, headaches, etc., especially if related to stress and tension.

Skin: Lavender can be combined with German Chamomile for allergies; with Tea Tree and/or Thyme ct. linalol for infections (including fungal infections and candida); and with Helichrysum and Geranium for trauma and healing.

Stress, anxiety and insomnia: Lavender has outstanding sedative and healing effects on the nervous system. Considering that so many illnesses are stress related, Lavender holds a special place in both preventive health care and in the treatment of tension-related illnesses. The alcohols and esters offer soothing and antispasmodic effects that can ease tight muscles, digestive problems, spasmodic coughs, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and tension headaches. For stress and insomnia, it can be incorporated into blends and creams or inhaled. It blends very well with Bergamot and Clary Sage (with which it shares some key components), and with Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, and Vetiver.

Analgesic: Lavender is well regarded as an analgesic oil, and its main constituent linalol has been well researched in this capacity. Research has established that it has antinociceptive pain relieving actions, via inhalation as well as topical application, both on its own and in blends, as seen in studies conducted by Kim et al. (2007) and Ou et al.(2012) and Ou et al. (2014). Linalol is possibly the most studied monoterpenol and has multiple and diverse sites of action (Guimarães et al. 2013). It is notable for its antinociceptive action (Batista et al. 2008, Batista et al. 2011). Linalyl acetate also has antinociceptive action (Peana et al. 2002).

Anti-inflammatory: Lavender and linalol both have anti-inflammatory actions, possibly by reducing nitric oxide synthesis or release (nitric oxide contributes to pain and edema), and the release of pro-inflammatory compounds in the tissues (Rivot et al. 2002). Lavender may, therefore, help relieve tissue stagnation.

Antiallergenic: The essential oil has anti-allergic activity (Kim and Cho 1999 cited by Tisserand and Young 2014).

Antibacterial: Edwards-Jones et al. (2004) found that a combination of Lavender, Geranium, and Tea Tree had an increased inhibitory effect on the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but that Lavender and Tea Tree without the Geranium were less active against MRSA.

Antifungal (Candida and dermatophytes): Lavender is active against Candida. It is also active against dermatophytes, especially when used in conjunction with Tea Tree (Cassella, Cassella and Smith 2002). 

Antirheumatic: Lavender oil has excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions, and it can reduce swelling. 

Antispasmodic: The antispasmodic actions of Lavender are likely due in part to the presence of linalyl acetate, which relaxes smooth muscle (Kang et al. 2013).

Cicatrisant: See skin healing.

CNS sedative: Early studies suggested that linalyl acetate, in conjunction with linalol, was important in the sedative effects of Lavender (Buchbauer et al. 1991 and 1993). The essential oil and its main components linalol and linalyl acetate have since been the subject of many studies, which have established that both inhaled and topically applied, Lavender and these components have pronounced sedative and anxiety relieving properties (Itai et al. 2000, Shen et al. 2005b, Hwang 2006, Shen et al. 2007, Field et al. 2008, Toda et al. 2008, Hoya et al. 2008, Linck et al. 2009, Woelk and Schläfke 2010).

Deodorant: The antibacterial actions of Lavender, coupled with its relatively high rate of evaporation, can help remove unpleasant scents.

Immunostimulant: Lavender’s anti-inflammatory activity, coupled with its broad antimicrobial actions and profound stress-relieving effects, may offer immunostimulant properties.

Skin healing: Lavender is renowned for its ability to heal the skin (burns, ulcers, itching, rashes, irritations, infections, wounds, and other types of damage). This is due to its portfolio of properties (anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, edema reducing, antiallergic, and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity). Its effectiveness was demonstrated by Altaei 2012, who found that, compared to the baseline and placebo, the topical the application of Lavender to recurrent mouth ulcers produced a significant reduction in inflammation, ulcer size, and healing time, and that pain relief was experienced from the first application (Altaei 2012).

Tonic: Lavender is a tonic. It is healing on both body and mind, and can strengthen and restore vitality.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Cardiovascular system: Lavender oil is often recommended for lowering blood pressure and palpitations.

Integumentary system: Lavender oil is commonly associated with burns and healing of the skin. It has antiseptic, analgesic and cytophylactic properties that will ease the pain of a burn, prevent infection and promote rapid healing. Lavender oil is very beneficial for conditions involving, inflammation such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, boils and wounds.

Reproductive system: Lavender oil is valuable for relieving PMS and menstrual pain. Davis recommends gently massaging a massage oil with lavender into the lower abdomen or using it in a hot compress. A clinical  trial identified lavender as the most popular essential  oil during childbirth and it was found to reduce maternal anxiety, to relieve pain and to lighten the mood. Holmes refers to lavender oil as a uterine relaxant and recommends it for spasmodic dysmenorrhoea and menstrual cramping. Typically oils rich in esters have antispasmodic properties.

Respiratory system: Lavender oil is recommended for the treatment of colds and flu, bronchitis, throat infections and catarrhal conditions. Mailhebiau states that lavender oil is particularly beneficial for asthma of a nervous origin or a result of uncontrolled anxiety. He explains that it will relax the person and enable them to breathe more easily. Typically oils rich in 1,8-cineole and camphor have expectorant and mucolytic properties; therefore, I would recommend a 1,8-cineole-rich lavender such as spike lavender or some of the lavindins. 

Skin care: The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and cicatrisant properties of lavender oil make it beneficial in many skin care preparations. It can be used for all skin types. It can be sued as an insect repellent and may also be used to treat insect bites – preventing the itching and scratching.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
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The comforting aroma of Lavender guides promotes attention on the present moment and let go of distractions. Lavender is great tool to promote a mindful state of being while encouraging a sense of awareness and tranquility. Lavender’s aromatic components provide comfort during life’s challenging moments.

Lavender instills a sense of calm when navigating challenging life experiences by inspiring acceptance and helping to overcome emotional barriers, nurturing creative potential, and supporting a general sense of well-being and emotional harmony.

The soothing elements found in lavender are recognized for cultivating a sense of relaxation and a stable and resilient emotional state, contributing to the improvement of our mental and emotional wellness. Lavender is regarded for enhancing positive verbal communication and promoting ease, reducing self-consciousness and hesitation in expressing thoughts, feelings, or creative ideas. Its soothing effects are thought to ease inhibitions, facilitating more authentic and open communication.

  • Cultivates a relaxed state of mind.
  • Instills a sense of peace and quiet.
  • Encourages present-moment awareness
  • Boosts conversational ease

Worwood states that lavender embodies the protective love of Mother Earth, and says that is energetically very active in the auric field closest to the body. She also explains the profound impact lavender can have on our psyche. Davis recommends lavender for achieving deeper states of meditation. Lavender oil’s harmonizing qualities make it perfect for balancing the heart chakra and help to bring the higher and lower chakras into harmony with each other.  Keim Loughran & Bull recommend lavender oil for integrating our spirituality into everyday life. Lavender can also be used to increase awareness and sensitivity to healing energy work. Zeck states that lavender oil warms the heart and calms the emotions by promoting awareness to nurture ourselves while traveling the river of life

According to the principles of TCM, lavender oil is cooling. Holmes states that lavender nourishes the Yin, activates the Qi, clears heat and calms the Shen. The Shen can be thought of as our spirit. When the Shen is agitated we have mental restlessness, anxiety, worry, depression and palpitations. When our Yin is deficient, we suffer from fatigue, insomnia, hot spells, night sweats and headaches.

Lavender also calms excessive Wood and fire and has a strong affinity with the Water Element. The Water Element nourishes the Yin and has a calming quality that we find in lavender oil.

Mojay states that the psychological uses of lavender come from its ability to calm and stabilize the Qi of the Heart. According to TCM, the Heart is responsible for maintaining our overall mental-emotional equilibrium.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

The Navajo people’s Beauty Way teaches that a spiritual life is one in which we walk in balance on the Earth. Indeed, they believe that the purpose of life is to achieve balance and to see that the beauty that is all around us. This means being attuned to and in harmony with Mother Earth, people, animals, plants, feelings, objects, and life’s events. When we live each day this way, we become an artist at living and our spirit can soar.

Lavender, an exquisite yet common essential oil, teaches us about balance and how to live in the present moment, on all levels, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. It shows us the balance point in each moment and promotes remarkable healing. Lavender can help rejuvenate us when we are depleted, and calm and relax us when we are anxious. It also helps us to release whatever interferes with being in balance. Lavender is a true escort on the path of the Beauty Way.

  • General: One of the most important subtle energy essential oils. Balances the energy centers and subtle bodies. Clears and cleanses to promote balance. Brings in positive energy and comfort. Promotes peacefulness and well-being. Promotes and supports healing on all levels and is useful in all subtle energy healing techniques.
  • 7th: Helps to integrate spirituality in everyday life. Promotes spiritual growth and development.
  • 6th: Promotes clarity and awareness. Uplists and refreshes the minds. Promotes positive thoughts.
  • 5th: Promotes positive and benevolent speaking and listening.
  • 4th: Calms and comforts the heart. Promotes compassion, patience, forgiveness, and gratitude. Encourages acceptance and contentment. Promotes gentleness, generosity, and the ability to nurture others. Eases loneliness.
  • 3rd: Helps to gently balance willpower so that it is not everbearing.
  • 2nd: Promotes emotional healing. Helps to gently comfort, calm, and balance emotions, such as anger and fear. Promotes ability to mend relationships. Promotes cooperation in relationships. Helps to recover from emotional burnout.
  • 1st: Balances and supports.
  • When we are feeling unbalanced in any way.
  • When we want to feel more positive.
  • To help us integrate spirituality in our daily life.
  • To increase mental clarity and awareness.
  • When we need to release negativity or anything preventing us from being balanced or fully in the present.
  • To help us verbally communicate in a helpful way.
  • When we feel uncomfortable in the world.
  • When we feel anxious or agitated.
  • When we are feeling unable to forgive or accept.
  • When we want to be more compassionate.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2016, November 10). Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Revised & Expanded: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmations (2nd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
  • Calms, soothes, nurtures
  • Encourages balance in all body systems
  • Reduces anxiety and fear
  • Helps calm and control panic attacks
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Aroma energy: Green, sweet

Movement: Circulating

Warmth: Neutral to cool

Meridian tropism: Heart, Pericardium, Liver, Lung.

Five-element affinity: Fire, Wood

Essential function: to nourish the Yin, activate the Qi, clear heat and calm the Shen

  • Heart Yin deficiency with Shen agitation, with mental restlessness, anxiety, worry, fearfulness, depression, palpitations:
    • Patchouli / Marjoram / Petitgrain
  • Yin deficiency with empty heat and Shen agitation, with fatigue, insomnia, hot spells, night sweats, headaches:
    • Clary sage / Vetiver / Patchouli
  • Yin deficiency with empty heat in late-stage fevers, with chronic low or remittent afternoon or evening fever, debility, night sweats, five centres heat:
    • Tea tree / Rose / Blue tansy
  • Shaoyang-stage heat with Shen agitation, with alternating fever and chills:
    • Basil ct. Chavicol / Eucalyptus (blue gum)/ Ylang Ylang no. 1
  • Qi constraint turning into heat with Shen dysregulation,  with irritability, mood swings, palpitations, restlessness:  Mandarin / Blue Tansy / Petitgrain
  • Liver and Uterus Qi constraint with menstrual cramps, irritability, anxiety, PMS:    Blue tansy /  Clary sage / Ylang Ylang no. 1
  • Liver-Stomach disharmony with epigastric fullness, bloating, appetite loss: Bergamot / Spearmint / Fennel
  • Liver-Spleen disharmony with abdominal pains, flatulence, bloating, digestive symptoms worse from stress: Mandarin / Lemongrass / Peppermint
  • Lung Qi accumulation with wheezing, chest pain and tightness: Fennel / Basil ct. Chavicol / Blue tansy
  • Lower Warmer Blood and Qi stagnation, with late or painful periods, amenorrhoea: Rosemary / Angelica root / Nutmeg
  • Lung wind-heat with fever, cough, irritability, aches and pains:  Green myrtle / Eucalyptus (blue gum) / Niaouli
  • Lung heat with high fever, cough, agitation: Lemon eucalyptus / Lemon / May chang
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

The psychological uses of lavender oil stem from its ability to calm and stabilize the Qi of the Heart. The home of the Mind (Shen), the Heart is responsible for maintaining our overall mental-emotional equilibrium. Supporting the Heart in this central function, the oil can ease nervous tension and allay feelings of panic and hysteria. As John Gerard wrote in 1597, lavender “doth help the passion and paining of the heart”. An aromatic “Rescue Remedy”, it works to calm any strong emotions that threaten to overwhelm the mind.

Lavender oil helps, in addition, to release pent-up energy within the Wood Element, Smoothing the flow of Qi-energy and so easing frustration and irritability. By releasing mental energy that has become “stuck” in habitual behavior – especially when it results from a build-up of unexpressed emotion – lavender has been described by herbalist Peter Holmes as “both habit-breaker and crisis smoother”.

The feeling of calmness and composure that the oil instils is evoked by the closed-in, almost self-protective, appearance of lavender’s radiant blue flowers. It is the kind of self-possessed equanimity symbolized by the plant’s astrological “ruler”, the sign of Virgo. And just as the characteristics of Virgo include over-sensitivity and inhibition, so too can lavender calm the nervous anxiety that results in shyness and embarrassment.

Soothing the sense of trauma that inhibits self -expression, lavender is suited to the individual who is full of creative potential, but who is frustrated in fulfilling it due to self-conscious reserve. It therefore encourages the full expression and perfection of the individual self that the sixth sign of the Zodiac symbolizes.

Mojay, G. (2000). Aromatherapy for healing the spirit: Restoring emotional and mental balance with essential oils. Healing Arts Press.
  • Cleansing
  • Balancing
  • Strengthening
  • Stimulating
  • Calming
  • Refreshing
  • Nervousness
  • Neurasthenia
  • Stress, Insomnia
  • Irritability, anger
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
Fischer-Rizzi, Susanne. Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health. Sterling Pub. Co., 199

Worwood describes lavender as the ‘mother’ or ‘grandmother’ of essential oils. She states that the lavender personality is eclectic and formidable, yet gentle and kind. She is able to care for a multitude of physical and psychological problems and, like a mother, can accomplish serv eral jobs at the same time.

Worwood states that lavender is the perfect balance between masculine and feminine traits within us all. She explains that the lavender personality seems to have an incredible amount of energy to call upon:

Embracing lavender is direct, pure of thought, brave and humble. It makes men gentle and women strong. Even in times of hardship a lavender personality bravely continues overcoming obstacles that are placed in their way, having the ability to give generously of themselves – caring for others, often with gentleness and sacrifice.

They will also often find themselves being attracted to volunteer jobs helping the homeless or the disadvantaged. They are gentle personalities who will always be attracted to roles that involve being kind-hearted, humane, and benevolent.

Mailhebiau compares lavender to Mother Teresa:

Tireless, always even-tempered, with unfailing gentleness and devotion, Lavandula cares for and clams, listens to and remedies a thousand ills.  She takes care of children, adults and elderly, animals, plants, the earth and sky. She looks after everyone with equal love and if there is anyone in the world whom she neglects, it is herself.

According to Myers- Briggs personality types, the lavender personality is likely to be an ESFJ. ESFJs are warm-hearted, outgoing and friendly. They are highly sociable and become restless when separated from others. They thrive on being needed and appreciated. They are more attuned to the needs of others than their own. ESFJs enjoy busy lives. They like to be involved in community service organizations and volunteer activities. They enjoy spending time with their friends and family. They are service oriented and want to provide practical help to others. They tend to be talkative and are comfortable chatting with just about anyone. They value harmony and try not to offend or disappoint anyone.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
  • Lavender + Clary Sage:  nervous and cerebral restorative and relaxant for chronic neurasthenia, insomnia, anxiety, agitated depression or burnout.
  • Lavender + Clary Sage: analgesic, spasmolytic in many acute tense, painful, spasmodic conditions, esp. Spasmodic dysmenorrhoea, ovarian pain, intestinal colic, asthma.
  • Lavender + Roman chamomile: nervous and cerebral sedative in acute stress-related hypertonic and sthenic conditions with agitation, insomnia, anxiety.
  • Lavender + Roman chamomile: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic in a variety of acute tense, painful, spasmodic and/or inflammatory conditions, incl. Headache, intestinal colic or colitis, spasmodic dysmenorrhoea, neuromuscular pain / spasm / inflammation.
  • Lavender + Marjoram: nervous and cerebral sedative in acute anxiety states, insomnia, agitation
  • Lavender + Marjoram: Relaxant analgesic and spasmolytic in many acute tense, painful, spasmodic conditions,esp. Tachycardia, spasmodic angina pectoris, spasmodic dysmenorrhoea, colic.
  • Lavender + Palmarosa: cardiotonic for heart weakness from illness, chronic stress, old age.
  • Lavender + Geranium: antifungal for various fungal infections; also anti-inflammatory
  • Lavender + Lemongrass / May chang / Melissa: antipyretic in fevers
  • Lavender + Fennel: carminative and choleretic for dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, esp. With insomnia.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
  • Fischer-Rizzi states that little can go wrong when lavender is mixed with other essential oils. Lavender oil is compatible with most other oils. However, she explains that it does not blend harmoniously with rosemary.
  • I suggest that lavender would blend well with rosemary. A blend of lavender, rosemary, neroli and petitgrain would create a delightful, refreshing eau de cologne perfume. Is it possible that Fischer-Rizzi means to say the two should never be blended as lavender is relaxing and rosemary is stimulating. However, I am afraid that his also is not true. A blend of lavender and rosemary would be ideal for muscular aches and pains or for someone feeling physically exhausted and emotionally drained. On the other hand, I agree that rosemary and lavender oils should not be blended if you were making a blend to alleviate insomnia.
  • Fischer-Rizzi also suggests that lavender has no sensual qualities, and we should beware of mixing it with sensual oils like ylang ylang or jasmine. However, lavender works so well with strong florals. Lavender has a feminine quality that enhances and balances the intense sensual feminine energy of rich floral oils such as jasmine or ylang ylang.
  • For the relief of stress, anxiety and nervous tension, consider blending lavender oil with essential oils such as bergamot, Atlas cedarwood, clary sage, coriander seed, Roman chamomile, fragonia, geranium, neroli, sweet orange, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, vetiver or ylang ylang.
  • To alleviate insomnia, consider blending lavender with essential oils such as Atlas cedarwood, Roman chamomile, fragonia, sweet marjoram, neroli, sandalwood, or vetiver.
  • To alleviate depression, consider blending lavender oil with essential oils such as bergamot, clary sage, geranium, jasmine absolute, neroli, patchouli, rose absolute or otto, sandalwood or ylang ylang.
  • For the relief of dysmenorrhea, consider blending lavender oil with essential oils such as Roman chamomile, clary sage, geranium, sweet marjoram or rose.
  • For the relief of muscular aches and pains, consider blending with oils such as black pepper, cajeput, clove, peppermint, eucalyptus, fragonia, ginger, kunzea, sweet marjoram, nutmeg, pine, rosemary or thyme.
  • To alleviate headaches, consider blending lavender essential oil with cornmint or peppermint.
  • To promote wound healing, consider blending lavender oil with essential oils such as German chamomile, everlasting, frankincense, myrrh, patchouli or sandalwood.
  • For the relief of dermatitis and eczema, consider blending lavender oil with essential oils such as German chamomile, everlasting, neroli, patchouli or sandalwood.  

Lavender oil is extensively used in fougeres, chypres, amber and floral style perfumes.

Arcantender states that lavender oil blends well with bergamot, clary sage, citrus oils, oakmoss absolute, patchouli, rosemary, and pine needle oils. He explains that it is unequalled as a popular, fresh-sweet, herbal-floral fragrance in colognes and perfumes.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Musculoskeletal: for pain and inflammation, including joints, consider blending with bergamot, bergamot mint, geranium, clary sage, basil ct linalool, rosemary, thyme, sweet marjoram, golden rod, juniper berry, frankincense, coriander seed, sweet fennel. Nutmeg, ginger, plai, lemongrass, palmarosa, cypress, Himalayan cedar, hemlock, camphor ct. Nerolidol, clove bud, holy basil, cinnamon leaf, black pepper, long pepper, pink pepper.

Female reproductive: for dysmenorrhea, consider lavender with clary sage and marjoram (2:1:1 ratio, 3%, abdominal massage); you might also consider sweet fennel and plai.

Circulatory: For atherosclerosis, consider lavender with monarda or bergamot, mandarin and lemon, mastic, clove bud, thyme, Pinus mugo (skin irritant-therefore evaporation would be the preferred route), and tea tree.

Immune support: consider lavender with sweet marjoram and cypress (3:2:1); or clove bud, holy basil, ginger, lemongrass, palmarosa.

Skin: consider blending with essential such as anthopogon, bergamot, geranium, guava leaf, patchouli; for inflammation/infection, trauma, with immortelle and a macerated oil of Rosa rubiginosa; for inflammation/ allergy with German chamomile or niaouli; for infections with tea tree and /or Thymus zygis cultivars (including fungal infections, but perhaps not for MRSA); for topical infections consider lavender and cypress or lavender and may chang (1:1) for Candida albicans; for C. albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, consider lavender in 1:1 combinations with carrot seed, Virginian cedar, cinnamon or sweet orange.

Psyche: for anxiety, insomnia, consider blending with bergamot, clary sage, frankincense and ylang ylang, also rose and geranium, or fir and vetiver

Energetic: directed to the thorax and heart, soothing, cooling, puritying, instils tranquility and acceptance, dispels melancholy. 

Expanded practice: Lavender absolute is also dominated by linalyl acetate (45%) and l-linalool (28%) with coumarin (4-5%) and others; its scent is perhaps closer to that of the flowering herb than the essential oil, and it could be used for its psychotherapeutic effects via inhalation. You might also consider using lavandin, which also has anti-nociceptive and anxiolytic actions; there are three varieties: “Albrialis’, Grosso’ and ’Super’; exercise caution with anticoagulant medication and bleeding disorders.  Spike lavender lacks linalyl acetate, which is synergistic with linalool as far as anxiolytic action is concerned, therefore it should not be substituted with this intention; French lavender (L.stoechas) is dominated by camphor, d-fenchone and 1,8 cineole , with only small amounts  of l-linalool (2%), and often linalyl acetate is absent; therefore it should not be considered as an alternative for true lavender. 

Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016.
Worwood, V. A. (2016). In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy. Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. story, New World Library.

3 drops Lavender (angustifolia)

6 drops Frankincense

2 drops Rosemary (camphor ct.)

1 drop Eucalyptus (globulus)

1 drop Helichrysum

Blend in 1 oz (28 gm) of cream or oil. Rub on the back of your neck as soon as tension begins.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

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Lavandula comes from lavare, meaning to wash in Latin. Lavender essential oil has been widely used as a toilet water and is one of the most common ingredients in potpourri and sachets. 

Castle & Lis-Balchin state that it is impossible to identify whether many of the ancient testx were referring to L.vera or L spica. Lavender was first mentioned for its  healing qualities by Dioscorides (40-90 AD). He attributed lavender with laxative and invigorating  properties and advised using it as a tea Galen also included lavender oil as an antidote for poisons and bites, while Pliny suggested that it was best  for making perfumes. Pliny also advocated lavender for bereavement as well as promoting menstruation. 

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was the first person in the Middle Ages to clearly distinguish between L.vera and L.spica. She described lavender as hot and dry, having very little moisture and recommended it as a treatment for lice. She also recommended decoction of lavender for pulmonary congestion, and to promote rest and sleep she suggested a bath steeped in lavender.

Culpeper recommended a decoction of lavender flowers to help prevent falling sickness (epilepsy), and giddiness or turning of the brain. He also explained that it strengthened the stomach and freed the liver and spleen from obstructions

The German Commission E recommends lavender flowers internally for mood disturbances such as restlessness or insomnia, functional abdominal complaints and for balneotherapy to treat functional circulatory disorders.

Braun & Cohen cite studies in which methanolic and aqueous extracts of Lavandula officinalis demonstrated potent sedative and hypnotic activities in vivo. It was stated that this provided an explanation for its therapeutic use in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.

Grieve describes lavender as a restorative tonic against fainting, palpitations of a nervous nature, giddiness, spasms and colic. She recommends a few drops of lavender oil in a hot foot bath to relieve fatigue, and outwardly applied, she recommends it for the relief of toothache, neuralgia, sprains and rheumatism. She also recommended anointing lavender to the temples and forehead for headaches.

Lavender’s antiseptic properties were well known by the French Academy of Medicine, where it was used in the swabbing of wounds, and the treatment of sores, varicose ulcers, burns and scalds. It was Rene-Maurice Gattefosse who observed the healing effects of lavender oil when he burned his hand in a laboratory accident.

Lavender is still regularly associated with and used for the treatment of burns and for healing the skin.

Lavender is reportedly used as an antispasmodic, carminative, stimulant, diuretic, sedative, tonic and stomachic. It is used for conditions such as spasm, colic, giddiness, nervous headache, migraine, toothache, sprains, neuralgia, rheumatism, acne, pimples, sores, nausea and vomiting.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Hazards: None known  

Contraindications: None known.

Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.

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