About Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. Because it is the most versatile of all essential oils, no home should be without it. Lavender is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that can also boost stamina and energy. Therapeutic-grade lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty. It may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. The French scientist René Gattefossé was among the first to discover these properties when he was severely burned in a laboratory explosion. Lavender may also be used to enhance the flavor of foods.

Product Summary
Lavender essential oil is known as the most popular and versatile essential oil. It is steam distilled from Lavandula angustifolia, a perennial, busy shrub with a flowery top. The many properties of lavender essential oil contribute to a vast range of usage. It is highly regarded as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, for skin care, or as a lovely fragrance.

Product Story
Traditionally used to treat burns, lavender is one of history’s most celebrated and versatile essential
oils. In ancient Greece, Pedanius Dioscorides, a physician, pharmacologist, and botanist, extolled the medicinal qualities of lavender. Greeks also used lavender as a perfume. The Romans used lavender in their baths for washing, for its healing and antiseptic qualities, and to deter insects. The Egyptians used lavender as an ingredient in incense and perfume. Queen Elizabeth I used lavender as a tea to treat her frequent migraines.

Following a laboratory explosion that severely burned his arm, a French scientist named Rene Gattefosse was the first modern scientist to document lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration.
Today, we use lavender as a tea, to dress wounds, to induce sleep, ease depression, and reduce stress. Lavender oil is one of the safest essential oils and can be used in full strength on the skin. The benefits of lavender essential oil are limitless. As we continue to study lavender, additional usage and efficacy is identified.

Primary Benefits

• Balances and normalizes body functions
• Promotes tissue regeneration
• Speeds up wound healing
• Cleanses cuts, bruises and, skin irritations
• Soothes and relaxes the mind and body
• Eases bodily aches and pains

How To Use
Diffuse or inhale directly for aromatherapy. Apply topically to skin irritations, cuts, or wherever desired. Add to food or rice milk as a dietary supplement.

Usage Tips

• Inhale lavender essential oil to soothe and relax the body and mind.
• Make an herbal tea by mixing 2 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 teaspoon of blue agave syrup and adding to warm water.
• Add 4–5 drops of lavender essential oil to a bath gel base and use in warm bath for relaxation.
• Drop 1–2 drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow to aid in a restful night of sleep.
• Massage several drops of lavender essential oil on feet to promote relaxation.

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Did You Know

• A study at the Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan found that, “Lavender aromatherapy reduced serum cortisol and improved CFVR in healthy men. These findings suggest that lavender aromatherapy has relaxation effects and may have beneficial acute effects on coronary circulation”.
• Young Living grows its own lavender at farms in Utah, Idaho, France, and Ecuador.
• Shakespeare grew lavender in his garden and spoke of it in his writings, including a recipe for a lavender tea in The Winter’s Tale.

Key Ingredients
Lavender essential oil, Lavandula angustifolia, is used in the traditional medicine of many cultures as a calmative. Studies have shown that the fragrance of lavender is calming and balancing. Considered the most versatile of the essential oils, lavender can be applied topically or used for aromatherapy to contribute to overall relaxation.

Caution
Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to use. Keep away from eyes and mucus membranes; avoid using on or near sensitive skin.

Complementary Products
Essential Oils: Roman chamomile, geranium, citrus oils, Young Living Bath Gel Base

Frequently Asked Questions
Q ~ What is the difference between lavender and lavandin?
A ~ Lavandin is a hyprid plant developed by crossing true lavender with spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). Lavandin is most commonly used to sterilize animal cages throughout Europe. Lavandin has similar calming effects as lavender but is slightly harsher.

Q ~ Is lavender essential oil safe for children?
A ~ Lavender is generally safe for children. It has traditionally been used to calm small children and babies. However, you should always consult with your child’s healthcare practitioner prior to use.

© Young Living Essential Oils 2008