Lavender Essential Oil

The Calming Companion — Lavender essential oil soothes the mind, body, and spirit with its gentle yet powerful calming, relaxing, and balancing properties.

Cautions

Skin Sensitivity: May cause mild skin irritation in some individuals. Always dilute before use.

Pregnancy and Children: Generally considered safe, but consult a healthcare provider for use on infants or during pregnancy.

Internal Use: Not recommended for internal use without professional guidance.

Known Chemical Constituents

Esters: Linalyl acetate, which provides calming, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Alcohols: Linalool, known for its anti-anxiety, sedative, and antimicrobial effects.

Ketones: Camphor and borneone, supporting tissue repair and respiratory function.

Botanical Description

Source: Extracted from the flowering tops of the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) through steam distillation.
Color and Texture: Clear to pale yellow, with a thin, lightweight texture.
Aroma: Floral, fresh, sweet, and herbaceous with a slightly woody undertone.

Fun Facts

Lavender was one of the key ingredients used in the “Four Thieves Vinegar” during the plague as a protective remedy. The name “lavender” comes from the Latin “lavare,” meaning “to wash,” as it was widely used in bathing rituals.

Parts Used

Flowers and flowering tops of the lavender plant

Harvest

Lavender flowers are harvested in late spring to early summer when the essential oil concentration is highest. Steam distillation is used to extract the essential oil.

Preparations

Aromatherapy Diffusion: Add a few drops to a diffuser for a calming, serene atmosphere.

Massage and Body Oil: Blend with a carrier oil for relaxation massages and stress relief.

Bath Soak: Add a few drops to a warm bath for deep relaxation and stress release.

Sleep Mist: Add to water and spray on pillows or sheets for a restful night’s sleep.

Skin Soothing Spray: Combine with water or hydrosol to spray on irritated or sunburned skin.

Sacred Rituals

Peaceful Sleep Ritual — Place a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow, or add it to a diffuser before bed. As you inhale its calming aroma, visualize any worries or tension melting away. Repeat the affirmation: “I am calm, I am safe, and I am at peace.”

Affirmations

“I am calm, I am safe, and I am at peace.”

Spiritual Associations

Calm and Peace: Represents calm, peace, and spiritual purification.

Emotional Healing: Symbolizes emotional healing, release, and letting go of past wounds.

Divine Connection: Often associated with divine love, higher consciousness, and spiritual clarity.