Lavender Aromatherapy

Fabrics made with lavender essential oil

PLANT

The most commonly know lavender botanical name is: Lavandula Angustifolia, (commonly used are also varieties like Officinalis, Vera, and Spica). It belongs to the family of Labiatae and originated in southern and western Europe. It is an avergreen shrub with erect stems with linear leaves and flowers, grouped in thin spikes of purplish-blue. The parties used to obtain the essential oil are the tops of the flowers. the essence is like a viscous dark green liquid, whit a very sweet floral-herbaceus
aroma. Lavender has been know since ancient times for its antiseptic, analgesic, bactericidal, vasodilator, antineuralgic for muscle pain, and is considered a mild sedative.

MEDICINE

The German Pharmacopoeia, pharmacy, and manuals, give very precise information on the chemical composition of different varieties of lavender: a total of 280 components have been isolated; the elements contained in the essential oil determine the therapeutic power of the plant: the linalilacetato, which belongs to a foreign group, is a major contributor to the characteristic smell of lavender. It is assumed that the esters stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a
hormone, then a kind of chemical messenger in the body that has been shown to have a positive effect on the mood and in the overall state of health of the organism.

AROMATHERAPY

In aromatherapy the essential oil of lavender is used as an antidepressant, calming, balancing the nervous system, as a decongestant against colds and flu. Furthermore, it is found to be effective in lowering blood pressure. In the tradition and folklore of alternative medicine, the lavender is considered the essential cornerstone for balance and serenity as well as toning and regenerating the nervous system.