Lavender essential oil is considered the king of all the oils. There are many therapeutic properties which lavender has and it even has been studied in clinical settings. As moms, we deal with a certain level of stress on a daily basis. It is hard to escape with so many things on our plates. Lavender is one oil that can definitely be used to decrease stress and anxiety. How can you use it?
There are different types of lavender and the different type of lavender produces different therapeutic properties. For the sake of simplicity we will be looking at lavendula angustifolia which is sometimes referred to as “true” lavender.
Choosing Lavender
Lavender has a long standing tradition in folk traditions as a remedy. It is now cultivated all over the world. The oil itself is mainly produced in France, Spain, Italy and England to name a few. The whole plant is highly aromatic, with a woody shrub up to 1 meter tall. The essential oil is made from the flowering tops and is extracted by steam distillation. There is also an absolute and concrete that are produced by solvent extraction.
When looking to buy the essential oil, there is a certain colorless to pale liquid. The scent of the oil is generally sweet and has a floral scent with a woody undertone. Other types of lavender such as spike lavender contain a less floral scent.
The lavender plant is harvested in midsummer, and always left to dry for a couple of days in order to increase the aroma. It is called “true” lavender when it is grown in high altitude in French Alps with over 2,800 feet high altitude.
Uses
Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties and is sued for situations such as skin infections, eczema, rashes and headaches. There are also no contraindications associated with lavender, which puts it into a pregnancy safe oil to use category.
Some people will use lavender neat, meaning that they put it on their skin undiluted. This gentle oil has been used neat on bug bites and I even used it on my children’s bee stings. If you have stress there are many ways to apply lavender with the most popular way being on the temples of the head or a back massage.
Blends Well With
This versatile oil can blend well with other uplifting oils in order to bring calm and balance to a stressed individual. When looking at blending your lavender, look at a scent that you might also like. Many oils have a grounding effect while others have you feeling like you walked through a forrest. Some oils to consider are:
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Cypress
- Frankincense
- Vetiver
- Valerian
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Grapefruit
Specific Blends
These are some general blends that include lavender that will help with stress and diluted 15-20 drops per 1 oz per carrier oil. These blends work really well in an inhaler.
Tiredness Blend
Sweet Orange 10 drops
Geranium 10 drops
Lavender 10 drops
Anxiety Nighttime Blend
Sweet Orange 15 drops
Petitgrain 6 drops
Lavender 3 drops
A great trick that I teach to my clients is to set a timer in the day that goes off and just inhale lavender. A lot of the time the mamas need a break and taking that deep breath really resets the brain and helps to bring more oxygen to the body.
Less stress. Yes please!
By the way, if you are interest in 4 FREE relaxation techniques and 6 blends I used with myself and my clients. I have a free printout for you that will give you a detailed description in ways you can relax.
Click here to get the free printout.
