Lavender – The Mother of Essential Oils
Rose is considered the Queen of flowers, Jasmine is often called the King of Flowers………However it is Lavender that rules the world – Lavender soaps, Lavender eye pillows, Lavender scented detergents and washing powders, Lavender based perfumes……..the list goes on.
There are about 30 species of Lavender that grow around the world. The most superior of all is Lavendula angustifolia, also known as True Lavender.
Lavender is considered the most versatile of all essential oils.It is the number one oil to have in a first aid kit. Its antiseptic properties make it ideal for treating coughs, colds, the flu as well as in the treatment of wounds, burns, ulcers and cystitis. It can be used in skin care for all skin types (except the minority who can be allergic to it), as it is known to have a soothing, healing and balancing effect on the skin.
Lavender’s nervine-sedative properties make it useful for depression, insomnia, migraines and nervous tension. As an analgesic it is very good for headaches, menstrual pain, muscular pain and rheumatism. It is also known to assist with lowering blood pressure.
Lavender can be used in a variety of ways including in creams, baths, massage oils, oil burners, sprays, on a pillow or tissue plus steam inhalations.
Lavender essential oil is derived via steam distillation from the freshly cut flowering tops and stalks of the Lavender plant. Recently I had an opportunity to visit Windsong Lavender farm in Tahmoor, NSW. Although most of the crops were already collected, I could still admire some of the fragrant Lavender flowers that were available. Here you could see first hand how the process of steam distillation produces oil. Seeing how much raw material goes into the whole process to obtain only a small amount of oil, it made you really appreciate every drop of essential oil. Ah, Lavender in the air
Windsong Lavender farm offers tours with either morning or afternoon tea, which include home baked scones with Lavender infused strawberry jam, all for a very reasonable $7.00. Visit the website at www.windsonglavenderfarm.com
Warmest regards,
Ela
It is an excellent article. Looking into visiting Windoson Lavender Farm in the future.