Lavender oil

Common Name:  Lavender oil

Botanical Name:  Lavandula officinalis

Other Names:  Alhucema, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula dentate, Lavandula

Introduction

Lavender is known all over the world for its nostalgic fragrances. Whenever it comes to your senses it reminds you of your childhood days, high summer days and simmering Lavender bushes that sway against the blue sky with bees blundering in and out. It is more than just being pretty and warm because it is used as a powerful remedy to bring both physical and emotional relief.

Lavender oil has been categorized as essential oil and obtained through steam distillation process from the flower spikes of certain species of the Lavender plant. There two forms of oil, first is the Lavender flower oil which is colorless and insoluble in water having a density of 0.905 g/ml Lavender flower belongs to the family of National Formulary and British Pharmacopoeia.

Like other essential oils it is not found in its purest form because it is a complex mixture of naturally occurring photochemical including linalyl acetate and linalool. Kashmir Lavender oil is commercially famous which is obtained from Lavender which grows in the foothills of Himalayas. Bulgaria was the largest producer of lavender oil in 2011.

Uses of lavender oil

Aromatherapy: For long, Lavender has been used in perfume industry but nowadays it is also in aromatherapy. This essential oil has a calming and soothing effect which aids in relaxation. It also reduces anxiety, stress and helps to relieve headache.

Medicinal Uses: As a medicine Lavender oil is used in infections of the lungs and in the treatment of some skin conditions because of the antiseptic properties of the oil. It is also used in migraine and is very useful to relieve stress, hypertension and insomnia.