Lavender oil – what don’t you know about it?

Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy, medicine and the cosmetics industry. It is an excellent remedy for many common ailments – natural, risk-free and without side effects. It has a positive effect on both emotional and physical well-being. We all know that it is excellent for calming and soothing, but there are many more uses. Do you know them all?

Lavender oil – extraction

Lavandula, or lavender, originates from the Mediterranean region. Today, it is found practically all over the world, although the plant is mainly cultivated in France. A single common name encompasses almost 40 different species. Essential oils are most commonly produced from narrow-leaved lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is better known as true lavender (though this is merely a common name).

Lavender oil is extracted from fully developed flowers. As recent research shows, the extract can also be isolated from the stem. Two methods are used: steam distillation or extraction with volatile solvents – that is, dissolution – which is often used for delicate raw materials such as flowers. Both methods are effective and safe.

The finished essential oil is colourless, though it can sometimes take on a pale yellow hue. It has a characteristic, well-known floral scent. The oil is characterised by an exceptionally valuable composition, which, however, can vary.

So what is the reason for this variability?

It is very difficult to determine the percentage composition of the individual components of lavender oil. Many factors influence this, but the key ones are, above all, the time and method of extraction, as well as the plant’s origin. This means that its properties also vary slightly.

Interestingly, natural essential oil can have different fragrance notes – oil produced in France will have a sweet, floral scent, whilst its English counterpart will be characterised by delicate camphor and eucalyptus notes. If you use different lavender essential oils and they smell slightly different, there is no cause for concern.

What does not change, however, is the presence of the two main components (albeit in different proportions) – linalool (20%–75%) and its acetate (15%–45%). We’ll find out why this is important in a moment.

Lavender essential oil – properties

Lavender has many beneficial properties. Some of them are widely known, whilst others may come as quite a surprise.

Thanks to its high content of linalool and linalool acetate, this natural oil exhibits local anaesthetic, antibacterial, antifungal (particularly when combined with tea tree oil) and antiseptic effects, which can be further enhanced by combining it with several other essential oils — such as caraway, cedar, chamomile, grapefruit, sage and lemon. It is also widely used (in the form of inhalation) for conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract and lungs.

But that’s not all; scientists are still discovering new properties, including the effect of lavender and its derivatives on neurological conditions and the plant’s role in preventing viral diseases.

Something for beauty...

Numerous studies have shown that lavender essential oil slows down free-radical reactions. It is therefore of great importance in preventing skin ageing. It is also recommended by dermatologists for wounds, ulcers and burns – when used as a compress, it aids tissue regeneration.

And something for the mind

One cannot overlook the effect of essential oil on one’s well-being. Lavender calms and soothes; it can alleviate headaches, hyperactivity and emotional tension. Lavender oil can be helpful in cases of digestive problems (of psychological origin) and anxiety.

Lavender essential oil – use in aromatherapy

The role of lavender essential oil in aromatherapy is invaluable. It is frequently used in relation to two key aspects – the psychological (its relaxing properties) and the physiological, which is closely linked to the inhalation of the oil’s volatile components.

When rubbed into the skin, it causes the capillaries to dilate, thereby improving blood circulation to the skin. Applied topically, it can relieve rheumatic and muscular pain, as well as symptoms associated with minor injuries, such as bruises.

How about some simple recipes?

A relaxing massage can have amazing effects when combined with a homemade oil. It will moisturise the body and soothe the mind. There are many recipes, but let’s take a look at the two most popular ones:

• 6 drops of lavender + 2 drops of ylang-ylang+ 10 ml of carrier oil (e.g. coconut orsunflower)

• 4 drops of lavender +4drops of bergamot+ 4 drops of mandarin+ 15 ml of carrier oil

...and one that’s worth trying if you’re struggling with muscle pain:

• 4 drops of lavender +4drops of rosemary+ 10 ml of carrier oil

Lavender bath oil

A bath with a few drops of lavender oil is sure to deliver wonderful results. It’ll improve your mood, calm you down and restore your emotional balance. It’s an effective, easy and, most importantly, natural way to create a real spa experience at home. Peace and quiet, the gentle scent of lavender and plenty of bubbles or your favourite bath salts – there you go, you’re all set! Optionally, you can also moisturise your skin by adding 100 ml of vegetable oil, such as sweet almond oil.

Lavender oil – a natural way to sleep

Lavender oil is known for its calming properties. It helps you fall asleep, but that’s not all, because, as research by Japanese scientists shows, the scent of lavender can improve the quality of sleep and reduce the feelings of drowsiness and grogginess that often accompany us upon waking.

If you struggle to fall asleep, it’s worth creating a relaxing blend of essential oils for an aromatherapy diffuser:

• 4 drops of lavender + 1 drop of patchouli+ 1 drop of ylang-ylang

...or a spray. All you need is a glass bottle with a spray nozzle, three natural essential oils and distilled water:

• 9 drops of lavender+ 1 drop of chamomile + 1 drop of orange+ 60 ml of distilled water

Put everything into the bottle, mix thoroughly and spray your bed linen before going to sleep, so that you wake up in the morning feeling more rested than ever.

Lavender oil – uses in cosmetics

Lavender oil is widely used in the cosmetics industry. It is successfully used in the production of many products – from bath products to skincare. This is understandable – it nourishes, detoxifies, tones and brightens the skin. Due to its antibacterial properties, it can be helpful for skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

Lavender oil can be safely added to shampoo or conditioner (6 drops per 100 ml), which will strengthen and moisturise the hair as well as cleanse the scalp. There are no contraindications to enriching your favourite body lotion or hand cream with the extract (just remember to use the correct proportions).

Lavender oil for ticks… and other insects

Lavender oil has repellent properties – particularly against mosquitoes and dangerous ticks. It deters insects that find the scent of lavender unpleasant...to put it mildly. The same goes for moths, fleas and gnats. Essential oils are just as effective as commercial products, yet they’re much safer.

Making your own insect repellent is incredibly simple. You can create a concentrated oil or a light spray, depending on your preference.

For the oil, simply mix 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil or sunflower oil) with 10–20 drops of lavender essential oil. You can boost the effectiveness of the mixture by adding peppermint, basil or eucalyptus essential oil, whilst ensuring you do not exceed the maximum dose of 20 drops.

It’s just as easy to make a spray. Pour 250 ml of water and 20 drops of lavender essential oil into a spray bottle, shake well, and it’s ready. For the product to work properly, use the spray about 30 minutes before leaving the house.

Lavender essential oil – contraindications

Linalool, one of the main components of lavender essential oil, impairs motor coordination – particularly when taken in larger doses. Following prolonged exposure to the essential oil, you should not drive motor vehicles.

The oil is also unsuitable for anyone allergic to any of its ingredients.

Before pregnant or breastfeeding women use this product, it is advisable to consult a doctor, who will rule out any contraindications.

Did you know that…?

Lavender essential oil is one of the few that can be applied directly to the skin (topically).

Lavender is an excellent base for creating your own blends. It blends exceptionally well with most available essential oils. It’s worth trying one of the following:

• lemon
• spruce
• thyme
• eucalyptus
• basil
• peppermint

Experts do not recommend combining lavender oil with lemongrass. Although the scents are delightful on their own, when combined they do not evoke positive feelings.

Lavender essential oil is truly versatile. It has a beneficial effect on health, well-being and beauty. We know quite a lot about it, so it’s worth making the most of its enormous potential. It’s easy to guess that this is not the end of the story – scientists are constantly researching the product’s biological activity, and further discoveries are only a matter of time. This doesn’t mean, however, that you have to wait – it’s worth trying the oil today.

“Chemical composition and biological activity of medicinal lavender”– M. Adaszyńska-Skwirzyńska, M. Swarcewicz, Department of Organic Synthesis and Drug Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin

“Comparison of the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil obtained from various Polish varieties of narrow-leaved lavender”- M. Adaszyńska, M. Swarcewicz, A. Markowska-Szczupak, Department of Organic Synthesis and Drug Technology and Department of Biotechnology, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin

"The role of aromatherapy in medicine"– Z. Zdrojewicz, K. Minczakowska, K. Klepacki, Department and Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Isotope Therapy, Medical University of Wrocław

“Essential oils as active ingredients or preservatives in cosmetics”– M. Adaszyńska, M. Swarcewicz, Department of Organic Synthesis and Drug Technology, Faculty of Technology and Chemical Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin