Lavandula (Lavandula) is an essential oil plant from the Ursaceae family. It develops a powerful root system that can reach a length of up to 3 meters, which makes it extremely suitable for strengthening terrains affected by erosion. The stem is strongly branched and forms a dense tuft. The leaves are elongated, opposite and resemble those of coniferous species...
The beautiful small flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences, and their color depends on the variety: blue, pale pink, violet or purple. Today, three main types are grown:
- Common lavender (Lavandula Vera) - a narrow-leaved variety from which high-quality essential oil is obtained. It unites the species L. officinalis, L. angustifolia, L. vulgaris, L. vera...
- Broad-leaved lavender (Lavandula Spica) - it has a higher essential oil content, but because of the presence of camphor, it is not so sought after in the market...
- Lavandin (Lavandula Hybrida) - a hybrid variety obtained from the cross between ordinary and broad-leaved lavender. The essential oil extracted from this variety is characterized by an extremely high camphor content and maintains the lowest price...
The healing properties of lavender have been known and used since ancient times. Dried twigs, leaves and flowers, essential oil, lavender water and lavender alcohol are used in medicine.
A decoction of lavender leaves and flowers is an effective remedy against the unpleasant itching of chicken pox. It is enough to treat the rashes several times a day with a cotton swab soaked in the decoction.
Dried flowers and leaves placed in cotton bags, in addition to combating mosquitoes and moths, have a calming effect on insomnia, headaches, and anxiety. Lavender leaves are also used as a spice in French cuisine.
Lavender essential oil has the most healing properties. It is extracted by steam distillation. Its composition includes lianol, tannins, linalyl acetate and photochemicals. The combination of useful substances suppresses inflammatory processes in the body. Just a few drops of lavender essential oil, combined with chamomile essential oil, soothes severe arthritis pain, stiffness, joint pain, and limited mobility.
Pains in the temples, forehead, nape and the whole head, regardless of their strength and duration, disappear after rubbing 2-3 drops of oil at the base of the skull, behind the neck, temples and behind the ears, i.e. in places with localized pain. Despite the momentary relief we receive, we should not postpone the visit to the doctor, because a headache is a symptom, not a disease.
Daily workload and stress cause a number of depressive conditions such as depression, anxiety, pessimism, which can lead to significant deviations in behavior if timely measures are not taken. Lavender is one of the most effective natural remedies to help overcome such problems. The calming effect occurs immediately after massaging the temples with essential oil, inhaling its aroma or taking a hot aromatic bath with a few drops of it.
For weight loss, as a result of experienced emotional stress, therapists increasingly recommend aromatherapy with lavender oil.
A few drops (2-3) in slightly warmed olive oil are an indispensable remedy for earaches. If there is blood, pus or clear fluid coming out of the affected ear, the naturopathic treatment should be stopped and a specialist should be consulted immediately, as these are symptoms of a ruptured eardrum, and the oily mixture can cause inflammation of the middle and inner ear .
The antibacterial properties of lavender essential oil make it unsurpassed in the treatment of fungal, streptococcal and viral infections. It is not recommended to apply it in its pure form in the treatment of purulent wounds and inflammations. In these cases, it is appropriate to mix it with an ointment. One of the best remedies for flu conditions is lavender oil inhalation or the use of an aroma lamp.
The skin recovers quickly when treated with the oil, after burns of various degrees. It has the ability to soothe burnt tissue, prevent blisters and stimulate skin cell regeneration. Its antibacterial properties prevent the occurrence of infections and accelerate the healing of the injured area.
When a foreign body gets under the skin, cold sores of various types, insect bites, muscle pain, vaginal infections, worms, cuts and contusions, lavender essential oil is an indispensable remedy.
A cold compress of lavender and geranium oil is suitable for dermatitis. In combination with cold-pressed olive oil, lavender oil treats hair and scalp problems. This combination keeps the skin smooth and elastic during sudden changes in body weight that occur as a result of applied diets.
The essential oil is included in various cosmetic products designed to deal with problems such as acne, hair loss, dandruff, cracked and dry skin.
The use of lavender essential oil is without side effects, but before proceeding with the application of various recipes and therapies, consultation with a doctor is imperative. The product should not be used by pregnant and lactating women.
Lavender water is obtained as a by-product during the extraction of the oil. It is included in preparations against sunburn and insect bites.
Lavender spirit has been used since ancient times to treat contusions, swelling, musculoskeletal problems, insomnia and headaches.
The beneficial properties of lavender were used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In our country, culture was imported at the beginning of the last century. The first sown areas are in the vicinity of Kazanlak. Today, technical culture is cultivated in all regions of the country. Bulgarian lavender essential oil is in demand on the international market. The best quality lavender oil is produced in France, which is also the largest exporter in the world.
