Lavender Essential Oil

1. Lavender Essential Oil Lavender is a beautiful, herbaceous plant with a royal history. Lavender adds colour to backyard landscaping and is widely known for its calming properties and alluring scent, making it the most popular essential oil. Lavender oil is great when used topically to help soothe skin or in a diffuser blend to elicit its calming effects. Lavender oils versatility makes it a great addition to any essential oil kit. Plant Information Plant History The colour purple is known for being a rich colour that exudes royalty, therefore it is no surprise that Lavender was a favourite plant has Egyptian and Mediterranean origins. Egyptian used Lavender all throughout life by adding it to their cosmetics, medicines and tombs. While lavender was used cosmetically and for it’s alluring aroma, it wasn’t until 77 AD when a Greek philosopher had the first record of Lavender being used for its healing qualities. among royal royals families. The Lavender and high priests At that time it was noted that when taken internally, Lavender helped with indigestion, headaches and sore throats, while externally, it helped clean wounds, alleviate burns or other skin irritations. As time passed, washing to scent both their baths and clothes as antiseptic properties. Roman soldiers took Lavender in their first aid kit when heading off to war to dress wounds. the Romans used Lavender as for in their and well its healing

2. 2 WhileLavender originated in Egypt & the Mediterranean, the English played a large role in its history by cultivating some of the most fragrant Lavender in Europe and by bringing Lavender into mass markets. In the 17th century, an English herbalist deemed Lavender oil as a “cure-all” and during the plague of 1665, Lavender oil sale prices skyrocketed because it was believed to protect people from the infectious disease. During the Victorian era, Mitcham, a suburb of London, was the hub for Lavender oil production and during that time, England's Lavender products became well known world wide. Lavender production continued to grow and is being used today as a remedy for stress, insomnia, tension and congested sinuses. Botanical Information Lavender is one of 47 species of flowering plants that are part of the mint family. It is a perennial shrub and its flowers are a favourite amongst bees. While purple or mauve-blue lavender flowers are most commonly known, this plant can also bloom white or pink flowers. There are 3 main types of Lavender used angustifolia, which is the main type that’s used in aromatherapy because of it’s potency and its sweeter scent. The second between Lavendula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, this strain offers more oil production and is used to give products a Lavender scent, like laundry detergents and perfumes, but isn’t as potent as the former, and thereforeshouldn’t be used for therapeutic grade essential oils. Lastly, Spike lavender, and therapeutic,therefore it is used in medicinal settings with the guidance of a certified aromatherapist. in essential oils: Lavandula strain is Lavandin,which is a cross which is more herbaceous Growing Information Lavender is a great addition to any garden as it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. This plant can survive in a dry environment with a high ph soil. Lavender thrives best when watered occasionally, has adequate drainage and space and lots of sunlight. It is easy to maintain as it only needs to be pruned once or twice a year and once it’s established, it doesn’t need to be re-fertilized. Parts Used The flowers, buds and leaves of the lavender plant can be used for various purposes. Typically, the buds are dried and used to enhance culinary dishes, teas or in a healing compress. The fresh flowers are used for decoration or to garnish dishes and the dried flowers are popular in potpourris and perfumes. The flowers can also be dried or distilled for oil extraction. The leaves are great when dried to mix into spices, such as Herb de Provence and other various seasonings or to add to a compress to relieve headaches or muscle tension.

3. 3 Oil Information Extraction Method Therapeutic essential oils are extracted either through steam distillation or cold expression. Lavender oil is extracted through straight steam distillation using a Still. The plant is hung inside an apparatus above boiling water. As the steam rises, it pulls the oil out of the plant. The steam then carries the oil along the tubing of the apparatus and into the condenser where the steam is then cooled. This causes it to re-liquify, forcing the essential oil to float on top of the water vapour, which is then siphoned off. The floral water is then used as a fragrant water in cosmetics and the oil is used for therapeutic purposes in aromatherapy. = Active Ingredients The Lavender flower is the main source of Lavender oil extraction. The active ingredients found in Lavender are: 51% Linalool, and 35% Linalyl Acetate. Linalool is a terpene alcohol and it’s what gives Lavender it’s floral scent. Applications CALMING Lavender is widely known to create a calm, stress free environment and is linked to anxiety support. Some ways you canincorporate Lavender essential oil in your routine to create a soothing, euphoric environment is to: Add 1-4 drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bath and mix in with water Add 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser Mix 1 drop of lavender essential oil with 1 drop carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba oil) and rub on your temples, wrists or upper lip to inhale Put 1-2 drops on a handkerchief and inhale during meditation or slow breathing Carry a rollerball of lavender oil and inhale with slow breaths when feelings of stress or anxiety arrive • • • • • DEODORANT Lavender oil can make for a great natural deodorant because it’s anti-bacterial. Therefore, it can prevent the growth of bacteria, leaving fewer bacteria to mingle with sweat that causes unpleasant body odor. While a natural deodorant won’t stop you from sweating like commercial antiperspirants, they are safe to reapply as needed and by making your own, you can alter the proportions to your personal preference/needs (see below for recipe).

4. 4 HEADACHE RELIEF Lavender oil relieves stress and tension and can be a natural remedy for headache relief. In fact, Queen Elizabeth 1 used Lavender to treat her migraines. Below are some Queen approved ways you can try it out for yourself: Add 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil in 3 cups of boiling water, place face 14 inches from bowl, close eyes and slowly inhale the steam. Mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil into a cup of cold or warm water, depending on your preference, dip a facecloth in the water, placing the wet cloth on the forehead or base of the neck. Add 1 drop of lavender oil per 1 drop of your favourite carrier oil (grape seed, jojoba) and apply it to your temples, hairline or the base of your neck. • • wring it out and lie down, • BUGS-BE-GONE! Lavender has been used in insect repellants for a long time. It can help fight off pesky mosquitos, moths, flies and even fleas on your pets. To keep your backyard mosquito free you can: Plant lavender flowers Burn a lavender infused candle Rub lavender oil (mix 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 drop of your favourite carrier oil) on exposed areas, i.e. neck, underarms, behind ears, ankles etc. Diffuse lavender oil outside. To keep flies out of your home, simply diffuse 10-12 drops of lavender oil in your diffuser, or place lavender bouquets inside your house. • • • • • INSOMNIA AID As previously mentioned, lavender oil can help induce feelings of calmness and can help promote deep, slow wave, sleep. The findings of an EEG scan in one study showed participants were in a more drowsy state after undergoing a lavender aromatherapy session. Ways to help insomnia with lavender oil is to: In a small spray bottle, add 1 ounce of witch hazel, 10 drops of lavender essential oil and mix with 3 ounces of water. Just before bed, spray on your bed linens or pajamas for a restful nights sleep. Diffuse 10-12 drops of lavender oil 30 minutes before bed and let it run into the night Apply 2-3 drops of lavender oil per ounce of carrier oil and apply to the body, especially the feet • • •

5. 5 Recipes Deodorant Spray In a 60ml spritz bottle mix: 6 drops Lavender oil 2 drops Tea Tree oil 3 drops Lemon oil 90ml Witch Hazel • Shake well and apply as necessary. If you want to combat door and wetness, follow this recipe: 10 drops Lavender oil 4 drops Grapefruit oil 2 drops Vanilla oil 4 tbsp Baking Soda 4 tbsp Coconut OR Jojoba oil 4 tbsp Cornstarch • Mix together and place in a jar with lid. • Store in fridge and apply to clean skin as necessary. Calming Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin In a pot mix: 5 drops Lavender oil 2 drops German Chamomile oil 1 tbsp Beeswax (optional) 2 drops Rose oil 1/3 cup Coconut oil • On stove, melt beeswax. • Once melted, add Coconut oil and essential oils and remove from heat to let cool completely. • Mix ingredients well. • After achieving the consistency you desire, place moisture in a jar with lid, apply to freshly washed skin morning and night, avoiding eye and mouth area. Nourishing Moisturizer for Dry skin: In a bowl, mix: 15 drops Lavender oil 3 ounces Coconut oil 1 ounce Rosehip OR Vitamin E oil 8 drops Rose oil 1 ounce Shea Butter 1 ounce pure Aloe gel or liquid • Blend ingredients using a hand mixer until whipped to a light consistency. Place in a jar with tight fitting lid and apply to freshly cleansed skin morning & night, avoiding eye and mouth area. Body Moisturizer In a jar mix: 2 drops Lemon oil 2 drops Lavender oil 2 drops Mandarin oil 1 drops Carrot Seed oil 10 drops Rosehip oil 2 drops Juniper Berry oil 2 drops Rose oil 1 drop Roman Chamomile oil Blend then add: • In a double boiler, over medium-low heat, melt 2 tbsp Shea Butter, occasionally stirring. • Once melted, add 67.5ml Hemp seed oil and turn off heat. • Pour mixture into a bowl and place in fridge for 15-20 minutes, allowing to cool and return to a soft solid form. 5 drops Argan oil

6. 6 Body Moisturizer • Once ready, remove bowl from fridge and add essential oil mixture. • Whisk and whip for a few seconds. Place mixture into a jar with tight fitting lid and leave at room temperature. • Apply to body as desired, paying special attention to knees and elbows. Topical Oil Blends APPLICATION ESSENTIAL OILS CARRIER OIL NOTES Lavender Oil (10 Drops) Pine Oil (10 Drops) Turmeric Oil (5 Drops) Jojoba Oil OR Argan Oil OR Grape Seed Oil Applying To Skin: Mix 1-3 Drops Of Essential Oils To 5ml Of Any Listed Carrier Oil. Adding To Bath Or Inhalation: Mix 1-3 Drops Of Each Essential Oil Either Mixed With Bath Water Or Blended With Any Listed Carrier Oil. In Diffuser: Follow Recipe Listed. Calming Blend Lavender Oil (10 Drops) Roman Chamomile Oil (10 Drops) Eucalyptus Oil (6 Drops) Jojoba Oil OR Argan Oil Add 3-4 Drops Of Essential Oil Mix To 1/2cup Of Warm Or Cold Water. Place Cloth In Water And Wring Out. Place Dampened Cloth On Forehead Or Base Of Neck. Or Mix 1 Drop Of Essential Oil Mix To 2 Drops Carrier Oil And Apply To Temples, Hairline Or Base Of Neck. Headache Help Lavender Oil (8 Drops) Tea Tree Oil (6 Drops) Lemongrass Oil (8 Drops) Citronella Oil (6 Drops) Eucalyptus Oil (5 Drops) Grape Seed Oil OR Argan Oil OR Hemp Seed Oil Add 1 Drop Essential Oil Mix To Every 2 Drops Carrier Oil And Place On Neck, Wrists And Ankles. Bugs, Bye Lavender Oil (5 Drops) Chamomile Oil (3 Drops) Sweet Orange Oil (5 Drops) Grape Seed Oil (8ml) In A 10ml Rollerball, Mix Oils And Dab On Neck And Temples 30 Minutes Before Bed. Slumber Party

7. 7 Diffuser Blends BLEND ESSENTIAL OILS REMEDY Lavender Oil (13 Drops) Lemongrass Oil (4 Drops) Rosemary Oil (3 Drops) Bergamot (2 Drops) Mood Support, Good For Morning In Bedroom Or Living Room. Happy Times Lavender Oil (20 Drops) Black Pepper Oil (4 Drop) Cinnamon Oil (5 Drop) Mandarin Oil (3 Drops) Supports Cognition And Focus, Good For Work Or Study. Concentration Creation Lavender Oil (15 Drops) Ginger Oil (6 Drops) Clove Oil (2 Drops) Sage Oil (3 Drops) Stress Support, Creates Calming Atmosphere. Good For Use In Meditation Room Or Bedroom. Relax & Destress Lavender Oil (3 Drops) Lemon Oil (3 Drops) Peppermint Oil (3 Drops) Eucalyptus Oil (3 Drops) Seasonal Allergy Support. Great To Use In Main Areas Of The House Or Bedroom If Trouble Sleeping Due To Allergies. Allergies Be Gone Lavender Oil (3 Drops) Grapefruit Oil (4 Drops) Lemon Oil (4 Drops) Mandarin Oil (3 Drops) Rose Oil (2 Drops) Or Rose Absolute Oil (4 Drops) Creates A Pleasant Summer Aroma. Great To Use In Main Areas Of House. Summer Breeze Cautions When not diluted properly, essential oils can cause severe skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset and even liver damage in the long term. If you have pets, make sure you’re using essential oils that have been deemed safe to use around animals.