You probably have this at home too! Lavender oil, one of the most well-known and versatile essential oils that definitely shouldn't be missing from your collection.
 
The autumn period is often characterized by the theme of letting go. Lavender not only provides relaxation but also peace in your body and mind, which helps to organize thoughts better, among other things.
 
The distillation process
The essential oil of (true) lavender is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers of the plant Lavandula Angustifolia.
  

Image source: New Directions Aromatics.
 

In this method, water is heated (1) and the essential oils are extracted from the plant material by the steam (2). The rising steam carries these essential oils with it and is then cooled again via tubes (3) and subsequently collected in a separate kettle (4).
  

Once the steam cools down to (distillation) water, most of the essential oil floats on the water surface and can easily be separated. The remaining fragrant distillation water is used as a hydrosol (hydrosol) and is also a wonderful product to apply. 
 
The effect and application
Lavender was already used by the Greeks and Romans. They used lavender for a pleasant scent in a room and flowers were used in bathwater for both the wonderful scent and the calming effect. This is most likely where the name comes from, as lavare means to wash in Latin.
 
Each essential oil has its own unique composition and effect. Lavender, for example, has a calming effect and provides peace and balance for body and mind. Some applications include: 
 
Physical level:
  • Supports with headaches / onset migraines.
    Application: Apply a drop of lavender oil to your hand, rub your hands together, bring your hands to your nose, and breathe in and out (also known as cupping). Or u    se a diffuser with a few drops of lavender oil. 
  • Relieves muscle tension and muscle pain.
    Application: Mix 10 drops of lavender oil with 10ml carrier oil and massage the painful area(s).
  • Can be used for insect bites, itching, and irritations of the skin.
    Application: Apply a drop of lavender oil to the spot and rub in. Is the skin open? Then rub around it.
  • Can be used for allergic reactions (hay fever).
    Application: Use an aroma inhaler. Put a few drops of lavender oil on the cotton swab and use the inhaler as needed. Or put a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser.
Mental level:
  • Gives a feeling of relaxation.
    Application: Use a diffuser with a few drops of lavender oil.     
  • Supports sleep, a deeper night's rest.
    Application: Use a diffuser with a few drops of lavender oil or apply a few drops to your pillow.
  • Calms the mind, soothes thoughts.
    Application: Use a diffuser with a few drops of lavender oil.
Spiritual level:
  • Supports clear and honest communication, self-expression, allowing you to speak out, discuss, and then let go. 
    Application: Apply a drop of lavender oil to your palm, rub your hands together, bring your hands to your nose, and breathe in and out, make an aroma inhaler, or use a diffuser with a few drops of lavender oil. 
     
Diffuser Blends

 

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- Aromatherapy Training Material, Civas Opleidingen
- Balance your emotions, Thorsten Weiss

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Disclaimer:

It is very important to use 100% pure essential oils and to be well informed about which oils can be safely ingested and which oils cannot. 

There may be a possible interaction between medicines and essential oils, including an enhancement of the side effects of medicines. Consult your doctor if you have questions about incorporating essential oils into your daily routine. Pay particular attention during (possible) pregnancy and when using blood thinners, which essential oil is safe to use. Adapted guidelines also apply to children. Consult a qualified doctor for this. 

This information has been compiled with the greatest possible care. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases, nor to replace medical advice from professional doctors and medicines. Anyone suffering from an illness or injury should consult a qualified doctor.
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