When I was first introduced to essential oils in 2004, I just graduated from massage therapy school. My colleagues-- massage therapists and energy healers, were incorporating essential oils to support their clients during sessions. I was in awe to learn of the therapeutic matrix and healing properties contained in these tiny milliliter size bottles. I held reverence for how these distilled plant botanicals can help create state changes and moods in the mind, body, and spirit.
As an essential oil virgin, I began with the essential oil of lavender. Lavender or Lavandula angustifolia, its binomial name, is in layman's term deemed as the "swiss army knife of essential oils". It is known to contain antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antispasmodic properties. This phrase implies its versatility to help soothe and heal conditions such as cuts, bruises, burns (known for its antiseptic quality), to muscle cramps and soreness, joint pain, muscle spasms (antispasmodic quality), to calming the nerves, mental agitation, and emotional distress. It is one of the few known oils that has been shown to be helpful in many arenas, I refer to it as the Grandmother of essential oils. Grandmother-- as the archetype of the wise woman possessing omniscient knowledge and wisdom.
During ancient times, Romans added lavender flowers to their bath water as a ritual for cleansing. Lavender comes from the latin word, "lavare" meaning "to wash". It is the steam distillation of the flowering tops from the plant that produces the essential oil. Interestingly, this beautiful purple flower with star shaped oil glands thrives in poor moderately fertile soil. I've tried growing lavender in a large pot with healthy nutrient-rich soil, sun and water hydration and it did not survive. Lavender is geographically found growing throughout the world. Abundant fields thrive in various European countries like France, Italy England and Bulgaria; in the Mediterranean like Greece, in South Africa and in the United States. Root and Resin's source is mainly from Bulgaria and France.
Abundant growth is one reason for lavender's popularity another is due to its high yield. Lavender offers a high percentage of return and therefore reflected in a more reasonable cost at purchase compared to say frankincense or rose. Popularly used in the perfume and fragrance industry, lavender scent is added in soaps, body lotion, scented bath salts, household cleaners and detergents etc. However, if seeking lavender for therapeutic and 'medicinal type' use, the best method is using pure unadulterated 100% essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia, Here are some easy-to-use recipes for your holistic care. Click on the shoplink to purchase a 10ml bottle of Root and Resin Lavender or reach out to me email rootandresin@gmail.com.
RECIPES:
In your Bath, fill one to two cups of unscented epsom salts, start by adding 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil and mix it well together in a separate glass bowl. Be sure to add the bath salt just as you are about to enter into your warm bath so that you may also absorb the benefits of the oil into your skin.
Before your meditation ritual, place 1-2 drops into the palm of your hand, circle or gently rub palms together and hold both hands over your face, to breathe in the aroma and feel your nervous system relax and clear your mind. This is also a good remedy to use when feeling restless, anxious, or have trouble falling asleep. (For Sleep issues, refer to my Sleep Blend Ritual Kit).