Introduction of Essential Oils and Lavender

Available at Alternatives Global Marketplace, lavender and other essential oils are one of the great untapped resources of the world, offering sweet and natural remedies for everyday life. In addition to the sweet aroma, these concentrated essences of various flowers, fruits, herbs and plants have been used for centuries all over the world. Although the modern world has forgotten their power, scientific research is rediscovering the remarkable medicinal properties of essential oils. Essential oils contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that work on many levels. These substances are very complex in their molecular structure and very powerful, as they are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs. It requires 50 pounds of eucalyptus, 150 pounds of lavender, 500 pounds of rosemary, 1,000 pounds of jasmine and over 2,000 pounds of rose to make one pound of essential oil! Unlike chemical drugs, essential oils do not remain in the body, nor do they leave behind toxins. When looking for alternatives to toxic products in our homes and in our lives, essential oils are a convenient, practical and pleasant solution. All the countries of the world provide essential oils, making aromatherapy a truly global therapy. When learning to use essential oils, lavender is the most versatile and safest oil when properly diluted. With its numerous healing properties, no home should be without it. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. At Alternatives, we carry the brand Aura Cacia, whose lavender essential oil is sourced solely from Ukraine. Lavender essential oil has been produced in Ukraine for nearly 50 years, making it perhaps the largest producer of pure lavender oil across the globe. Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. Lavender has many extraordinary health benefits. In 1910, French scientist René Gattefossé discovered the magic of lavender when he was severely burned in a laboratory explosion. By reflex, he plunged his arm into the large container of lavender oil near him. He discovered that his arm healed quickly and did not scar, one of the many healing effects of this oil. Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems. As an adaptogen, lavender’s calming, sedative properties are wonderful in helping the body adapt to stress or imbalances, as well as helpful in boosting stamina and energy. The refreshing aroma makes it an excellent tonic for headaches, anxiety, depression while also removing nervous exhaustion, restlessness and increasing mental activity. Diffuse a few drops of lavender on your night stand, with a lamp ring or a candle diffuser and sleep will come naturally. Even for restless children, just rub a few drops on your hand and lightly smear it over their pillow to help them sleep. Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains and backaches. Mix lavender with a vegetable or base oil such as almond or jojoba, and massage sore areas and joints for relief. Lavender is therapeutic to the skin and may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. The health benefits of lavender for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, eczema, insect bites and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Use 2-3 drops on a minor burn and it’ll soothe your skin without leaving a mark! This oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths just by adding a few drops to a cotton ball and setting it in drawers and closets. Just the act of diffusing or inhaling lavender after a hard day’s work calms the mind body and spirit. Add a few drops in the bath along with some Epsom salt and you’ll create a truly healing experience. Lavender’s sweet, balsamic, floral aroma combines well with many oils including citrus, clove, patchouli, rosemary, clary sage and pine. Mix your own for air fresheners, mood boosters or follow common recipes that use the natural healing power of oils in combination. The more you learn about essential oils, the more remedies become available in this holistic healing world… and the possibilities are endless!