Santa Barbara Lavender

Lavender is a plant rich in history and myth. With its roots in the ancient herbalists, lavender's properties as a disinfectant and antiseptic were founded. Its healing qualities grew through the centuries, even gaining the reputation of warding off the plague. Lavender's popularity with the English royalty gave it a berth in the ranks of a cosmetic herb, and it was with Queen Victoria that lavender was recognized as a tonic for nerves.

Facts
Lavender is cultivated all over the world: Bulgaria, England, United States and France are historically known for producing the essential oil. Harvesting the lavender for oil must be done at the peak of the day's heat. Essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops.

History
Lavender is considered the premier of all perfume. 'Perfume' derives its name from the Greek meaning 'through smoke,' and in ancient times the perfumes were used as fumigatory agents. Lavendula angustifolia/officinalis grows at altitudes reaching the height of 5,000 feet. The officinalis, known as 'vera' affords a much smaller plant and the harvesting is more laborious. In a field ripe for harvest the plants resemble fattened velveteen porcupines with hues ranging from brilliant whites to shadings of violet and purple.

Properties of Lavender
It is antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, anticoagulant, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, decongestant, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue,hypotensive, insecticidal, nervine, parasiticidal, rubefacient, restorative, sedative, sudorfic, tonic, vermifugal, and vulnerary.

Common Uses
Ideal for physical and emotional support. Lavender as a whole is an 'adaptagenic' essence with a relationship to all Body Systems. It is nicknamed the ultimate 'first aid in a bottle' oil. Lavender produces an Anti-Allergic Essential oil, with an inherent antibiotic action. It is also an astringent as well as moisturizing to skin. It alleviates aches, pains, and swelling from arthritis to injury to headache. Lavender also alleviates motion sickness.

Emotionally, lavender helps support a calm composure and self-expression. It reduces irritability, insomnia, nightmares, apprehension, panic attacks combined with uncontrollable shaking, stress, nervous tension, hysteria and is generally balancing to the psyche, as well as the body.

Internal Possibilities
Research is proving that lavender is beneficial with regard to support for hyperglycemia, hypertension, indigestion, arteriosclerosis, digestive complaints, kidney stones, fragile capillaries, anemia, and heartburn. It is non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.