Popular Research for Lavender Oil

Over the last few decades, there has been a steady increase in the research of essential oils and their benefits. Much of this is the consumers demand for more natural alternatives to many of the harsh modern medicines, which are now taken frequently for many aliments. 

Larger companies have become more aware that they must attempt to incorporate natural alternatives or miss out on the large profits which alternative medicine is producing. As this is the case, corporations that were once against 'pseudo-science' are now putting money into researching these alternative medicines. 

Historically, many people who sought out plant based treatments and herbs were persecuted and ridiculed for their beliefs once modern medicine and began to take over. Even though modern medicine in the last 100 years seem quite brutal in its application for many areas not well understood (such as mental health), many people put their trust and faith in the doctors who would administer such treatments. Who would have thought Egas Monizwho who developed the lobotomy would be given a Nobel Prize! 

Now alternative medicine is once again becoming more accepted in society, particularly with current research which is showing great promise in treating many aliments. And it is no wonder as we are just beginning to understand the complexity of plant based medicine. 

A Swiss-Italian research team headed by Florian Schiestl from the University of Zurich has now demonstrated that plants are able to adjust their scent bouquet to their needs at any given time sometimes to attract a partner or insects as protection from predators such as caterpillars. Plants are very complex indeed!

Lavender itself is made up of 47 chemical components which have been used as a remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and fatigue. Research has confirmed that lavender produces slight calming, soothing, and sedative effects when its scent is inhaled. 

Frequently used as a sleep aide, this popular essential oil has been show to kill E. coli, according to The Atlantic. The magazine reports that when combined with piperacillin, an antibiotic, the oil reversed E. coli bacteria resistance to the medication.  

As it one of the most well researched herbs many studies have shown its benefits. Aromatherapists use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil.

It is also used in a healing bath for joint and muscle pain. One study evaluating treatments for children with eczema founded it was therapeutic touch from the mother that improved symptoms; in other words, massage with and without essential oils (including lavender) both reduced the dry, scaly skin lesions.

Another study found that lavender oil may improve pain control after surgery. Fifty people undergoing breast biopsy surgery received either oxygen supplemented with lavender oil or oxygen alone. People in the lavender group reported better pain control than people in the control group.

With such an extensive list of benefits lavender is by far a fantastic essential oil to keep handy! I will discuss more essential oils and their benefits in my upcoming blogs.

 

Aromatherapy - A Short Introduction

The term ‘Aromatherapy’ is said to have been created in 1928,  by a French biochemist Rene Gattefosse.

Rene Gattefosse realised that essential oils had healing potential and began researching into their  origins, chemical composition, general and specific medicinal properties and energetic capacity. He also investigated the effects of scents on the human olfactory system and he discovered at his own expense that lavender can heal burns.

Aromatherapy has been around for centuries and for a variety of uses. Including use by historical figures such as Cleopatra, who reportedly rode up the river Nile in a boat filled knee-deep with rose petals. Sails of her royal barge were also apparently drenched in rose water, which would only heighten the people’s senses in anticipation of her beauty. 

As she came down the Nile it would have been a beautiful, strong floral and sweet fragrance that is intoxicating and highly romantic. Cleopatra was known as quite the clever enchantress. It is said that she slept with rose petals in her bed and sprinkled them all over the house while waiting for her lovers. 

Essential oils were also used by Roman soldiers who would carry myrrh to heal their wounds in battle. The Romans possessed a great knowledge of plants and many of the herbs that are still grow now are from Roman times e.g. parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. 

With the use of essential oils remaining in our present day, there have been many well researched documents relating to common aliments which essential oils may provide benefit. 

Within my upcoming blogs I will explain some of the research and effectiveness of particular essential oils I like to use frequently in my Nastris brand and why.