The majority think of lavender as little more than a garden flower helpful to prepare perfume for old ladies. A little research on the history of lavender lavender essential oil refutes this misconception. Throughout history it has been heralded as possessing almost mystical medicinal and cosmetic value. It had been one of the ingredients used by the Egyptians for embalming. Greek physicians claimed that medicines extracted from the flowers were being instrumental in curing the plague.

The word "lavender" itself is quite likely derived from the Latin, and in fact means to wash or to clean. Acknowledging its antiseptic properties, Roman surgeons used ointments made from the plant to treat wounds on the battlefield and in the gladiator ring. The Romans so loved the plant that bouquets adorned each and every home. They bathed in it, scattered it lavishly over their bodies, and put on it as garlands and crowns. It turned out to be even reputed to be a potent aphrodisiac.

As civilizations developed a better understanding of the medical features of cleanliness and hygiene, lavender extracts has been widely used as antiseptic cleaning products in public bathhouses and sick rooms. It eliminated odors and decreased the risk of spreading infections. The banner heralding the many applications of this fragile plant was taken up by the Arabs, who passed it on to Spain.

By the Thirteenth century, application of lavender oil had traveled north to France and even England where it was grown by Monks under Papal decree. It was the main ingredient in the original French perfume. It was applied at the Royal courts to rejuvenate linens and undergarments. Queens and Kings had lavender sewn into sweet bags and pillows to cure migraines. By the Fifteenth century it could be located in every kitchen garden and apothecary shop in Europe.

Creams and ointments such as lavender essential oil as the "active ingredient" are made use of for the topical relief of insect bites, poison ivy rash breakouts and ringworm. Lavender oil is commonly helpful to treat chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and athletes foot. It is reputed to heal burns and cuts as well as diminish scars, stretch-marks and cellulite.

Lavender essential oil has been the subject of research in Vienna, Austria. Researchers evaluated the effect of intake of 2 drops of the oil in a capsule, taken once daily for 10-12 weeks. The capsule proved to be considerably more effective at reducing mild-to-moderate anxiety. This was much better than the placebo, and as effective as routinely prescribed sedative drugs.

Holistic professionals claim that medicines taken from the flowers and leaves are generally beneficial in treating circulatory conditions. Research implies that taken in the form of tea it can lower high blood pressure as well as heart palpitations. Surprisingly, this health benefit seems to closely relate to the stress-reducing actions of the oil.

In modern aromatherapy approach, the oil's stress-reducing actions are achieved by using the oil in a diffuser or even massage lotion. It's therapeutic actions for skin and scalp allow it to be a very common component in facial serums, soaps, shampoos and conditioners. The overall actions of lavender are quite diverse, and it's no wonder it is one of the most popular essential oil used today.

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