Lavender

Young Living's Technical Sheet for Lavender
Benefits: In recognition of its therapeutic use throughout history, lavender is one of the few essential oils still listed in the British Pharmacopoeia. Modern science has documented the calming and sedating effects of lavender. It is also soothing and cooling to sun-stressed skin and can be used to cleanse cuts and skin irritations.

How to Use: Diffuse or apply lavender topically. It is listed on the FDA's General Regarded As Safe (GRAS) list and can be added to food or rice milk as a dietary supplement.

Important Information: Lavender has been called the "Swiss army knife" of essential oils because of its versatility and many applications in traditional folk medicine. Lavender promotes peace and happiness. A recent study conducted in France measured the effects of odorants on emotion through the autonomic nervous system. Using lavender evoked happiness in the participants.1 A British study investigated the use of lavender baths to improve psychological well-being. The group receiving lavender oil in the bath reported less anger-frustration and reduced negative responses about the future.2

Because of lavender's popularity, purity is a concern. A 2002 Japenese study using gas chromotography (GC) analysis showed adulteration of many lavender samples with the less expensive lavandin oil.3 Young Living extensively tests and verifies quality on purchased lavender to offer only premium, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Notes:
1. Vernet-Maury E., et al., "Basic emotions induced by odorants: a new approach based on autonomic pattern results," J Auton Nerv Syst. 1999 Feb 15;75(2-3):176-83.
2. Morris N., "The effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) baths on psychological well-being, two exploratory randomised control trials," Complement Ther Med. 2002 Dec;10(4):223-4.
3. Mori M., et al., "Quality evaluation of essential oils," Yakugaku Zasshi, 2002 Mar; 122(3):253-61.