Everyday Oils: Lavender Part II
Bees visit the lavender blossoms at Young Living’s Mona, Utah, lavender farm.
A couple of chemical compounds in lavender essential oil are very, very important, esters and aldehydes. Both of those are very sedating to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. So lavender is very calming and very relaxing. You take lavender and rub it on your neck and shoulders at night, and you’re not going to watch a movie; you’ll be snoring all the way through it.
Research shows the reduction of mental stress with lavender. Studies show that the use of aromatherapy with hospice patients decreases feelings of stress and promotes an increased sense of well-being. Does that have value?
Lavender oil is very gentle, so it doesn’t matter where you use it; it’s wonderful. Rub it on the paws of overactive pets. Breathe deeply to reduce stress. Use it for all skin types, to soothe insect bites, and to reduce itchiness. Diffuse it in classrooms to create a calming environment. I must tell you, if there are any teachers here who do that, then don’t fault the children when they fall asleep on the desk, okay? Massage it on sore muscles. Spritz it on your pillow for a good night’s sleep.
