Lavender essential oil benefits

Unlike other essential oils which are often mainly used for just one condition, lavender oil is more of a potent universal healer for a number of conditions.

It is generally non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and nontoxic. But to obtain all the benefits of lavender oil, you have to be sure you are using pure lavender oil as lavender is one of the most frequently adulterated essential oils. Organic lavender oil is preferable.

Which type of lavender oil should you use?

There are many types of lavender oil. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but lavender is now grown in France, Bulgaria and Kashmir. At Amrita Aromatherapy, we supply these types:

• Lavender Extra – we sell varieties grown in both Bulgaria and France. But Christoph Streicher, the founder of Amrita Aromatherapy says in his video on using essential oils for the third chakra (see Aromatherapy & The Third Chakra) that only the French variety (harvested from higher altitudes and the finest lavender) will help to ease deep karmic tensions in relationships and relax, ease and support glycogen synthesis in the liver
• Lavender Maillette – some people find the fragrance of this variety more appealing and that is why it is often used in perfumes
• Lavender Spike – this is said to be the best variety to use if you are wanting to reduce stress, sleep better and reduce insomnia (but it shouldn't be used on cuts, burns or wounds)
• Lavandin Grosso – this is said to be anti-depressant and stress-reducing
• Lavandin Stoechas – this is said to be respiratory-soothing, detoxifying and warming
• Lavandin Sweet – this is said to be calming, antiseptic and antibacterial.