Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Profile
Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender). Family: Lamiaceae. Steam-distilled from the flowering tops.

Aroma
Floral, soft and lightly herbaceous.

Traditional uses
Traditionally used in relaxation and bedtime routines, for emotional comfort on stressful days, and for skin care after insect bites or minor irritation.

How to use
For adults, one drop on the pillow or a few drops in a diffuser is a common bedtime routine; for children, oils are not dropped onto the pillow. As a general guide, about 2% is used for adult body applications (4 drops in 10 ml carrier oil) and 1% for the face (2 drops in 10 ml). A few drops are enough in a diffuser.

Safety
Generally a low-risk oil. Check the Latin name when buying: the cheaper lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is sometimes sold as lavender and has different properties.

Children
One of the most commonly chosen oils for children. Essential oils are not used routinely at home for babies (0–6 months); between 6 months and 2 years they are only considered under the guidance of a professional trained in paediatric aromatherapy. Adult dilutions are not used for older children either; see “Aromatherapy and Its Safe Use in Children” for details.

Essential oils are not taken internally, not applied undiluted to the skin, and are kept away from the eyes and out of reach of children. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a professional. This information describes traditional uses and does not replace medical treatment.