LAVENDER - from the Kashmir

(Lavandula angustifolia)

We were recently introduced to an exciting organic, high altitude Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) from the Kashmir.  It became the jewel in our day - Lovely Lady Lavendar at the absolute height of her power.  She delighted our noses and filled our heart chakras immediately!  The scent of this oil is similar to the lovely French Lavender we have carried for many years - and will continue to carry.  The high altitude at which this plant grows creates unusually high levels of linalool, a primary compound responsible for lavender's relaxing and cooling benefits.

Lavender plants are shrubs that grow to approximately 3 feet in height.  The purple flowers  cluster around a stalk in a cone shape.  The essential oil is produced  by steam distillation of these flowering tops and stalks.  This Kashmir Lavender is grown at altitudes between 1950 feet to about 5000 feet (about 1/3 to 1 mile above sea level).  Because the distilleries are located at these higher altitudes, the temperature required to distill the oil is lower, which produces an oil with a higher ester content - making this oil quite safe to use.  It is known to be antispasmodic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, cooling, calming and tonic to the nervous system and sedative.  This is effective in preventing and treating colds, flus and infections and renowned for it's use as a treatment of burns.

Family:  Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Fragrance:  Soft, sweet, floral

Color:  Clear to Pale Yellow

Consistency:  Thin

General Properties of this essential oil include:  analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, decongestant, deodorant, hypotensive, restorative and sedative. 

Cautions & Contraindications:  Lavendula angustifolia is non-toxic and non-irritating - in fact, it is one of 2 essential oils safe to use with infants (diluted).  

Methods of Use:  very safe on the skin - can be used topically, preferably diluted in massage oil or natural cream but can be used undiluted on a small area, in the bath and sitz bath, as a compress.  It can also be used via inhalation, either directly or by diffusion or steam inhalation.

Some suggested uses:  burns, high blood pressure, nausea, colic, solar plexus spasms, muscle spasms, sprains, strains, cramps, insomnia, trauma, headaches, migraines, tension, mood swings, emotional extremes, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, spastic cough, nerve related respiratory challenges, impatience, irritability, melancholy, mental distraction, burnout.

Chemical constituents:  Monoterpenols (~41%) and esters (~50%) with small amount of monoterpenes (5%), and tiny amounts of sesquiterpene, oxides, ketones, and other low molecular weight biochemicals. 

+Monoterpenols tend to be gentle and very safe to use, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, calming and tonic for the nervous system.  They also tend to be antiseptic, have a pleasant and uplifting fragrance and are strongly antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.

+Esters are anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, calming and tonic to the nervous system and sedative.

+Monoterpenes tend to be antiseptic (especially airborne bacteria), bactericidal, stimulating, analgesic and expectorant.