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Lesson TWO

Aromatherapy Lesson Two

This will be a very long lesson, others should be shorter. Please note there are a LOT of terms that are unfamiliar to the beginner. It is recommended that you learn them as they reoccur over and over, from lesson to lesson. There is a terminology section on this site, you will find it very helpful. As always, there is the message board for any and all questions.

Lavender (Lavendula Augustifolia, Lavendula Vera, Lavendula Officinalis). These are the most common occurring botanical names for Lavender. Always Know your botanical name, so you know what your buying.

Our first oil to get to know is Lavender. If you own a bottle (better if you own two or three of different brands), pour a drop onto a Q-tip or a tissue, and smell.

Which reminds me, DON’T smell directly from the bottle. One reason is because you could blow out your sinus’ with the stronger smelling oils such as Eucalyptus. Another reason, is the smell is so strong straight from the bottle, that one cannot appreciate the full range.

So, back to our lavender Q-tip. Smell it. How does it smell? Is it weak, or strong? Does it smell sweet or musty, like alcohol or off? Does it make you feel? Are you a happy Lavender person, or are you one that really dislikes it? If you own more than one brand, try smelling the difference between the two. Which one do you like more and why? Now put your Q-tip down for about 10 minutes and then come back to it. How does it smell now? Does it still smell strongly of Lavender or has it diminished somewhat, or even disappeared altogether? Leave again for another 10 to 15 minutes and then come back and check it again. How does it smell NOW? Can you smell anything? Have you noticed any new nuances to the smell?

Why do I suggest you do this? And to each and every one of your oils? A couple or three reasons. One: this is especially important to those who like to make perfumes, you are learning about the notes of an oil.

If the oil is barely noticeable (and remember, we’re talking one drop on a Q-tip), or totally gone (and you will find this with a lot of citrus’ such as Lemon) after the first 10 minutes, then you will know that it has a top note only. If the oil is still pretty strong after the first rest period, you will know that it has a top and a middle note. If after the next 10 minutes it’s still there, then you know that it has a top, middle and a base note.

Please note (forgive the pun!): some oils will not have a top note, but a middle and bottom or just a bottom note, or even strongest only in the middle. These oils will sit on your q-tip and smell like not much of anything until after the first 10 to 20 minutes. So when making a perfume, or a synergistic or holistic blend , knowing your notes is important .

Another reason is that the more you get to know your oils, the more you will be able to discern what a good oil smells like, whether it’s off, or not quite right. Also, shop around and find out what other oils of different brands smell like.

Now back to Lavender. You’ve had a good Lavender snort and you know a little bit more about it now. Time to go on to the therapeutic effects of it.

If there is ONE oil only that you have around the house, Lavender is IT! I personally, find the smell of Lavender very heavy and off putting, but I cannot deny it’s therapeutic effects. It is a wonderfully soothing oil for children who have fallen down and hurt themselves as it is ANALGESIC , and ANTISEPTIC .

Lavender is also invaluable for burns of all types, from sunburns to burns from spitting grease. It helps to ease the pain and anecdotal evidence say’s that it helps to prevent scarring. It is also one of TWO oils that can be used undiluted on the skin (the other being tea-tree). That doesn’t mean you should habitually use it undiluted, as there is risk for sensitization (in other words, you CAN become allergic to it),.

Lavender’s two MAIN Chemical Components are Alcohols and Esters, which means this is an extremely gentle oil, however it does contain KETONES and therefore it’s use is NOT recommended during the first three months of pregnancy. The amount of Esters can depend on the Altitude it was grown at. The higher the altitude, the greater the amount of Esters.

Lavender is analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carmative, cholagogue, cicatrizant, deodorant, emmenagogue, fungicidal, hypotensive, insecticide, parasiticide, sudorific and tonic .

Some of the common conditions that it is used for are: SKIN all skin types, eczema, psoriasis, bruises, burns, scars, thread veins, surface wounds (NOT deep wounds), abscesses, ulcers, cuts, blisters, allergies.

Respiratory system: Bronchitis, catarrh, colds, laryngitis, asthma.

Muscular and Skeletal systems: sprains, strained muscles, pinched nerves, rheumatism.

Cardiovascular/Lymphatic systems: anti coagulant, eases palpitations, Oedema (water retention).

Digestive system, teething pain, stimulates bile production, nausea, vomiting, colic promotes digestion, eases stomach spasms.

Genito-Urinary/Reproductive systems, Childbirth pains, painful periods, cystitis, thrush.

Mind: aids insomnia (used at very low levels) nervous tension, depression, manic depression, exhaustion, mood swings, anger.

How to use it: In the bath, diffused, and on the skin. Per tablespoon or per 15 mls, use between 4 and 7 drops depending on the effect desired. If it is being used to aid sleep, the lower amount is recommended. The larger amount for depression, to increase alertness etc. In the tub, the same - no more than 4 to 7 drops.

And this is the end of lesson two. I hope you have enjoyed it and learned a bit.

Final Exam Question: What is an Aromatherapist? Easy question? We'll see. Remember, I would like to see your answer at the END of the course.