Lavender + Ha = Relaxation

       Last time we began our exploration into stress management by introducing the concept of deep breathing as related to the relaxation response.  Today, we will combine this principle with another tool known as aromatherapy.  I will provide a definition of aromatherapy as well as a short primer on the types and  uses of the essential oil of lavender.

What is Aromatherapy?

 

     The American College of HealthcareSciences (ACHS) defines aromatherapy as: "The use of aromas for their healing properties . . . It is the controlled use of essential oils to promote the health and vitality of the body, mind, and spirit by inhalation, baths, compresses, topical," together with deep breathing as a way to enhance the relaxation response (ACHS, 2011).

Know Thy Latin Names

     When selecting an essential oil it is very important to choose said oil by its Latin name as there are several species of lavender that contain different types of active constituents (ingredients) that can have an opposite desired effect than originally intended by the user.  Active constituents of an essential oil can be compared to the active ingredients of a prescribed medication, both of which will cause a change in the human body's chemistry to correct dysfunction (as in the case of prescribed drugs) or support the body's systems (as in the case of essential oils).  Therefore, if you have a pre-existing medical condition it is imperative that you consult with your licensed primary care provider prior to using any essential oils. The following examples will illustrate the importance of selecting an oil based on the Latin name.

 

 

     True lavender lavandula angustifolia or lavandula officinalis, is entirely free of camphor and contains active constituents that are used medicinally as an analgesic (pain relief), antidepressant, or sedative (ACHS, 2012).  By no means is this an exhaustive list of this wonderful oil's properties and I refer you to a website called Aroma Web  as well as the ACHS homepage to further your education.

     In contrast, Spike Lavender lavandula latifolia, contains large amounts of camphor, and because of its harsh scent it is mainly used for scenting soaps (ACHS, 2012).  For the purposes of stress management, you want to make true lavender the essential oil of choice.  Knowing the Latin names is the only way to distinguish between the several varieties of lavender (or any essential oil for that matter), because the label may be marked as "Lavender" instead of True or Spike.

 

Synthetic versus Therapeutic?

     It is also important to define synthetic versus therapeutic grades when selecting your essential oils.  the best sources of therapeutic grade (what we want) oils come from wildcrafted botanicals.  These plants are gathered in the wild from their natural habitat and the extracted oils are used for both commercial and personal use (ACHS, 2012).  Harvesting takes place when the active constituents contain the optimal therapeutic action.  On the other hand, synthetic oils are entirely man-made and attempt to re-create the aroma of its wildcrafted counterpart.  They do not contain any active constituents that may be used for medicinal purposes.

     In my own personal experience, I have conducted side by side comparisons of both the synthetic and therapeutic grade (lavandula angustifolia) and found the aroma of each to be entirely different as well as the effects on my body.  I encourage you to purchase both a synthetic and natural version of lavender and discover your own findings.  When shopping for essential oils, look for the bottle to contain the words "therapeutic grade".  I purchase mine online from the ApothecaryShoppe which is located on the campus of ACHS.

How to Use

Here are a few simple ways to diffuse lavender around the home (ACHS, 2012):

·         place 2-3 drops on the filter pad of a vacuum cleaner

·         2-3 drops on the edge of a toilet paper roll

·         2-3 drops on cotton balls- place in a drawer, closet, and cupboards

·         For a relaxing sleep, put the cotton balls in a pillowcase

·         place a few drops in either an electric diffuser or ultrasonic nebulizer and turn on prior to beginning your deep breathing exercises. Take a deep breath in and out (say haaaaaa)

·         Practice the deep breathing with and without the diffused lavender and note the difference on how your body, mind, and spirit reacts to these exercises.  Repeat these suggestions using the synthetic version as well.  Share your findings in the comments section with other readers of this blog.

 

 

 

 

 

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.

 

References

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2011). Introduction to Aromatherapy.  In Aroma 101 (Module One) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Best Practices for Quality.  In Aroma 203 (Module Eight) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Essential Oil of Lavender.  In Aroma 203 (Module One) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Wildcrafted Oils.  In Aroma 203 (Module Eight) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Essential Oils in the Home.  In Aroma 203 (Module Four) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences