Lavender - The Aromatic Dog
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolial Officinalis)
History and Character
An evergreen perennial herb with pale spiky leaves and violety blue flowers that rise above the main bush on slender stalks. Native to the Mediterranean but now cultivated all over the world, the best oil traditionally comes from Provence (France).
lavender has been with us as a folk remedy for a very long time and is intimately interwoven with the development of aromatherapy as it is known today. Lavender is said to have a highly synergistic nature, strengthening the actions of other oils it is blended with Energetically, lavender is cool and dry, soothing our brows in times of feverish emotions.
It stills the heart and helps over sensitive individuals express themselves freely. It is particularly useful for those whose emotions overwhelm reason, paralyzing action or inducing hysteria.
Many countries now produce good quality lavender , and it is worth having a selection as each lavender carries the energy of the land and culture producing it. For example, lavender from England is genteel, moist and very soothing. lavender from Israel is hot, dry and very fast acting. Lavender grown at a high altitude is the most energetically refined.
I call lavender Florence Nightingale, after the famous British nurse, because you an always call on it for a little light nursing or when in need of extra TLC ) tender loving care), either physically or emotionally. I have also heard it referred to mas the "Swiss army knife" of essential oils.
Principle Uses - Physical
Burns - Flea repellent - Proud flesh - Scars - Sinusitis - Stress related conditions - Swellings - To support other oils - Wounds.
Behavioral
Nervos hysteria - Shock - Shyness -
I most often use lavensr for:
All types of skin conditions, especially burns and proud flesh, especially if dogs show nervous restlessness and/or have a strong need for connection.
Extraction and Characteristics
Steam distilled from the fresh flowering tops
Fragrance: Sweet, herbaceous, floral, slighly camphoraceous
Safety & Cautions: Generally held to be non toxic, non-irritant, emmenagogic, hypotensive, sedative, tonic.
Maximum dilution: 5 drops in 5ml/1tsp. Can be used undiluted in emergency first aid.
Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag