Just the Essentials
Growing Lavender
The growing conditions of Lavender plants contribute to the quality and quantity of essential oil that can be extracted from them. Factors such as the harvest season, climate, humidity, ground moisture, elevation, and sun exposure can affect the quality of the finished essential oil and not all plants will thrive equally in the same environment. Lavender can be found growing in the Mediterranean region, Europe, Africa, the Canary Islands, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and India. Lavender is a flowering herb in the Lamiaceae family. Lavender grows as a perennial plant or small shrub and typically has a productive life of around ten years, with some plants living up to twenty years. Soil quality is a major factor in the cultivation of Lavender and they flourish best in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, with good drainage and full sun. The plants can be tolerant to heavy rain but require soil that can drain excess moisture quickly. High humidity and moisture trapped in the soil can lead to fungal infections and root rot. Lavender plants can thrive in high altitudes and grow well in inclined fields. Growing Lavender in higher altitudes leads to increases in the production and accumulation of terpenes, including Linalool, Linalyl Acetate. These are the compounds which contribute to the amazing benefits and recognizable aroma of Lavender Essential Oil. Gravel or crushed rocks make a great growing medium for Lavender, with a pH between six and eight being ideal. Lavender requires little to no fertilizer, but some nitrogen and phosphates are the most effective while potassium salts can easily be harmful. Lavender can be started from seed but does not seed true to the parent plant. Seeds must be kept moist and at room temperature for an extended period to ensure proper germination. Lavender seedlings and cuttings should be kept in nurseries until the plants are well established before being moved to fields. When the plants make the transition to fields, it is considered best practice to space them at least twenty inches apart with a full arm span between the rows. Lavender plants then spend the first one to three years of their life producing only a small amount of flowers before reaching maturity. The plants should still be pruned during this time to encourage growth. The flowers of the Lavender plant can vary in shape, size, and color but they all grow on long stems that are generally taller than the leafy foliage. Lavender Essential Oil is found in tiny glands on the outside and inside rings of flower petals, as well as a smaller amount in the leaves and stems. There are several developmental stages for Lavender flowers but the ideal harvesting time for Lavender Essential Oil occurs when the flowers are fully developed and in full bloom. At this stage, almost the entire flower head is open, with the flowers at the top of the stem being burst open and flowers on the lower half beginning to open up as well. Harvesting Lavender before it reaches full maturity means that the essential oil will not retain the highest potential quality. Harvesting after full maturity, when the flowers begin to shrivel on the stem, also leads to a weaker final fragrance in the essential oil. Essential oil yield from Lavender plants depends on the time of harvest as well as the maturity of the plant. Harvest season takes place generally between the end of July through August. The flowers must be removed on a moderately warm, clear day without too much wind to ensure that the esters are allowed to develop in the plant and to avoid oil evaporation. When harvested by hand, Lavender flower spikes are cut from the plant using sickles or shears. When harvested by machine, harvesters are driven through blooming Lavender fields and the stems are cut while the flowers are stored in a cart for transportation. After harvest, the cut Lavender is transported to the distillation facility and the essential oil is extracted. You may also enjoy... Distilling Lavender Lavender Species: 3 Types of Lavender Used for Making Essential Oil A Brief History of Lavender Essential Oil Lavender Essential Oil Benefits & Uses
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Clary Sage: Product Highlight
Plant Details Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to areas of the northern Mediterranean region, southern France, as well as some parts of northern Africa and central Asia. Clary Sage grows to three to four feet in height and has thick stems that are squared and covered in hairs. The plant has long leaves that reach approximately 12 inches at the base and around six inches higher on the stems. Clary Sage leaves have a wrinkled appearance and are covered with fine glandular hairs. The flowers of the plant can vary from white to pale purple to blueish purple in color and grow in loose clusters of two to six. Clary Sage blooms open widely and the petals have pointed tips. Clary Sage is a short-lived perennial and typically lives for two seasons with some plants continuing weakly for three to four years. History The name Clary Sage comes from “clarus”, a Latin word that means “cleansing” or “clarifying”. The medicinal use of Clary Sage and its essential oil have been documented as far back as the fourth century BCE in the writings of Theophrastus. It is also mentioned in the ancient writings of Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides dating to the first century CE. Throughout history, Clary Sage seeds have been used to support eye health and improve vision, leading people to sometimes refer to the plant as “clear eye” or “bright eye”. Clary Sage seeds of the plant were often used to help remove foreign objects from the eyes. The seeds have a mucilaginous coat, allowing them to stick to the object and remove it from the eye more easily. Nicholas Culpeper documented this practice in his book, Complete Herbal in 1653. Clary Sage Essential Oil was also used as an ingredient in the production of wine and beer. Elderflower-infused Clary Sage oil was added to Rhine wines in sixteenth-century Germany to make a more potent variable called Muscatel. Clary Sage Essential Oil was sometimes referred to as Muscatel Oil because of this use. The oil was used in a variety of cleansing rituals and potions and was considered a sacred plant throughout the Middle Ages. Many believed that Clary Sage Essential Oil is thought to have magical properties. During this time, it was also referred to as the “Eye of Christ” because of its prolific benefits. Clary Sage Essential Oil has also been a valuable ingredient in perfumery for many years. It was prized for its unique rich aroma for a top note and a slow evaporation rate that helps to anchor fragrance blends. Extraction Much like lavender, Clary Sage plants can thrive in high altitudes and produce more essential oil there than at lower elevations. The plants are harvested in late summer during the flowering period. When harvested by hand, the plant is cut with a sickle, ensuring to not include much of the woody stalk. This part of the plant contains little to no essential oil and it is best to distill only the tops of the plants. Clary Sage must be distilled when the plant is still fresh to prevent essential oil dissipation. Clary Sage Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant using steam distillation. The resulting essential oil is thin and clear with a sweet, earthy, herbaceous aroma. Benefits & Uses When used in aromatherapy, Clary Sage Essential Oil can help to ease stress and enhance the mood with its calming and uplifting properties. It works to improve concentration and mental stamina while also giving a boost to self-esteem. The enhanced state of awareness and mental peace, makes Clary Sage Essential Oil useful during spiritual practices such as meditation and focused prayer. The soothing and anti-inflammatory abilities of Clary Sage Essential Oil also allow it to ease the pain and tension of headaches and promote restful sleep. It can combat negative moods and emotions while also stimulating libido to produce feelings of positivity and passion. Clary Sage works to soothe coughs and respiratory issues associated with conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis when diffused and inhaled. Used topically, Clary Sage Essential Oil offers benefits for both oily and dry skin types. It helps to balance the production of oil and sebum on the skin to prevent breakouts and irritation. Clary Sage can work to soothe inflammation, redness, and rashes and can exhibit a cooling effect on the skin. It helps to strengthen skin while also tightening and toning due to its rich antioxidant content, encouraging a calm and clear complexion. Clary Sage is known to ease the pain of sore muscles. When applied to the hair and scalp, Clary Sage Essential Oil is known to stimulate hair growth while working to strengthen hair strands to prevent breakage. It also helps to regulate the production of oils on the scalp, helping to combat dry scalp and dandruff. Clary Sage Essential Oil can be beneficial when applied to minor wounds, burns, and skin irritation. It helps to prevent to growth and spread of bacteria that can lead to infection while also facilitating a quicker rate of healing. Clary Sage can be beneficial for easing muscle aches and strains, as well as joint stiffness and sprains. It works to relax muscles to reduce cramps and spasms while also stimulating circulation. Clary Sage Essential Oil can also help to regulate the menstrual cycle while reducing associated bloating, pain, and cramping. Here are some recipes using Clary Sage Essential Oil that we love... Mind Body Spirit Diffuser Blend Ingredients 3 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 3 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil 2 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil 2 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Healing Hydration Dry Scalp Scrub Ingredients 1 cup of Fine Sea Salt ¼ cup of Sweet Almond Oil ¼ cup of Vegetable Glycerine 10 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil Instructions Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir together thoroughly. Scoop into jars or another airtight container. Scrub into the scalp to eliminate dry skin and dandruff. Cleanse & Protect First Aid Spray Ingredients 4oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 3 oz of Witch Hazel Extract ½ oz of Aloe Vera Oil ½ oz of Vegetable Glycerine 20 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil Instructions Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake well to combine. Spray on minor cuts and scrapes to ease pain and facilitate quick healing. Tranquil Joy Roll-On Ingredients 10 ml Amber Glass Roll-On Bottle ⅓ oz of Sweet Almond Oil 5 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 5 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil Instructions Add essential oils to the bottle and fill the rest with Sweet Almond Oil. Replace the roller rollerball cap and gently shake to combine. Roll across the wrist and temples during times of stress and negativity. Cramp Soother Massage Oil Ingredients 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle 2 oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil 1 oz of Jojoba Oil 20 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil 5 drops of Ginger Essential Oil Instructions Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake to combine. Add a dime-size amount to your hand and gently massage into the cramping area. You may also enjoy... 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Lavender Essential Oil Benefits & Uses
Lavender is a widely loved and versatile essential oil that has been used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and many cultures’ traditional medicine practices for hundreds of years. Below we'll take a look at the benefits and uses of this beloved essential oil... Lavender Essential Oil is helpful for people suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders because of its calming, sedative properties. It has been found to improve sleep onset, quality, and duration. This means that diffusing Lavender Essential Oil can help us fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep for longer uninterrupted periods. Improved sleep quality allows our body to have a deeper, more restorative experience and wake up with an uplifted and energized mood the following day. Read more here: Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep & Insomnia The calming and soothing properties of Lavender Essential Oil maybe its most well-known benefit and make the oil useful for a variety of issues. It helps to relax the mind by relieving feelings of stress and anxiety and bringing the emotions into balance. Lavender Essential Oil helps to enhance the mood while decreasing mood swings, helping us to stay emotionally uplifted and balanced. Studies have shown that Lavender Essential Oil aromatherapy can reduce the amount of cortisol released by the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that affects how the body responds to situations that can contribute to anxiety and depression. Read more here: Lavender Essential Oil for Our Mental Health Lavender Essential Oil soothes symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism and the pain that comes along with them. The antioxidant activity of Lavender Essential Oil can contribute to its ability to accelerate wound healing. Lavender Essential Oil is known to ease headaches and help to soothe motion sickness. This powerhouse essential oil can also help improve asthma and other inflammatory respiratory issues when diffused and inhaled. Additionally, it is helpful in breaking up congestion and clearing sinuses. Read more here: Lavender Essential Oil for Physical Wellness When applied topically, Lavender Essential Oil extends its soothing reputation to the skin. Lavender Essential Oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help control acne-prone skin. It works to combat harmful bacteria, helping to clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts. Lavender Essential Oil can diminish acne scars, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation on the skin. It helps exfoliate away dead skin cells and encourages regeneration at a faster rate. Lavender Essential Oil may relieve itching and reduce symptoms of eczema and psoriasis with its powerful antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Its ability to reduce inflammation is also helpful for healing sunburns. The nourishing topical benefits of Lavender Essential Oil can do wonders for the hair as well as the skin. It increases blood circulation to the scalp which can help to encourage hair growth while simultaneously reducing fallout. The anti-inflammatory power of Lavender Essential Oil works to soothe irritation, helping to combat a dry and itchy scalp and reduce dandruff buildup. Read more here: Lavender Essential Oil for Beauty Lavender Essential Oil has a uniquely herbaceous floral aroma that has made it a common choice in perfumery for thousands of years. Conventional perfume can be expensive and we could spend a lifetime trying to find exactly the scent we're looking for. Using essential oils to make perfume is easy, requires just a few ingredients, and the fragrance combinations are virtually endless. Lavender is also an extremely unique yet versatile scent that blends well with many other essential oils and is potent enough to stand alone in fragrance uses. Read more here: Lavender Essential Oil for Perfume Making Lavender has been historically used in baths and laundry for its fragrance and it is believed that the name Lavender is derived from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash.” This association with cleaning may be the origin of why people often describe lavender's aroma with words like “clean” or “fresh”. Among its many other uses and benefits, Lavender is a superb essential oil for any natural cleaning regimen. It’s specifically ideal for those of us who prefer a light, floral scent to the more medicinal aroma that accompanies other well-known cleaning essential oils, such as Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. Lavender Essential Oil contains very similar properties to these more conventional cleaning oils. It is antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and its antiviral possibilities are currently being researched. Read more here: Cleaning with Lavender Essential Oil Read more about Lavender... Diffusing Lavender Essential Oil Lavender Essential Oil for Kids Lavender Essential Oil for Soap Making Lavender Species: 3 Types of Lavender Used for Making Essential Oil Distilling Lavender
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A Brief History of Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil is extracted from the flowers of a perennial evergreen plant that has been utilized for its countless benefits and uses for over 2500 years. Lavender can be found growing in the Mediterranean region, Europe, Africa, the Canary Islands, the Middle East, and India where it thrives in dry, rocky, and sandy terrain. The word Lavender is believed to come from the Latin word “lavare,” which means “to wash,” as it has been used for cleansing purposes throughout history. Ancient Romans used Lavender to scent their baths, laundry, and bodies while also making some early discoveries about the plant's medicinal properties. Ancient Greeks referred to Lavender as “nardus”, after the city of Naarda in Syria which was commonly called “Nard” at the time. Egyptians used Lavender for its scent during the mummification process as well as an ingredient in perfumery. Dioscorides, the Greek physician serving the Roman army, wrote that Lavender could help to relieve indigestion, sore throats, headaches, and clean wounds. John Parkinson, an English herbalist, wrote that Lavender was useful for pains of the head and brain in the 1500s. Charles VI of France was said to insist his pillows always contain Lavender to help improve the quality of his sleep. Around the turn of the 20th century, Lavender was largely wild harvested from the hills in the north of the Mediterranean region, and the essential oil was distilled in small, mobile direct-fire stills. By the 1910s experimental Lavender farms began to appear in Southern France, but most Lavender used for essential oil distillation was still harvested from wild plants in the hills. This small-scale production of essential oil, harvested mostly from wildflowers and supplemented by small planted fields, remained the standard through the 1920s. A sharp decline in wild Lavender affected Southern France at the start of the 1930s, leading to a much lower yield in the region. The industry continued to survive on limited very limited wild harvest and struggling small plantations through the 1930s, reaching its lowest point at the start of WWII. René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist during the 1930s, is said to have burned his hand in his laboratory and used Lavender essential oil to help treat the burn. He was so impressed by the quick healing process that he included Lavender in his book, Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales. Following the Second World War, more successful Lavender cultivation operations began to appear in the traditional growing regions of Europe. Improvements in planting and cultivation knowledge made yield from these new plantations more reliable while advances in quality testing and chemical analyses placed greater emphasis on consistent practices and large-scale distillation. You may also enjoy... Distilling Lavender Lavender Essential Oil Benefits & Uses Lavender Species: 3 Types of Lavender Used for Making Essential Oil Growing Lavender
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Lavender vs. Lavandin: What's the difference?
Lavender may be the single most popular essential oil and is likely one of the first oils we add to our collection when we start to learn about aromatherapy. Lavender becomes a favorite and most used essential oil for many because of its versatility, unique and pleasing aroma, and its powerful calming properties. Like many other essential oils, there are many varieties in the lavender family, each with different properties that make them suited for different uses. There are actually over 40 different species of lavender in the genus Lavandula, but only a few of these species are used for essential oil production. One of these species, known as Lavandin, is a hybrid species that has some differences from the non-hybrid lavender that may be more familiar to us. To highlight the differences between Lavender and Lavandin, we will focus on the most popular Lavender variety used for essential oils, True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Lavandin (Lavandula hybrida) is a hybrid species of lavender resulting from the cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, species we know as True Lavender and Spike Lavender. Lavandin plants were a naturally formed hybrid that came from insects carrying pollen from higher altitudes, where True Lavender grows, to the lower altitudes, where Spike Lavender is typically grown. When the unique benefits of this cross were discovered, the cultivation of Lavandin became commercialized. Being a hybrid means that Lavandin has characteristics that come from both of the species that make it. The plant itself typically has longer stems than True Lavender, reaching over 24 inches. It also has a more spike-shaped flower head with grayish purple buds. While the aroma of Lavandin is similarly sweet and floral to that of True Lavender, it has a more intense camphorous and herbaceous quality. This scent makes Lavandin useful in aromatherapeutic and fragrance applications but its flavor doesn’t work as well in culinary uses. Lavandin Essential Oil is known to have a more stimulating effect when used in aromatherapy, rather than the sedative quality found in Lavender Essential Oil. It is generally more suited to fragrance applications and is popular in soap making, cleaning products, and air fresheners. True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is arguably the most popular of the Lavender species that are commonly used for essential oil production. This species is native to Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy, Croatia, and France. It is sometimes called High Altitude Lavender because of the locations in which it is cultivated. The altitude at which Lavender plants are grown can affect the percentage of esters it contains. Linalyl acetate and other esters help contribute to the soothing properties of True Lavender Essential Oil. True Lavender has stems that reach around 24 inches long with flowers that range from pinkish to dark blue-purple in color. This species of Lavender, both plant and essential oil, can be used for flavoring and it is especially popular in pastries and desserts. When used in aromatherapy, True Lavender Essential Oil can help calm and balance emotions while decreasing anxiety and stress. It can also work to soothe coughs and respiratory distress as well as ease the pain of headaches. The calming properties of True Lavender Essential Oil extend to topical application. It can help relieve dry and itching skin while reducing inflammation and encouraging quick healing. The aroma of True Lavender is highly regarded in perfumery, soap, and body care products. Time to Unwind Diffuser Blend Ingredients 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 3 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil 2 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Calming Relief Foaming Bath Salts Ingredients 2 oz of Unscented Liquid Castile Soap 1/2 oz of Jojoba Oil 2 cups of Course Mineral Sea Salt 1 cup of Epsom Salt 30 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 20 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 20 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil Instructions Add coarse sea salt and Epsom salt to a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Add castile soap, jojoba oil, and essential oils to a small bowl and stir together until well combined. Add liquid mixture to salts and stir thoroughly until the mixture is fully incorporated and the salt seems to be evenly coated. Scoop into airtight containers for storage. Directions Add about ½ cup to a warm bath and stir to dissolve. Stimulate the Mind Diffuser Blend Ingredients 4 drops of Lavandin Essential Oil 2 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil 2 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil 2 drops of Sweet Basil Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Renew and Refresh Deodorizing Room Spray Ingredients 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 2 oz of High Percentage Alcohol 2 oz of Distilled Water 20 drops of Lavandin Essential Oil 20 drops of Lemon Essential Oil 20 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil Instructions Add essential oils and alcohol to the 4 oz glass bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle up with distilled water. Attach the spray top and shake until all the ingredients are well combined. Spray on soft surfaces in the home to deodorize and refresh the scent. You may also enjoy... 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Sore Muscle Massage Bar
Nothing helps relieve tight, aching muscles at the end of the day like a relaxing massage. This simple massage bar uses a few powerful ingredients to provide relief while maintaining a luxurious spa feel. Cocoa butter, shea butter, and jojoba oil combine to make a firm bar that melts on contact with the skin. This helps eliminate friction and make for a smooth massage experience. Make sure to store your bars in individual containers and in a cool place to avoid melting. The adzuki beans act as pressure points on the surface of the bar, like fingertips massaging your muscles. Sore Ease blend brings together an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving combination of essential oils that help your tired muscles and joints relax. Ingredients 8 ounces Cocoa Butter 2 ounces Shea Butter 1 ounce Jojoba Oil 3 ounces Dried Adzuki Beans 5 milliliters Sore Ease Essential Oil Blend Supplies Heat Safe Bowl Pot or Double Boiler Spoon or Rubber Spatula Heat Safe Multicavity Mold Instructions Add a single layer of dried adzuki beans to each cavity of your mold and set aside. Add 8 ounces of cocoa butter and 2 ounces of shea butter to a heat safe bowl. Place the bowl on top of a pot with a few inches of water in it. Bring the water to a boil and gently melt the butters, stirring occasionally. Remove the bowl from heat and stir in 1 ounce of jojoba oil and 5 milliliters of Sore Ease essential oil blend. Pour the mixture over the adzuki beans in the mold and very gently tap on your work surface to release any air bubbles. Allow to cool completely before removing from molds. Store in individual tins or containers.
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