Essential Research        
There are many articles and scientific studies that have been conducted and results published throughout the world.  The study of organics, botanicals and essential oils used to treat illness and disease is an international effort.  Read what we've uncovered so far. 

Shea Butter

 

Lavender

 

What IS natural soap?

 

Tea Tree Oil

Essential Oils

Chemicals used in 'regular' soap

Essential oil of Lavender 
Lavandula angustifolia 
Synonyms: True lavender, Common lavender 

Lavender is used in many natural and organic products.  Organic Soap and Spa has a few dozen products available on our site, and that doesn't include the new Create-A-Product lines which allow you to make any combination of essential oil bar soaps, shower gels and body butters.  Why is lavender so popular?  And what makes is so special?  We hope to answer some of those questions in the articles which follow. 
 
A woody, evergreen shrub with pointed, narrow leaves and purple flowers. L. angustifolia has no side shoots on the main stem. True lavender grown at higher altitudes has a different chemistry than that grown at lower altitudes, and tends to be more calming. 

There are many varieties of lavender, with varying therapeutic properties. True lavender is not to be confused with spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). The chemistry and properties of spike lavender are quite distinct from true lavender. Spike lavender is a stimulant, with a camphorous scent. There is a third lavender, called lavendin (Lavandula intermedia), with four varieties that are useful in clinical aromatherapy. 

Key Benefits 

  • Promotes calmness: is helpful for insomnia, nervous tension, PM

  • Reduces inflammation, fights infection, promotes skin healing

    Particularly effective for a wide variety of skin complaints, such as eczema, psoriasis, mild burns, acne, insect bites and stings, and ringworm.

  • Lavender's broad range of actions will help clean a wound, reduce pain and inflammation, and support healthy tissue growth simultaneously 

  • Reduces pain: for muscular pains, rheumatism, headaches. Spike lavender is often used for general tension headaches, along with peppermint

    True lavender may relieve muscle spasms A recent study showed that true lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) inhibited muscle spasms for both smooth and skeletal muscle of rodents. In particular, uterine and intestinal muscle was tested, along with skeletal muscle. (From Lis-Balchin, M, et. al. 1999. Phytotherapy Research, 13(6):540-2). This may support what many women have experienced, that true lavender helps reduce the discomfort of menstrual cramping. 

  • May support immune function: some research shows that lavender oil increases the white blood cell count, so it may be useful in any immune-compromised state. 

    Methods of use 
    Inhalation 
    Topical application 
     

    Contraindications 
    None  

    References 
    1. Tisserand R: Essential oils as psychotherapeutic agents. In: Van Toller S, Dodd GH, eds.: Perfumery: The Psychology and Biology of Fragrance. New York, NY: Chapman and Hall, 1988, pp 167-80. 
       
    2. Gattefosse RM: Gattefosse's Aromatherapy. Essex, England:CW Daniel, 1993. 
       
    3. Valnet J: The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines & Their Healing Properties. Rochester, NY: Healing Arts Press, 1990. 
       
    4. Dryden MS, Dailly S, Crouch M: A randomized, controlled trial of tea tree topical preparations versus a standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization. J Hosp Infect 56 (4): 283-6, 2004.  "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15066738&dopt=Abstract"> [PUBMED Abstract]
       
    5. Hartman D, Coetzee JC: Two US practitioners' experience of using essential oils for wound care. J Wound Care 11 (8): 317-20, 2002.