Young Living Essential Oils » Purification http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com Wed, 08 Sep 2010 03:57:42 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 The Difference between Lavender and Lavandin http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/lavandin-antiseptic/ http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/lavandin-antiseptic/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:13:22 +0000 Melissa Boice http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/?p=204 For thousands of years, one of the many uses for lavender has been for purification.  In fact, the word lavender literally means “to be washed” or “to wash”.  During World War I lavender was widely used as an antiseptic.  It was also used to treat wounds and burns.  Like with many plants, there are many different species of lavender.  . . . → Read More: The Difference between Lavender and Lavandin]]> For thousands of years, one of the many uses for lavender has been for purification.  In fact, the word lavender literally means “to be washed” or “to wash”.  During World War I lavender was widely used as an antiseptic.  It was also used to treat wounds and burns.  Like with many plants, there are many different species of lavender.  Some are more suited for certain applications than others.  (Kind of like people!)  For example, three of the most common species of lavender are Lavandula angustifolia (“true lavender”), Lavandula latifolia (“spike lavender”), and lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida).  Lavandin is a hybrid plant developed by crossing true  lavender with spike lavender.  Lavender, in general, is antiseptic.   Lavandin, however, has a higher percentage of the molecule camphor which makes it a stronger antiseptic than the others. It has been used to sterilize animal cages in veterinary clinics and hospitals throughout Europe.

A side note is because of the higher level of camphor, lavandin is NOT suited for treating burns.  Frequently, lavender essential oil sold in the  United States is actually distilled from the hybrid lavandin.  The 5 – 12% camphor content in lavandin would actually irritate a burn instead of take the pain away and assisting healing as would Lavender angustifolia.  The reason why I mention this is that sometimes well intentioned people have heard that lavender is good for burns, so they get some at their local healthfood store.  When applied to the burn, it actually made  it worse.  What happened?! The lavender in the bottle was likely the hybrid lavandin!

Lavandin has its good points.  It is in a blend that I love called Purification.  This antiseptic blend is great for cleaning and deodorizing.  I have even eradicated a few pimples by using Purification on location.  I would never consider Purification for a burn.  It is also in the blend Release.  Young Living does not sell Lavandin as a single oil.   The lavender that we carry is from the Lavandula angustifolia species.

3399 Purification

Antiseptic Essential Oils:

Single Oils:  Thyme, clove, oregano, rosemary, tea tree, mountain savory, eucalyptus (all types), lavandin, cinnamon, cassia, ravensara

Blends:  Purification, Melrose, Christmas Spirit, Thieves, ImmuPower, Raven, RC

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]]> http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/lavandin-antiseptic/feed/ 0 Natural Bug Repellents http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/insect-repellents/ http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/insect-repellents/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:00:18 +0000 Melissa Boice http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/?p=1 Summertime is here!  What does that mean to you?  For me, it means spending more time outdoors, walking in the woods that surround my house, and working in the garden.  Unfortunately, along with outdoor activities come BUGS!  To me, getting chomped on by a deer fly can ruin an otherwise enjoyable evening in the garden or hike through the . . . → Read More: Natural Bug Repellents]]> Summertime is here!  What does that mean to you?  For me, it means spending more time outdoors, walking in the woods that surround my house, and working in the garden.  Unfortunately, along with outdoor activities come BUGS!  To me, getting chomped on by a deer fly can ruin an otherwise enjoyable evening in the garden or hike through the woods.   

This has happened to me a couple of times this spring.  It was a 3399-purificationbiting reminder that I need to use the tools I have.  I quickly went inside and got my oils out.  First, I put a drop of Purification on the bite to neutralize the poisons from the bug bite and relieve itching.  Then I grabbed a spray bottle, filled it with water, added 15 drops of Purification and a bit of  Lavender Conditioner as an emlusifier and shook it up.  I sprayed myself all over with it and went back to the garden.  The insects checked me out then headed the other direction! 

There are actually a lot of essential oils that will work as insect repellents.  Instead of poisoning yourself with the toxic commercially available insect repellents, make your own Bug-Be-Gone sprays.   Here are a few recipes sure to send those bugs ‘a-packin’:

  • Combine 5 drops lavender, 5 drops lemongrass, 3 drops peppermint and 1 drop thyme.  Put on feet or add to a little  spray bottle filled with water, shake well, and spray on.
  • Put 5 drops lemon and 5 drops Purification in a little spray bottle of water and mist on your skin to protect yourself against insects, flies, and mosquitoes.

Tick Bites:  Mix thyme or oregano in a 50:50 dilution (with carrier oil) and apply 1 or 2 drops over the bite area and the tick.  The phenols in these oils will usually cause them to let go to get away from the oil.  After the tick is off, treat the bite topically with a drop of tea tree, peppermint, lavender, rosemary or Thieves a couple of times a day.

Have a Happy Summer!lavender-bouquet

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