Lavender
Profile
| Latin Name | Lavandula angustifolia |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Lamiaceae/Labiatae |
| Note | Top-Middle (there is a range because there are many varieties of lavender, and some are more top note, and some are more middle note) |
| Aroma | <Soft> Floral, Sweet |
| Color | Clear (dark green if absolute) |
| Parts Distilled | Flowers |
| Regions | England, France, Russia, Spain |
| Taste | Spicy, Sweet |
| Nature | Cooling |
| Affinity | LU, LR, PC (the strongest affinity is with the LR) |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Esters (~40-55%), linalool (~25-50%) |
| Skin Type | All |
| Dosage | 15-20% dilution |
Also produced as an absolute (see About Absolutes).
TCM Categories
Functions
- Release Wind Heat, chills & fever, sinus infections, sore throat
- Promotes the smooth flow of Liver qi, headaches, muscle spasms and tightness, dysmenorrhea, scanty menses
- Soothes the liver
- Calms the shen, palpitations, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, high blood pressure (for pillows)
- Diffuses Lung qi, chest tightness, relaxes the chest
- If the symptoms come from cold, lavender can make them worse
Indications
- Liver Qi Stagnation (LR-14, LR-3, GB-34, PC-6)
- Liver & Heart Fire (LR-2, PC-6, PC-8, CV-17, LR-14, LI-11)
Topical Applications
- Apply direct for insect bites, minor burns, sun-damaged skin
- Reduces scarring (with Calophyllum, Lemon, Frankincense, Everlast),
- Diffuse for its calming effect or place on pillows.
Specific Protocols
- Apply 8% dilution of Lavender (50%), Melissa (10%), Ylang Ylang (20%), and German Chamomile (20%) to Liver/Gall Bladder Luo Channels.
- Apply 6% dilution of Lavender (40%), Rosemary (30%), and Peppermint (30%) to yang sinew channels.
- Apply 6% dilution of Lavender (40%), Rosemary (20%), Nutmeg (20%), and Birch (20%) to Liver/Gall Bladder Divergent Channels (especially hip Bi obstruction).
Actions
- Analgesic
- Nervine
- Anti-spasmodic
- Hypotensive insect repellent
Contraindications & Cautions
- None
- Caution when bleeding (tends to be an anti-coagulant)
- Caution with children due to estrogens
Notes
- Tends to dominate a blend
- Can be aggravating - with its affinity for both the LU and LR, some people find it irritating rather than soothing
- Promotes peristalsis
- Releases heat
Additional Comments
- Over 30 types of Lavender oil are traded commercially (many blending Lavender with Lavandin and/or Spike Lavender).
- Lavender can normalize blood sugar levels.
From Class
- Celery seed + lavender: Oil that resonates with LV-14 Qimen; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)
- Lavender, rose, geranium (floral essences): Said to help move the spirit on. (Lewis)
- Rose, lavender, geranium for washing the body: Warm water with rose-petal essence or floral oils for ritually cleansing the body, helping the spirit move on. (Lewis)