{"id":6451,"date":"2014-11-04T11:09:24","date_gmt":"2014-11-04T10:09:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/amazingy.com\/magazine\/?p=6451"},"modified":"2016-01-19T18:17:58","modified_gmt":"2016-01-19T17:17:58","slug":"much-more-than-an-insect-repellant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amazingy.com\/magazine\/much-more-than-an-insect-repellant\/","title":{"rendered":"Lavender: much more than just an insect repellant"},"content":{"rendered":"

November at Amazingy is all about the health benefits of different plants and herbs. With fall on its way out and winter approaching, we\u2019d like to introduce you to some of the lesser known spices and herbs that aren\u2019t just great in the kitchen, but can also be incorporated into your beauty routine. After all, true beauty comes from the inside out!<\/em><\/p>\n[row]\n[column size=”1\/2″] \"Spice<\/a>\u00a0[\/column]\n[column size=”1\/2″]\n

Lavender tends to reminds some us of our grandmother\u2019s closet. There are, however, many healing effects lurking behind that nostalgic scent. Lavender oil is not only powerful in aromatherapy, but can also be used in many different beneficial ways to enhance your health and your beauty regiment. What\u2019s more, the pretty lavender flower is a charming addition to any kitchen.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) is a relatively common shrub, particularly in the South of France. With its silver-haired branches and spike-like inflorescences, the lavender plants flowers exude a wonderfully fresh, herbal scent. Those who have been to the Provence or have travelled through Tuscany may have even wandered through one of the many lavender fields found there.<\/p>\n

Essence de Lavande<\/h2>\n

Lavender oil is the essential oil<\/a> obtained from the lavender flowers, which is usually extracted by steam distillation. Olive oil is often used as a carrier oil in which the lavender flowers are soaked. However, there are clear differences in the quality of lavender being cultivated, depending on whether it’s wild lavender or if it originates from artisanal or industrial manufacturing.<\/p>\n[\/column]\n[\/row]\n

The following varieties<\/a> and qualities are distinguished:<\/p>\n

Apart from Lavandula Angustifolia (which is considered to be the true lavender), Lavandula Latifolia (Spanish Spike\u00a0lavender<\/a>) and Lavandula Hybrida (also known as Lavandin<\/a> lavender or hybrid lavender) are also used for the production of lavender oil.\u00a0The so-called lavender oil Barr\u00eame (with a 52 percent ester content) and lavender oil Mont Blanc (with about a 40 percent ester content) are considered to be of the highest quality.\u00a0When the essential oil is distilled out of of the hybrid lavender the result is lavandin oil (lavandin oil Abrialis or lavandin oil Grosso respectively). This variety is not quite as potent, and, consequently, a bit less sleep-inducing.<\/p>\n

The main ingredient in lavender oil is linalyl acetate – the esterified form of linalool.\u00a0Esters are, generally speaking, alcohol – acid compounds. Here, the percentage refers to the amount of aromatic compounds: The higher ester content, the higher the content of linalyl acetate, and, thus, the higher quality of the oil.\u00a0When purchasing lavender oil, it\u2019s definitely worth taking a look at the label to specifically check for the amount of lavender essence used in the product.\u00a0Nowadays, lavender essential oil is used primarily as a fragrance. However, there is a reason that lavender oil was named the medicinal plant of 2008. In the pharmaceutical field, lavender has long been used as a botanical remedy to sooth restlessness and mild cases of insomnia.<\/p>\n

DIY LAVENDER OIL<\/h2>\n

It is relatively easy to produce lavender oil yourself. You only need two ingredients and a sealed container:<\/p>\n