1,2,3..........breathe (Boots Botanics Lavender Essential Oil)

Member Name: doncasteryb

Product:	Boots Botanics Lavender Essential Oil
Date:	01/11/09 (105 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Versatile in its use

Disadvantages: Expensive, especially at Boots

At the moment I have, what I have termed "a night cold". I am fighting fit in the day and can operate as normal without any cold like symptoms, then, (possibly coinciding with the moon) I begin sneezing and my nose has been leaking to the degree that i've considered calling out a plumber! What's that about?? So, after suffering like this the past few days, I have relented, and gone to Boots in search of something I know will give me relief when I need it but also not make me doped up (hence not making a Doctor's appointment). I found this miracle oil at Boots for £6.79 for 20ml. Which seemed abit exorbitant, but as I am suffering, i decided to buy it rather than search out a cheaper alternative. At the moment they have a 3 for 2 across all vitamins, complimentary medicines and herbal products, which is why I combined this with Eucalyptus and Peppermint oil, so I suppose it might kind of workout, moneywise.

In its original form this is a flowering plant which is distinctive in colour and smell. Like all essential oils, this is not a pure compound and is mixed with Linalyl acetate (30-60%), linaloal, geranial, caryophyllene, lavandulylacetate, cineol, nerol, cumarin, and fat aldehydes. Whilst researching this amazing product, I have found out how its properties came to be discovered - in 1910 Rene Maurice Gattefosse was in his laboratory, and as is possible in such an environment, he happened to burn his hand. The closest substance to him was undiluted lavender oil, which he promptly applied to his burnt hand. He found that this not only helped ease the pain, but also healed it without leaving scars or infecting the wound!

The glass of the bottle's of essential oils is always dark - this is to filter out the suns ultra-violet light. In terms of storage, regardless of the colour of the bottle, it should be stored away from direct sunlight.

Known as a universal oil, it has balancing properties which make it versatile in its use. It has a calming effect which in turn may help to relieve anxiety and make you more relaxed. In the past I have used the oil prior to tests/interviews and found that it makes me feel more chilled and calmer. As i thought about writing this review, I thought i'd look into other uses and was pleasantly surprised by its day to day uses.

It has anti-inflammatory properties (as mentioned earlier in its origin)which mean that it can be used to treat minor skin burns (traditionally it is used in Iran, for this particular purpose). A drop or 2 of neat lavender directly onto the area to promote the healing and renewal of new skin is advised. I must emphasise at this point that lavender and Tea Tree are the only oils that can be applied neat to the skin - others should be mixed with a carrier oil (such as Jojoba oil). It can be used to treat head lice - not that I can vouch for this, but 5-10 drops can be diluted to rinse your hair with, or alternatively, a couple of drops applied to a fine comb can eradicate the nits. It can also be added to your bath - several drops to a bathful of water can aid a restful nights sleep and ease symptoms of stress and anxiety.

It has long been used in the production of perfumes for its distinctive, sweet floral aroma. ISSEY MIYAKE, Eternity by Calvin Klein and Jean Paul Gaultier's Le Male are just some fragrances available that use lavender. An idea for a credit crunch approved Christmas present is to make your own lavender based perfume, for further information on how to do this, please use http://www.ehow.com/how_2122940_make-lavender-perf ume.html. A personalised, unique present, that I'm sure would be appreciated.

In the kitchen the flower can be used (not the essential oil) in its original form, to flavour the likes of cakes, scones and marshmallows (don't ask me how that works, just thought it was strangely intriguing). With your bedding, a few drops to a clean sheet of cotton added to your tumble dryer will aid relaxation.

I poured a few drops onto my pillow about 10-15 minutes before I would have gone to bed. Initially the smell was slightly overpowering - maybe i'd used too much, but, trial and error, I would use less the next night, depending on the results. Before long, I had drifted of, and found that last night was the best night's sleep in a long time - I had no bouts of sneezing, and there were no leaky episodes! I think i'm onto a winner here!

Summary: Excellent aid for relaxation & has many household uses