Obtained from a flowering plant species is an essential oil known as Lavender oil. This oil is derived from the flower spikes belonging to a plant species known as “Lavandula spica” within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is extracted using the “steam distillation” process, and consists of two forms i.e. “lavender flower oil” and “lavender spike oil”. In addition, the lavender spike oil is commonly used as a solvent in oil painting. This essential oil is also used in the manufacturing of perfumes due to its pleasant fragrance.
A. Chemical constituents of Lavender Oil:
This oil is extracted from a flowering plant belonging to the “Lavandula spica” species within the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil mainly comprises of monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, and includes organic compounds such as linalool, linalyl acetate, lavanduly acetate, terpinen-4-ol, lavandulol, 1, 8-cineole, and camphor.
B. The uses and benefits of Lavender Oil:
There are a number of benefits that one can gain by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Hypnotic:
This oil consists of a curative property and when used helps inducing sleep mainly in individuals who are “insomniacs”.
2. Analgesic:
This oil when used is also capable of relieving pain caused by conditions such as cold, sprain etc, and thereby serves as an analgesic.
3. Diuretic:
This oil also serves as a “diuretic” by enabling the flushing out waste products such as kidney stone, excess fat etc from the body by stimulating urination.
4. Digestive:
This oil also comprises of a property that helps in maintaining normal digestion by regulating the secretion of bile and gastric juices.
5. Anti-cancerous:
This oil is also said to comprise of a property that helps in suppressing the effects of cancer. However, more research on this oil needs to be done so as to confirm the existence of this property.
C. The adverse effects of the Lavender Oil:
There are a number of adverse effects that may occur on using this essential oil. They are as follows:
- The use of this oil is extremely harmful to pregnancy, hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
- The usage of this oil could lead to allergic reactions especially in those individuals who have sensitive skin.
- The excessive use of this oil could also lead to nausea, vomiting, and headache, and hence this oil must be used carefully.
