COMMON NAME: Lavender, Bulgarian

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lavandula augustifolia, L. officinalis

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mediterranean

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Bulgaria

HISTORY INFORMATION: Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years either in the form of the essential oil or as the fresh or dried flowers. Lavender bags were used to repel insects. Romans used it as an antiseptic to bathe their wounds. The town of Mitchum in England used to be very famous for its lavender (once prized in Elizabethan England), but now most of England's lavender is grown in Norfolk. Moroccan's use it to flavor their food. Lavender is probably most famous for its ability to calm and relax. Lavender is considered the most versatile essence especially for therapeutic use, and it is considered a universal blending agent.

GENERAL INFORMATION: A little more spicier than other Lavenders. Bulgarian lavender is a good medium between the pricy lavenders and the lower priced lavenders. It is a good comprise if you are looking for an over all good lavender.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An evergreen woody shrub growing to 3 feet high with green, narrow, linear leaves producing violet-blue flowers.

PARTS PROCESSED: Flowering plant

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled

COLOR RANGE: Clear to light yellow.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Alcohol/Ester. Esters are not as high as the Highland Lavender

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrizant, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. Used for abscesses, acne, allergies, athlete's foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammation, insect bites, insect repellent, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, sunburns, wounds, lumbago, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, halitosis, throat infections, abdominal cramps, colic, flatulence, flu, depression, headache, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension and shock.

MENTAL USES: I am at peace with myself and my world. No matter what happens I know I can survive. I will be alright.

EMOTIONAL USES: Anxious, stressed, tense, tired TO relaxed, peaceful, contented, loving

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate you have been under some major deadlines and afraid that you would not make it. Stress has been very difficult. You have doubted yourself and found you were short tempered and difficult for others to be around. Time to relax. If you still feel under the pressure of deadlines, take this moment off and let yourself just relax. There has been much too much negativity around you and you need to let go of what you have absorbed. Time to speak kind words to yourself. You are doing fine. Lavender is a powerful oil, so only use within a sacred space as negative forms may be released with use. A sacred space is created by intention. Be clear about what you want to happen - this is your intention. Then secure your boundaries by declaring you want only that which is for the best and highest good for all involved. Call forth the energies, Christ, your angels, guides, higher self, etc. to be present. Ask them to come and be with you and support the healing. Declare your appreciation and gratitude for their presence. Light a candle. When you feel the space is ready, begin your work with the oils.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, OK in pregnancy, do not use with preparations containing iodine or iron.