Lavender Aspic essential oil: properties and uses
Recipe summary
What are the properties of lavender aspic essential oil ?
Spike lavender essential oil is a must-have in your first-aid kit for the summer months: it's a real magician! Thanks to its soothing, antipruritic and extremely healing properties, it relieves all stings (insects, jellyfish, plants etc.), burns and superficial sunburns. Its multi-purpose anti-infectious action (antibacterial, antiviral, antimycotic, anti-parasitic) and its ability to thin respiratory mucus mean it can be used to treat a wide range of infections and repel parasites (mites, lice, etc.). So you can fight ENT infections (ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, coughs, etc.) and skin infections (acne, herpes labialis, shingles, eczema, rashes). Its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties will help you to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with skin infections; pain associated with headaches, muscular contractures and rheumatism affecting joints. Its tonic and nerve-balancing properties will be a great help in the face of physical and nervous fatigue.
- Anti-infectious: fights microbial infections that cause disease.
- Antipruritic: relieves and eliminates itchy skin.
- Antibacterial: prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Antiviral: prevents the development of bacteria.
- Antimycotic: used to treat infections caused by certain microscopic fungi or yeasts, including mycoses.
- Anti-mite / anti-parasite: helps eliminate mites and parasites.
- Anti-inflammatory: reduces or eliminates symptoms associated with inflammation.
- Analgesic: reduces or eliminates pain without treating the cause.
How to use lavender aspic essential oil?
Spike lavender can be used undiluted as a local application directly on a small area of skin. For repeated application, over a larger area, on children over 7 years of age or on sensitive skin, lavender aspic essential oil should always be diluted in vegetable oil. For use in the bath, use it diluted in a neutral base specifically formulated for the bath or shower, your shower gel, or in plant milk such as soya or almond milk.)
Oral use is reserved for children over the age of 15 and should be used with caution due to the presence of camphor.
- Skin application, massage
- Bath, shower, shampoo
- Oral use
This essential oil is rich in linalool, a potential allergen. If you have an allergic condition, it is advisable to carry out a skin test before using it.
To do this, place 2 drops in the crook of your elbow, wait 12 hours and then repeat the test to check that there is no reaction.
In the event of a reaction (skin suddenly burning, reddening, stinging or itching), rinse the painful area with a neutral vegetable oil (jojoba, sunflower, olive, etc.) and then with clean water.
This S.O.S gesture dilutes the essential oil and immediately soothes the pain. If no vegetable oil is available, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
For whom is lavender aspic contraindicated?
Lavender aspic essential oil should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women, as it contains eucalyptol and camphor, and may cause convulsions in the foetus. It should not be used by children under the age of 7, or by people allergic to essential oils or any of their components (geranial, geraniol, limonene, linalool, neral). Spike lavender essential oil is also not recommended for people with asthma without the advice of an allergist when using it for the first time, for people with epilepsy or a history of convulsive disorders, or in the case of heart problems (hypertension, arrhythmia, etc.). For people suffering from chronic pathologies or undergoing medical treatment, consult a health specialist.
Can true lavender be sibstituted for lavender aspic?
Be careful, you can't replace one essential oil with another, even if their names are similar. True lavender and spike lavender may have certain virtues and indications in common and others that are radically different, just like thymol thyme and linalool thyme, ravensara and ravintsara... For example, spike lavender is used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while true lavender is relaxing and healing.
For example, Spike lavender is used to dissolve and thin mucus in cases of oily coughs and bronchitis, whereas True lavender is not.
The difference between these two species of lavender lies in their composition. Although they both contain linalool, lavender aspic contains eucalyptol (1.8 cineole) and camphor, whereas true lavender contains virtually none.
Their properties differ because of their composition, although both are equally effective for skin problems, muscle contractions, lice or for soothing and disinfecting wounds. True lavender is particularly useful for relaxing the body and mind, notably to relieve insomnia, anxiety, irritability, mood disorders and various stress-related symptoms. While spike lavender will be your outdoor essential for relieving the inflammation and itching associated with insect bites and stings. The scent is also a characteristic of each lavender, true lavender being better known and used for its milder odour.
How can lavender aspic essential oil be used to treat fungal infections of the nails or skin?
Its antifungal properties make this essential oil an invaluable aid in the treatment of fungi and yeasts that cause mycosis. Used in synergy with other essential oils, lavender aspic is highly effective in treating dermatophyte (mycotic) infections of the nails and skin. However, we recommend that you do not use lavender aspic on a mucous membrane without the advice of a health specialist.
Advanced fungal infection with nail deformity |
Mix 10 drops of clove essential oil with 40 drops of spike lavender essential oil, 20 drops of palmarosa essential oil and 30 ml of collodion and apply to the nail with a small brush until healed.
It is necessary to file the affected nail regularly to remove the previous layer of nail varnish and allow the active ingredients to penetrate properly with each application, as the collodion leaves a film that forms a small dressing on the nail. |
Skin fungus |
Massage a mixture of 2 drops of spike lavender essential oil and 2 drops of St John's wort vegetable oil directly into the painful area using your fingertips. Repeat as often as necessary. |
Athlete's foot |
After washing and drying your feet thoroughly, apply a few drops of pure lavender aspic essential oil to the interdigital spaces (the space between two toes), twice a day, for at least 3 weeks. |
Fungal dermatitis |
This skin infection causes itching and scaling that can only be identified in a laboratory. It is therefore necessary to consult a specialist before using any essential oils to complement the treatment. |
How to relieve itching naturally (mosquito bites, eczema, etc.)?
Lavender aspic essential oil is highly effective against itching thanks to its antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, healing and regenerating properties. An antipruritic is a substance designed to calm or even eliminate pruritus. In other words, an itchy sensation in the skin. There can be many causes of itching, including insect bites or stings, contact with plants, parasites (lice), scalp irritation or skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, etc.). Applying lavender aspic pure or diluted with other oils will calm itching and soothe the skin. Its antiseptic action also disinfects the area that has been bitten or stung by an insect, preventing any infection.
Pure application:
Insect bites and stings - Itching |
Apply 3 to 4 drops of lavender aspic essential oil 3 to 4 times a day to soothe itching and disinfect the area. |
Eczema |
Apply 2 drops of pure lavender aspic essential oil two or three times a day directly to the irritated skin. |
Dilutre application:
Insect bites and stings - Itching |
Dilute 1 drop of essential oil with 3 drops of calendula or sweet almond vegetable oil to soothe itching and disinfect the area.
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Itching - hives - insect, jellyfish and plant stings |
Mix 3 drops of spike lavender or true lavender essential oil and 1 drop of peppermint essential oil with 8 drops of St John's wort vegetable oil. Apply a little of this mixture to each bite, 3 to 4 times a day, for up to 8 days to soothe the itching and disinfect the area. Do not expose your skin to the sun after application. |
Itchy scalp |
Dry scalp: mix 1 drop of lavandin super, true lavender or spike lavender essential oil with a small amount of vegetable coconut oil. Apply every evening to the itchy or flaky area. |
To relieve your dog's itching (flea bite allergy, etc.)
For large dogs only!
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In 30 ml of vegetable oil (macadamia or sweet almond, for example), dilute 15 drops of citronella essential oil and 10 drops of spike lavender essential oil. Apply to the affected area, 2 times a day, massaging well to ensure penetration. |
How can I relieve superficial burns naturally?
Superficial burns, generally of the 1st degree, are characterised by red, dry and painful skin, with no blistering or tearing. It often causes a slight itching of nervous origin, which disappears in a few days. The soothing, healing, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties of spike lavender make this essential oil your best ally for actively calming the pain and itching of minor burns.
Light facial burns |
Dilute 10 drops of spike lavender essential oil in a bottle of rose hip vegetable oil. For the face, use only 5 drops of essential oil for 30ml of vegetable oil and it is important to avoid the area around the eyes. |
Superficial burns |
Apply 3 to 6 drops of pure lavender aspic essential oil to the skin, 3 or 4 times a day, on the affected area. If the burn has just occurred, repeat the application every 15 seconds for 2 minutes, then every 15 minutes for 2 hours. In the case of burns over a large area, dilute the drops of essential oil in the equivalent amount of vegetable oil, i.e. 5 drops of lavender aspic for 5 drops of St John's wort vegetable oil. |
How to soothe the pain of a sunburn quickly?
Beware of sunburn! As you know, the sun and our skin don't mix. Even though the sun activates melanin and gives your skin a beautiful tan, it can also cause a number of problems. Exposure to the sun can accelerate skin ageing (wrinkles, brown spots), cause allergies, burn the skin and, in the most serious cases, cause cancer. We can't stress this enough: applying sun protection is essential.
But once the damage has been done, lavender aspic essential oil comes to the rescue! Its soothing and healing properties will help calm the flames of your sunburn. We advise you to apply sun protection regularly and, of course, pack this essential oil in your suitcase for your next sunny getaway.
Pure application:
From the age of 15, you can apply 2 to 3 drops of pure essential oil of lavender aspic to the sunburn. However, if you have sensitive skin or wish to use its virtues on a child aged 7 or over, it is advisable to dilute it. Mix the essential oil with an after-sun cream or aloe vera gel, as pure application can be irritating on an acute phenomenon.
Diluted application:
Sunburn |
Mix 20 drops of lavender essential oil, 10 drops of rosemary essential oil and 1 teaspoon of St John's wort vegetable oil in a 30 ml opaque glass bottle and top up with hemp vegetable oil.
Apply a few drops of the mixture to the affected areas morning, noon and evening after a shower and before bedtime, until the skin has completely healed. Do not expose the treated area to the sun after application. Keep the bottle out of the sun and away from heat. |
After-sun care |
Mix 10 drops of spike lavender essential oil with 30ml of apricot kernel vegetable oil in a bottle and massage this mixture into the face and body. For the face, avoid the eye area. |
Heat stroke - Insolation |
Put a few drops of pure essential oil of lavender aspic on the forehead and apply a tissue or glove that has been soaked in cold water. |
How to soothe a toothache?
The colloquial term "toothache" perfectly describes the violence of this dental pain caused by deep decay affecting the dental nerve or an abscess in the gums. Spike lavender essential oil can temporarily relieve the pain, but a dentist should be consulted as a matter of urgency.
Mix 2 drops of spike lavender essential oil with 2 drops of St John's wort vegetable oil and, using the tip of your finger, massage directly into the painful area and nearby gums. Repeat as often as necessary.
How can spike lavender be used to treat sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, generally due to an allergy or infection, causing pain, sensitivity, nasal congestion and headaches. Sinusitis is said to be chronic when it lasts for more than 90 days (e.g. pollen allergies, etc.).
Lavender aspic essential oil can help with chronic sinusitis.
Pour 1 drop of tea tree essential oil and 1 drop of lavender aspic essential oil onto a neutral tablet and take 3 times a day.
How to relieve an ear infection using lavender aspic essential oil?
Often recurring, otitis can damage the hearing system if it is not treated quickly. That's why, as soon as the first more or less acute pain appears inside the ear, you can take action against inflammation and boost immunity by using lavender aspic essential oil. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties will help you treat otitis and reduce the risk of complications!
Apply 2 to 3 drops of pure lavender aspic essential oil around the ear (never in the ear canal), 3 times a da
Winter ailments: ear infections, colds, bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, strep throat, etc.
Discover other recipes for relieving and treating an ear infection naturally in our advice on winter ailments.
How can you reduce joint and muscle pain (osteoarthritis, aches...)?
Spike lavender is highly effective when applied to the skin for rheumatism and muscular pain, thanks to its analgesic, active anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. In a massage or bath, it will soothe aches and pains associated with osteoarthritis.
Diluted application:
Osteoarthritis |
Dilute 5 drops of spike lavender essential oil in 10 drops of calophylla or arnica vegetable oil and massage 3 times a day for 12 days.
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Aches |
Treating bath |
Warning: This article is intended as a guide only and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
For any therapeutic use, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Refer carefully to the contraindications and precautions for use for each essential oil. If in doubt, consult a health professional.
Sources: Extracts from the books "Aromatherapia, tout sur les huiles essentielles" and "HUILES ESSENTIELLES, HUILES VÉGÉTALES & HYDROLATS : Mes indispensables", by Isabelle Pacchioni, published by Editions Aroma Thera.