Lavender (Lavendula officinalis) Location: Lavender grows wild along the Mediterranean coast but is also extensively cultivated for its fragrance in England and France. Extraction: Steam distilled from the flower. Colour and Odour: The essential oil is clear with a hint of yellow. It has a fresh, sweet, floral scent. Description: A shrub growing to about 90cm tall having narrow linear, grey-green leaves and beautiful blue-violet flowers borne on long spikes. Background: Probably introduced by the Romans to England, lavender quickly became popular for strewing, in pot-pourris and also widely used in perfumes. Lavender is the most versatile and useful essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Properties: Sedative, tonic, hypotensive, antiseptic, diuretic, balancing. Uses Urinary System-Beneficial for cystitis. Circulatory System-Can be valuable in the treatment of palpitations and high blood pressure. Respiratory System-Beneficial for treating throat infections. Can help asthma sufferers when their condition is associated with mental or emotional trauma. Nervous System-Calms and number of emotional disorders including insomnia, migraine, excitability and nervous tension. Particularly good for depression. Skin- An excellent skin rejuvenator, good for stretch marks. Lavender is also a very effective remedy for sunburn, insect bites, minor burns and stings. Skeletal System-Beneficial for general joint pain. Muscular System-Good for muscular and rheumatic aches and pains.