Lavender Oil by Julia Lawless

Copyright
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    Thorsons
    An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
    77–85 Fulham Palace Road,
    Hammersmith, London W6 8JB
    www.harpercollins.co.uk
    First published in Great Britain by Thorsons 1994
    © Julia Lawless 1994 and 2001
    Julia Lawless asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work
    A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
    While the authors of this work have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this book is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publication, medical and pharmaceutical knowledge is constantly changing and the application of it to particular circumstances depends on many factors. Therefore it is recommended that readers always consult a qualified medical specialist for individual advice. This book should not be used as an alternative to seeking specialist medical advice, which should be sought before any action is taken. The author and publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors and omissions that may be found in the text, or any actions that may be taken by a reader as a result of any reliance on the information contained in the text, which is taken entirely at the reader’s own risk.
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    Source ISBN 9780007110711
    Ebook Edition © AUGUST 2014 ISBN: 9780008105785
    Version: 2014–08–27

Dedication
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    Dedicated to
    NATASHA

Introduction
                                   Oh how happy I am not to be one of those ornamental flowers that decorate the border! I’m not at risk of falling into uncouth hands and am sheltered from frivolous discourse.
                                        Unlike my sisters, the plants, nature makes me grow far from streams, and I don’t like cultivated gardens or land.
                                        I am wild. Far from society, my sojourn is spent in deserts and solitude, for I don’t like mixing with the crowd!
                                        … Free, I am free!
    ‘The Song of Lavender’ ( ‘La Chante de la Lavande’ ) 1
    The unique character or personality of lavender is evident from the words of this song, taken from A Thousand and One Nights . Originally a native of the Mediterranean region, growing at altitudes of up to 1,800 metres (nearly 6,000 feet) in the mountains of southern France, this beautiful yet tough and resilient plant has been cherished by all cultures alike, not only for its fine fragrance but also its valuable medicinal properties. It is one of the few herbs that has never gone out of fashion, for it has enjoyed widespread use from the earliest times to the present day. Lavender has always been a favourite!
    Lavenders make up a small group or genus ( lavendula ) containing about 30 different species within the botanical family Labiatae . Several varieties of lavender are used medicinally, but the most valuable is the common or ‘true’ lavender L. angustifolia , also known as L. officinalis and L. vera . This hardy, evergreen shrub which grows to a height of about 1 m (3½ ft)