Welcome to the first in a three-part series on the aromatherapy-relevant Lamiaceae plant family.
The Lamiaceae plant family is also known as the Labiatae plant family. It is the largest of all the plant families and includes many of the known herbs. Plants are known for their strong scents, and in aromatherapy some of the best known and most loved oils come from this family.
Plants include: lavender, peppermint, rosemary, true lemon balm, clary sage, sage, hyssop, sweet marjoram, Spanish marjoram, patchouli, spiky lavender (Lavendin), and basil.
The general therapeutic benefits of this family of plants include being good respiratory, stimulating, balancing, antiseptic, and antiviral oils.
Three of the essential oils of this botanical family are:
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
Lavender would be one of the most widely used essential oils. It is gentle but effective and is suitable for all ages, from babies to the elderly. It is also used in hospitals at times, one of the few essential oils that is.
Lavender is used to help relieve stress, insomnia, and relieve headaches. It is very good for helping with colds, coughs, flu, sinusitis, and other respiratory ailments due to its antiseptic properties.
With stress relief, lavender works on both physical and emotional stress.
Due to its versatility, lavender would be one of the must-have essential oils for the first aid kit.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
It is important to have a good peppermint oil supplier so you know that it is not adulterated.
Peppermint is a cooling and anti-inflammatory oil. It is said to be helpful for irritable bowel syndrome and to regulate the ovaries.
It is very good for helping people to be clear-headed and refreshes the spirit. It can be used to help people who are mentally fatigued or unable to concentrate. Because of this, it is excellent for oil burners in environments such as offices, meeting rooms, and other areas where people need to be alert and focused.
Peppermint is an ideal helper for all digestive problems such as indigestion, colic, flatulence, stomach aches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and relief from dizziness.
It is also used in ointments to help relieve muscle aches, bruises, bruises, joint pain, and insect bites.
Because peppermint is a very strong oil, it should not be used by very young children. It should also be used in small amounts due to its potency.
There are no known contraindications for the complete oil. That is why it is important to know that you are obtaining a good quality oil.
Patchouli (Pogostemon Patchouli)
Patchouli has several uses in aromatherapy: it can help with fluid retention and is also great for healing cracked and broken skin as it has regenerative properties.
It is an oil for emotional balance and can be beneficial in helping with stress-related problems.
Patchouli is not irritating or toxic.
If you’re feeling bad, mix some patchouli with mandarin orange and peppermint!
As always, if you have any questions, it is important to consult with a qualified aromatherapist. Never diagnose yourself – that’s what your doctor is for!