Aromatherapy René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term 'aromatherapy' in his 1936 book of that title, but the use of essential oils in healing can be traced back to the 1st century AD and the invention of distillation. Bathing Add 3 drops of lavender oil and 3 of mandarin oil to your evening bath, to help you unwind from the cares of the day. Colognes With a fragrance loved by all ages, lavender is extensively used in colognes and cosmetics around the world. Jean-Marie Farina made the original cologne in the 18th century. He lived in Cologne, Germany, at 4711 Glockengasse.

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Extraction
Lavender is extensively cultivated for essential oil extraction in France, Bulgaria, the Ukraine and other countries. Lavender concretes, absolutes and CO2 extracts are also produced.

France
The sweetest-smelling lavender oil comes from France; this oil has a greater calming effect than oils from Eastern Europe, which may however be more antiseptic.

Gattefossé
In 1910 Gattefossé applied some lavender oil to a burn on his hand, and the rapid healing inspired him to further study aromatherapy. Contrary to popular myth and Wikipedia, this was an intentional act, not a 'lucky accident'.

Harvest
Lavender is cut for distillation in the summer, when the plant is in full flower and the essential oil is at its peak. Both the flowers and most of the stalk are taken, and various types of mechanical harvesters are used.

Inexpensive
With its versatile properties and uses, lavender oil is one of the most economic of all essential oils.

Jitteriness
When you are feeling querulous, exasperated, restive, tetchy, irritable, irascible, peevish, petulant or piqued, lavender oil will help restore peace and tranquillity.

Knowledge
Understanding the benefits of the plant, lavender oil/water was used to kill lice and nits in Europe in the 17th century, and to treat snake and dog bites.

Lavare
Lavender was used by the ancient Romans and Greeks to scent their bath water, and the name derives from the Latin lavare, meaning 'to wash'.

Massage
Add 4 drops of lavender oil, 6 of rosewood-tomar and 4 of mandarin to 30mls (six teaspoons) of sweet almond oil…. use for deeply relaxing body massage.

Night The calming and relaxing properties of lavender oil help promote a peaceful night's sleep. Add 10 drops to your evening bath or to your favourite vaporiser before retiring. Odour Lavender has a light, clean and refreshing scent, with a sweet, herbaceous and floral aroma. Wild lavender plants have more genetic diversity than cultivated ones, but cultivation is helpful for consistency of odour and composition. Popular In every country, lavender oil is the most popular aromatherapy oil of all time.

Quality
For maximum benefit, use only quality lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) that comes from a reputed supplier. Cheap or poor quality lavender oils may be blended with lavandin oil, which has a much coarser odour, and is a hybrid of lavender and spike lavender.

Restorative
Lavender oil has a restorative effect on the skin and senses, making it an ideal oil for facial massage. Add 2 drops of lavender oil, 1 drop of chamomile and 3 of frankincense to 25mls (5 teapsoons) of peach kernel oil and massage gently over the face nightly, to rejuvenate all skin types.

Sensitive
Lavender is a mild oil that is gentle enough to be used by adults and children alike.

Tea-tree
Add 10 drops of lavender oil and 10 of tea-tree per 20mls (4 teaspoons) of warm water and use as an antiseptic kitchen surface cleaner.

Ukraine
More lavender oil is produced here than any other country. It has a slightly more medicinal odour than French lavender.

Violet blue flowers
Lavender comes from an evergreen woody shrub, up to 1 metre tall, with distinctive violet blue flowers and unsurpassed fragrance.

Water
Add 6 drops of lavender oil, 2 of geranium and 4 of grapefruit to 50mls (10 teaspoons) of distilled water, shake well and spritz over body for a burst of refreshment.

X-factor
Calming, soothing, refreshing and cooling, lavender oil truly has the X-factor!

Yield
Unlike rose, for example, that yields very little oil (0.015%), and is therefore expensive; lavender is prolific and affordable, with an essential oil yield of up to 1%.

Zing
Add 4 drops of lavender oil, 4 of bergamot and 4 of grapefruit to your favourite vaporiser, to deliver a zingy, refreshing and deodorising fragrance.