Aromatherapy is the practice of using aromatic compounds, extracted from plants, to improve physical and psychological wellbeing and to make you feel better in your body and mind. People have been doing this for a long time to help them feel good. It's been used for centuries as a holistic healing modality, and modern research continues to uncover its many benefits. When it comes to sleep and relaxation, certain scents have been found to be particularly effective in promoting a sense of calm and peace.
Studies on Essential Oils*
Essential oils are natural extracts from plants that have fascinated civilisations for centuries, including ancient cultures like Egypt, Greece, Persia, and China. Today, these aromatic treasures continue to be valued in various fields, from traditional medicines to cosmetics and perfumes.
In recent years, researchers have delved into the therapeutic effects of essential oils on the nervous system. Through extensive study and analysis of numerous research papers published between 2012 and 2022, it has become evident that these oils possess a wide range of beneficial properties.
Studies have shown that essential oils show diverse biological activities, including neuroprotective effect. Furthermore, essential oils have been found to have positive impacts on stress, anxiety, pain, cognitive function, and autonomic nervous system responses.
Some essential oils even show potential benefits in promoting neural growth and modifying neurotransmitter receptor levels. Neurotransmitter receptors are specialised proteins found on the surface of nerve cells that bind to neurotransmitter molecules. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between those cells, allowing for communication within the nervous system. When a neurotransmitter binds to its corresponding receptor, it triggers a series of biochemical events that can either excite or inhibit the receiving neuron, influencing its activity. This process is fundamental to various physiological functions, including cognition, emotion, movement, and sensation.
Additionally, research has explored the physiological and pathophysiological effects of essential oils. Physiological outcomes include improvements in cognitive performance and emotional wellbeing, while pathophysiological conditions such as pain, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, and mental fatigue have also been investigated.
* The study is taken from the National Library of Medicine.
A Positive Effect of Lavender Essential Oil
A majority of the study shows a positive effect of essential oils on sleep. Lavender is the most frequently studied essential oil. It was linked to better sleep quality even before insomnia or other sleep issues occurred. Lavender grows in many places, but England, France and Italy are famous for growing it. They each have their own special things about how Lavender grows.
English Lavender
In England, Lavender cultivation dates back centuries, with the English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) variety being the most commonly grown. English Lavender thrives in the country's temperate climate, particularly in the southern counties of Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire, where the soil is well-drained and alkaline.
English Lavender is prised for its sweet and delicate fragrance, with flowers ranging in hues from pale lilac to deep purple. The oil extracted from English Lavender is renowned for its high quality and therapeutic properties, making it sought after in aromatherapy and perfumery.
English Lavender is also valued for its ornamental appeal, often grown in cottage gardens and formal landscapes. Lavender fields in England, such as those found in the Cotswolds or Kent, attract visitors from around the world during the summer months when the plants are in full bloom, painting the landscape with shades of purple.
French Lavender
France is another prominent producer of Lavender, particularly in the Provence region, where Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia varieties are cultivated. The dry, sunny climate and well-drained limestone soils of Provence create ideal growing conditions for Lavender.
French Lavender is characterised by its robust aroma and vibrant colour, with fields of purple stretching across the picturesque landscape of Provence. The Lavender harvested in this region is highly known for its superior fragrance and flavour, making it a staple in French cuisine and perfumery.
Provence Lavender is often used in the production of essential oils, hydrosols, and dried flower arrangements. The Lavender distilleries scattered throughout the region offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the traditional distillation process, the history and cultural significance of Lavender in Provence.
Italian Lavender
Italian Lavender, cultivated primarily in regions such as Tuscany and Sicily, has a unique twist on this beautiful flower. Lavender grown in the Mediterranean climate of Italy, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The well-drained, alkaline soils of regions like Tuscany provide ideal growing conditions for Lavender, allowing the plants to flourish and produce high-quality blooms. It holds cultural significance in Italy, where it has been cultivated for centuries for its fragrance, culinary uses, and therapeutic properties in home fragrances.
How We Make Our Lavender Candles
At LIZA VETA, we take pride in making candles that not only make your space feel. fresh but also improve your wellbeing. Our Lavender Candles are a testament to our commitment to quality and care.
- This choice of French Lavender: At the heart of our Lavender candles lies the essence of French Lavender. We carefully source our Lavender from the renowned fields of France. Why French Lavender, you may ask? It's simple – French Lavender is known for its superior fragrance and sleep properties.
- Infusion of Lavender Oil: To maximise the wellbeing and sleep benefits of our Lavender candles, we go the extra mile by infusing each candle with pure Lavender oil. We don't skimp on quality – each candle contains not just one, but two small bottles of Lavender oil. This ensures that the soothing aroma of Lavender permeates your space, creating an atmosphere of calm and relaxation that promotes restful sleep and overall wellbeing.
- Design Inspired by Serenity: Our commitment to quality extends beyond the ingredients we use – it's also reflected in the design of our Lavender Candles. Each candle is carefully encased in a pink matte glass vessel, inspired by the serene hues of a Lavender field at dusk. The soft, muted tones of the glass complement the gentle fragrance of Lavender, creating a visual and olfactory experience that soothes the senses and adds a touch of elegance to your space.
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