Aromatherapy – Meet The Lamiaceae Family – Part 1

Welcome to the first of a three-part series on the Lamiaceae family of plants relevant to aromatherapy.

The Lamiaceae family of plants is also known as the Labiatae family of plants. 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, mint, rosemary, true lemon balm, sage, sage, hyssop, sweet marjoram, Spanish marjoram, patchouli, spiky lavender (lavandin), and basil.

General therapeutic benefits for this family of plants include being good respiratory, uplifting, 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 used essential oils. It is gentle yet effective and is suitable for all ages, from babies to the elderly. It is also used in hospitals sometimes, one of the few essential oils out there.

Lavender is used to help relieve stress, insomnia, and relieve headaches. It is very good to help 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 essential essential oils in the first aid kit.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

It is important to have a good supplier of peppermint oil, so that you know that it is not adulterated.

Peppermint is a cooling and anti-inflammatory oil. It is said to be helpful with irritable bowel syndrome and with regulation of the ovaries.

It is very good for helping people to have a clear mind and refreshes the spirit. It can be used to help people who have mental fatigue or are unable to concentrate. Because of this, it’s excellent for oil burners in settings like offices, meeting rooms, and other areas where people need to stay alert and focused.

Peppermint is an ideal helper for all digestive problems like indigestion, colic, flatulence, stomach aches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and relief from motion sickness.

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 on 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 getting a good quality oil.

Patchouli (Pogostemon Patchouli)

Patchouli has several uses in aromatherapy: it can help with fluid retention and is also excellent for healing cracked and damaged skin, as it has regenerative properties.

It is an oil for emotional balance and may be beneficial in helping with stress related issues.

Patchouli is not irritating or toxic.

If you’re feeling down, mix some patchouli with mandarin orange and spearmint!

As always, when in doubt, it is important to consult with a qualified aromatherapist. Never diagnose yourself, that’s what your doctor is for!