You must have heard that lavender and especially its essential oil helps with burns. You may have even read about a French perfumer named R. M. Gattefossé, and how he saved his burnt hands with lavender oil. But how was it really?! Read the true story of lavender oil from 1910.
Explosion in the perfumery laboratory
At the beginning of the 20 century, an explosion occurred in the laboratory of the French chemist and perfumer René-Maurice Gattefossé. The famous chemist was covered in flammable substances. Human instinct commanded him clearly – it is necessary to extinguish immediately. He immediately started rolling on the lawn and dipped both hands in lavender essential oil, which stopped the so-called “tissue gassing” or gas gangrene. This disease ends in 20% to 25% death! Especially during the 1. World War II, when this disease was very common, affected soldiers’ limbs were, in the best case, amputated, and in the worst case, the men’s lives could not be saved.
Rinse with lavender essence
According to Gattefossé himself, his hands began to visibly heal on the second day: “ External application of a small amount of essence quickly stops the spread of gangrenous ulcers. In my personal experience, after an explosion in the laboratory, I was covered in burning substances, which I extinguished by rolling on the grass lawn, both of our hands were covered in rapidly developing gas gangrene. Just one rinse with lavender essence (lavender essential oil) stopped the “tissue gassing”. This treatment was followed by profuse sweating, and the next day healing began.” (July 1910) taken from a professional article by R. Tisserand : Gattefossé’s burn, 22/04/2011
Lavender oil without myths
The above-mentioned French chemist wrote his story in the famous and first aromatherapy book “Aromathérapie” from 1937. As R. Tisserand writes in his article: “His application of lavender oil was clearly an intentional act. The result impressed him greatly and may have saved his life. It was a special moment for him and for aromatherapy.” Over the years, this story has been retold and adapted by others. Although it has been mythologized, the fact remains that lavender essential oil is among the best oils for treating burns! In addition, it reduces pain and its aroma reduces stress, panic and nervousness.
How to use lavender oil at home
Can lavender essential oil be used at home?! Of course yes! We will show you a simple recipe how to do it. Prepare healing oil with us for minor “burn” accidents at home. We will need the following essential oils:
5 drops lavender (treats burns, relieves pain and reduces stress)
2 drops of chamomile (accelerates healing and reduces inflammation)
2 drops of immortelle (regenerates and accelerates the formation of new tissue, acts against inflammation)
2 drops of geranium (helps heal burns and reduce scars)
up to 30 ml of rosehip oil (100% cold-pressed rosehip oil also helps regenerate tissues, smoothes scars and supports collagen production)
Mix and apply to the affected area for quick relief and regeneration. This healing oil is a great helper and a “must have” in the home herbal first aid kit. Then store it in the fridge and keep it handy in case of minor accidents in the kitchen.
Are you interested in other information about lavender? Read more articles from our lavender section here on the blog .
This blog post does not replace a professional medical consultation. Essential oils and hydrosols in our e-shop are not sold as medicines. The article has a popular-educational purpose.
Sources:
KG STILES – Essential Oils Complete Guide, 2019.
Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young – Essential Oil Safety, 2014.
