“Espliego essential oil is very similar to lavender essential oil, but its small differences make it a highly effective oil for supporting our respiratory system, as well as our muscles and joints, being an effective analgesic. Additionally, it retains lavender's ability to regulate our nervous system, having more energizing effects and helping us stay concentrated and focused, making it a good alternative for use in aromatherapy.”
Espliego Essential Oil (Lavandula latifolia)
Espliego essential oil, scientifically known as Lavandula latifolia, is a variety of lavender that offers multiple therapeutic benefits. This oil is obtained through steam distillation of the plant's flowers and is characterized by its fresh, camphor-like aroma.
Therapeutic Properties
- Analgesic: Relieves muscle, joint, and headache pain.
- Expectorant: Helps dissolve and expel mucus, making it ideal for respiratory conditions.
- Antiseptic: Acts against a wide range of bacteria and pathogens, protecting the skin and body.
- Nervous System Tonic: Relaxes and balances the nervous system, useful in situations of stress or anxiety.
- Digestive Tonic: Relieves digestive problems of nervous origin, such as stomach spasms and colic.
Main Uses
- Musculoskeletal System: Treats muscle pain, lumbago, sprains, and rheumatism.
- Digestive System: Effective against stomach spasms, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, and nausea.
- Genitourinary System: Relieves dysmenorrhea, cystitis, and leukorrhea.
- Nervous System: Combats depression, headaches, hypertension, insomnia, migraines, stress, shock, and vertigo.
- Integumentary System: Treats abscesses, allergies, athlete's foot, boils, bruises, dandruff, dermatitis, earaches, eczema, inflammations, insect bites and stings, scabies, psoriasis, lice, and ringworm.
DIY Cosmetic Applications
- Relaxing Massage: Add 4 drops of Espliego, 2 drops of Mandarin, and 2 drops of Roman Chamomile to a tablespoon of Hemp or Black Cumin oil. Apply to contracted muscles.
- Respiratory Balm: Mix 30 drops of Espliego, 15 drops of Ravintsara, 10 drops of Eucalyptus radiata, and 5 drops of Frankincense with 30 ml of Coconut oil. Apply to the chest and soles of the feet three times a day.
- Foot Massage: Mix 20 drops of Espliego, 10 drops of Camphor Rosemary, 5 drops of Ylang Ylang, and 5 drops of Tea Tree oil with 30 ml of Sesame oil. Apply every night.
Uses in Diffusion
- To Breathe Better: Add 3 drops of Espliego, 3 drops of Scots Pine, and 2 drops of Eucalyptus radiata to the diffuser.
- Relaxed and Optimistic Atmosphere: Add 2 drops of Espliego, 2 drops of Lemon, and 1 drop of Jasmine Absolute to the diffuser.
Differences with Lavandula angustifolia
Espliego (Lavandula latifolia) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are two varieties of the same family, but with some notable differences:
- Chemical Composition: Espliego contains more camphor and 1,8-cineole, giving it more expectorant and analgesic properties, while lavender has more linalool and linalyl acetate, responsible for its calming and sedative properties.
- Aroma: Espliego has a stronger, more camphor-like aroma compared to lavender's soft, sweet scent.
- Therapeutic Uses: Espliego is more effective in relieving respiratory issues and muscle pain, while lavender is better for relaxation and skin care.
- Effects on the Nervous System: Lavandula angustifolia has more sedative and calming effects, ideal for insomnia and anxiety, while Espliego is more energizing and can aid concentration and focus.
Conclusion
Espliego essential oil (Lavandula latifolia) is a powerful and versatile alternative in aromatherapy and DIY cosmetics. Its analgesic, expectorant, and antiseptic properties make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from relieving muscle pain to treating respiratory conditions. While it shares many properties with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), its differences in chemical composition and aroma make it unique and complementary in its therapeutic and cosmetic uses.