A study out of South Africa looked at the interaction between different essential oils to determine the validity of the combination of the oils in the treatment of ailments, especially Lavandula angustifolia. Essential oils, which form part of naturopathic therapy, are widely known for their antimicrobial properties. They have been found to be beneficial in the fields of dermatology, gastritis, respiratory complaints, wound healing and genital infections. Of all the essential oils used commercially, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most popular.
The researchers evaluated Lavender with 45 other oils to understand the possible interactive properties using a GC-MS with a flame ionization detector. When assayed in one to one ratios with other oils, lavender oil ended up being synergistic (26.7 percent), additive (48.9 percent), non-interactive (23.7 percent) and antagonistic (0.7 percent). In the one to one ratios, 75.6 percent were identified as either synergistic or additive giving credibility to the use of essential oil blends in aroma-therapeutic practices.
For more information, read the full study.
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/852049/
