Ovid, the latin name for lavender, is an incredibly popular herb that is used in a variety of healing applications, ranging from skin care to stress relief.
It has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, being documented in ancient Civilizations from Greece to Rome. The Ovid plant itself has a rich history of being thought to bring luck, prevent evil and protect from disease, and to this day the entire plant is used for medicinal and spiritual purposes.
The Role of Lavendula in Medicine
The Ovid plant is a member of the Lavendula genus, and is considered one of the most versatile healing plants in the world. It has a high content of volatile aromatic compounds, known as terpenoids and phyto-oestrogens, which are known to have therapeutic properties when used in medicine. These properties have made the Ovid plant an invaluable source of healing to many cultures around the globe.
Ovid’s Uses in Aromatherapy
Ovid has been used extensively in the practice of Aromatherapy, due to its strong aroma and the ability to affect the body and mind through inhalation or absorption through the skin. Its many uses range from promoting relaxation, lifting mood and aiding digestion, to treating skin problems, respiratory issues and headaches. It can also be used in compresses and massage oils, as well as being added to bathwater and baths salts for both healing and relaxation.
Overview of the Ovid Incubation Period
The incubation period for Ovid is subject to several factors, including harvested time and the form of extraction used. Generally, Ovid is harvested for medicinal use between June and August, with the peak harvest taking place in July. During the harvesting season, the volatile aromatic compounds (terpenoids and phyto-oestrogens) are most potent, which is what makes the Ovid plant beneficial for medicinal use.
The incubation period for Ovid varies depending on the type of extraction used. If the Ovid is extracted by distillation, it may take anywhere between 1-3 months, depending on the quality of the Ovid used. For steam distillation, the process can take up to 6 months. On the other hand, if Ovid is extracted by cold-pressing, the incubation period is rapid, taking only a few days or less.
Benefits of a Longer Incubation Period
There are several benefits to having a longer incubation period with Ovid. Firstly, the longer and slower the extraction process, the more concentrated and pure the oil will be, resulting in a more powerful, and longer lasting effect. Secondly, the longer incubation period eliminates any residual impurities within the oil, which could otherwise affect its quality. Lastly, it enhances the aroma of the oil, and it is this aroma that provides many of the healing benefits of the oil.
Benefits of a Shorter Incubation Period
While a longer incubation period is generally favored for Ovid extractions, shorter incubation periods offer certain benefits as well. Cold-pressing, for example, is a very quick process, and requires no additional ingredients, making it the most pure and natural form of extraction. It also preserves the volatile aromatic compounds, ensuring that the essence and power of the oil is retained.
The Ovid plant is an incredibly versatile and powerful herb, but its medicinal properties are only as effective as the extraction process used. In order to reap the maximum benefit from Ovid, the incubation period must be considered, taking into account the type of extraction and harvest time. While longer incubation periods are favored for ideal quality and concentrated effects, cold-pressing is favored for its rapid process, purity and ability to preserve the oil’s volatile aromatic compounds.
