Lavender – For the Whole Self!

Lavender is great for your physical and mental well being!

What is actually in lavender?

The aroma comes from the aldehydes in lavender.  These also contribute to the soothing effects of the flower.

Lavender also is full of ester.  Esters are known to boost and balance your mood and help with depression.  They calm swelling and help lessen scarring.   They will also help calm muscle spasms!

Lavender also has ketones which are known analgesics, and they help reduce swelling and build healthy tissue.   They also make people sleepy.

Linalol kills bacteria and virus germs…and lavender has a lot of it!

Lavender (unlike many other essential oils) CAN be directly applied to the skin.  A little bit is great for sunburns!  Simply add a few drops to a spray bottle of water, and mist away!  Have a mosquito bite?  Dab a bit of lavender on it!  Remember, it has anti-itching properties!

*notes: pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions (i.e. diabetes) should not use lavender.

What specifically is lavender good for?

Lavender is great for relaxation and for calming your nerves!   Put a few drops on a small pillow at bedtime and let yourself sink into a wonderful nights sleep!  Or put a few drops in a warm bath (mix with sea salts and you’ve got one delicious spa bath!) and relax for 20 minutes.  You can even massage a drop or two into your temples gently to relieve stress and tension!

You can even use lavender to relieve PMS!   Since it is loaded with anti-inflammatories (natural anti-inflammatories) this is a beautiful addition to your stock of natural remedies!   Massage the lower part of your back and abdomen with a couple drops of lavender essential oil, or as above use in the bath.   The scent and feel of lavender will help you relax, ease tense muscles and balance the mind.

Did you know you can use lavender to help your acne, skin and even your hair?

Yes!   With a Q-Tip, dab your pimples with a bit of lavender essential oil (2x daily).   For your hair, you can add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil and the juice of one fresh lemon to a quart or so of mineral water (distilled or spring will also work well).  After washing and rinsing your hair, massage your lavender/lemon juice mixture into your hair, put it up in a towel and leave for 30 minutes.  (a great time to read a book or give yourself a facial!)  Better yet, treat yourself to a lavender facial!!!

**Great for getting rid of dandruff!

Freshen up with lavender!

Clip some fresh lavender, dry it out for a week or so by rolling it tightly in newspaper, and when dry break it up and put it into little sachets to freshen up underwear drawers, linen cabinets…anywhere that can use some lavender love!

Calm your stomach and nerves!

Use a heaping tablespoon of dried (or fresh) flowers into a pot of boiling water.  Remove from the heat and let steep 10 minutes or so.  Strain and sip.
*note again…pregnant women should NOT use lavender (nor those with serious medical conditions!  always consult your doctor when using herbs!)

Okay… so what if I don’t have time to do any of this?

If a little stress relief on the go is what you’re looking for simply pinch off a sprig of lavender, gently rub it in your fingers back and forth.  The smell will remain for a while.  Just breathe in the beauty of what lavender has to offer you!