Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

The lavender plant has been used for thousands of years. It’s Latin root, lavare, means to wash. In fact, lavender was passed down through the centuries as a cleansing agent and disinfectant against demons as evil as the plague.

Born on spikes of beautiful purple flowers, the fragrance of lavender is soothing yet stimulating all at once. The fragrant essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. Essential oils are a component of aromatic plants and some believe are the very essence of plants. Lavender essential oil is the most versatile and useful of all plant essences.

Healing Properties

Lavender’s many properties include: antidepressant, stimulant, sedative, analgesic (pain reliever), antispasmodic, antiseptic, cicatrisant (promotes healing of tissue), deodorant, nervine (promotes health of nervous system), insecticide, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), and tonic.

Simple To Use

All of these wonderful properties can be easily obtained by using the essential oil of lavender. For skin irritation such as rashes, insect bites, cuts, sores, acne and burns - apply a drop or two directly to the skin or add a 5 to 8 drops to your bath. (Use cool water for burns.) Add a few drops to lotion, massage oil or bathes for muscle aches and pains, whether due to overuse, injury or illness. Excellent for headaches, stress, and insomnia - add to bath water; massage into temples; place a few drops on your pillow before retiring or in a diffuser; or simply inhale the fragrance. One of my favorite ways to enjoy lavender is to put a few drops on my hairbrush before brushing my hair. Not only is it relaxing and rejuvenating… it is also a great hair conditioner.

Lavender Is For Kids Too!

Here are some ideas for using this gentle, calming herb with wee ones.

Do you use lavender? What is your favorite way to enjoy it's bountiful, healing effects?

There are only two essential oils that are safe to put directly on the skin - lavender and tea tree. Please use caution, if you have sensitive skin, place one small drop of oil in an indiscriminant place, wait for 24 hours, if no rash appears use the oil as above. Lavender essential oil should never be taken internally. Keep tightly capped and store in a dark cool place.

Shared On: Natural Living Monday