Lavender: Healing and De-stressing...

Lavender has been used for centuries in various ways from calming a person's anxiety to helping someone fall asleep to soothe skin ailments etc. The fragrance of lavender is very popular and this gentle herb is also very powerful.

Healing properties of  Lavender:

As an essential oil it can lift one's mood and ease stress away just by smelling the fragrance. Used in a massage oil it helps relax muscles and eases tension. Lavender also has strong antiseptic properties that can help heal acne or sunburns.

It's a perfect scent to use in the bathroom as a means to relax your mind and muscles after a hard day's work along with it's good for your hair and skin.

History of Lavender:

• Lavender was a scared scent to Celtics during the month of the Willow Moon (04/15-05/13). Picking lavender during the full moon enhanced the mystical powers.
• The Romans burned lavender over hots coals to surround a new mother and child with the scent of compassion.
• The ancient Greeks dedicated lavender to Hecate, their goddess of witches, sorcerers and enchantment.
• Springs of lavender were worn by monks in medieval times to banish evil spirits.

What is Used from lavender?
The leaves, flowers and the seeds of lavender have a sweet scent with woodsy undertones however, the oil is extracted from the flower. The powerful aroma of lavender comes from the aldehydes it contains.

Active Ingredients of lavender in most essential oils:

Alcohol- lavender oil has about 50 percent of alcohol linalol. Linalol helps to kill bacteria and viruses. It also helps to heal burns, wounds and sores.

Ketones- compound that helps relieve pain, build new skin tissue, and reduces inflammation. This is also the component that helps with sleep. Please note this compound can be toxic and should be avoid especially those that are diabetic, epileptic and pregnant women.

Esters- compound helps with swelling and soreness, prevents muscle spasms, fights fungal infections and helps with preventing scarring. This component helps with mood and can help with depression.

Using Lavender:

Lavender Massage Blend-

• carrier base (grapeseed oil) 30 ml
• lavender essential oil 10 drop ratio

**Please check items being used because they could already be diluted

Pulse Point Blend-

• carrier base (almond oil) 20 ml
• lavender essential oil 5 drop ratio

Room Fragrance Blend-
3 drops of lavender essential oil added to water in a vaporizer bowl to gently create the fragrance needed in any room.

Ways to use it for sleep:

• Warm bath with a few drops of lavender essential oils
• Dab on pulse points such as temple and wrists (undiluted rubbed at temples is great for headaches!)
• Drop lavender oil on your sheets or place a small bag of flowers under the pillow to help with sleep.

Ways to use for skin and hair:

• For dandruff- use a few drops during final hair rinse or a few drops in your hair brush
• Minor cuts, burns, bites, strains and bruises- add a few drops of lavender to a bowl of water, soak a cloth and press over affected area.
• Spots and Pimples- dab them morning and night with lavender oil.
• Dull and oily hair- make an after rinse shampoo with a jug of mineral water, a few drops of  lavender oil  along with lemon juice. Leave in for about 30 minutes.

Lavender oil can be used to heal and de-stress especially now during such a stressful time!

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Liability…
And, of course, here’s the standard disclaimer:

The statements expressed herein pertaining to foods and herbs have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This website and related services are not intended to give medical advice, make diagnoses, or hinder you from seeking care from a licensed medical professional. Any of the resources suggested by the owner of this site are for information purposes only, publicly available to anyone, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You are encouraged to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes in diet or lifestyle. The information given by the owner of this site is not intended to replace the services or instructions of a physician, therapist or qualified healthcare provider. It is the individual’s responsibility to evaluate and choose service providers that they believe will satisfy their requirements and provide care that will meet their needs