I’ve just collected some lavender from my garden. It is by far one of my favourite plants and essential oils. It is so versatile and has many, many healing properties.
As one of the most loved aromatic herbs, lavender has been cultivated and used throughout the centuries. In ancient times, the Egyptians used it in incense and perfume and it was even used in the mummification process. The Arabs, Greeks and Romans used it as an offering to their gods. Throughout history, it has found its way into the homes of many historical figures. Queen Victoria insisted that her furniture and floors be cleaned with lavender to freshen up the rooms in her castle. Queen Elizabeth I of England enjoyed drinking lavender tea as a way to relieve her migraines and other maladies. During World War I, nurses treated injured soldiers by washing their wounds with an antiseptic wash that contained lavender
Common Uses Of Lavender
– Aromatic (a most popular fragrance)
– carminative (to relieve flatulence)
– analgesic
– antibacterial
– antiseptic
– decongestant
– nervine (to calm the nerves and reduce stress)
– expectorant
– stimulant
– cosmetic
– antispasmodic.
It has also been used to prevent some childhood infections and to soothe temper tantrums in children. The most common uses are to: treat burns (from minor to scalding), eczema, grazes, cuts, inflammation, dermatitis, coughs and colds, headaches, migraines, fainting, nausea, insomnia, bacterial infections, boils, acne, arthritis and rheumatism. As a germicidal agent, the oil is non-toxic.
Both humans and animals, when inhaling lavender, experience a sedative , relaxing effect that closely favours the calming effect of the geranium and peppermint plants. This is probably the reason why these aromatic herbs are favored for a variety of uses from treating depression and sleep disorders to treating premenstrual syndrome.
Other Uses of Lavender
-To sooth sunburns or other burns, add a few drops of essential oil to a bottle of cool water and spray on burns to offer relief.
-Use the dried flowers to make a strong tea that when cooled can be used as a scalp rinse to remedy dandruff
-Adding a few drops of essentail oil with some epsom salts to your bath will create a wonderful, soothing bath
-Make small sachets of lavender and place in your wardrobe or on your pillow
-For headaches, rub a couple of drops of essential oil onto your temples
-Lavender is great in any homemade cosmetic potions, from skin toner to body butters
Lavender truly is a wonder herb!
