Ancient Romans added lavender to their bath water to induce a calming and relaxing effect (lavender comes from the Latin word “lavare”, which means “to wash”). Over the years, this herb continued to gain popularity for treating a whole range of ailments, from muscle pain and headaches to depression and irritability, not to mention general sleep disorders. Lavender was also popular in the Victorian age – people often carried handkerchiefs perfumed with the scent to calm anxiety.
Lavender has a clean, powerful, floral, powdery, and pleasing aroma. It is pale yellow in color. It is the most versatile and adulterated of all essential oils. Therapeutic-grade lavender is calming, sedative, a muscular relaxant, anti-inflammatory, a powerful tonic for the entire system.
It is highly regarded for use in skin conditions such as acne, to soothe burns and scalds. Lavender has been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. Inhaled, it can ease depression, nervous tension and just relax the tensions – physically and emotionally.
There have been many research studies on lavender. In a study conducted at the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, adults exposed to lavender showed increased beta power, suggesting increased relaxation. The subjects in this study performed math computations faster and with fewer errors and experienced less depression.
Lavender is balancing and is useful for a multitude of ailments. It is considered the universal oil and is good for all skin types. It helps the body regenerate new skin cells and minimizes scarring, an excellent oil for sunburns and other types of burns, useful in healing acne and eczema, good for hair and scalp. This oil is very good for headaches, especially PMS headaches, as well as sharp aches and pains. Use it to calm the nervous system, lower high blood pressure, calms palpitations, is balancing to the central nervous system.
Use lavender oil on hyperactive children and dogs to calm them. This oil clears the spirit while gently soothing it, relieving anger, exhaustion and stress, and is very useful for manic-depressives in balancing the ups and downs.
Lavender brings energy of peace to all the chakras of the body, as well as opening the heart and crown chakra. It encourages feelings of patience and security. It balances the heart chakra system.
Precautions: None, use small doses on children and dogs or cats.
1. Rub lavender oil on the bottoms of the feet for a calming effect on the body.
2. Rubbing a drop of lavender oil on the palms and smoothed on the bedtime pillow may aid sleep.
3. A drop of lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite may soothe itching, stinging and discomfort.
4. 2-3 drops of lavender oil may soothe a minor burn.
5. Add a few drops of lavender oil to chilled water in a spray bottle and spritz the skin for a soothing, cooling, fragrant pick-me-up.
6. Mixing several drops of lavender oil with V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex, almond or jojoba oil and applied topically may be soothing to skin irritations.
7. Placing a drop of lavender oil on the end of the tongue, around the naval, or behind the ears may help to alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
8. A drop of lavender oil on C-5 vertebra can relieve hiccups.
9. Rubbing lavender oil that has been blended into V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex, jojoba or almond oil on dry or chapped skin may bring relief.
10. Rubbing lavender oil that has been blended into V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex, jojoba or almond oil on chapped or sunburned lips may relieve the discomfort.
11. Massaging lavender oil around the area of scar tissue may help in reducing and/or minimizing the appearance the scar.
12. Rubbing 2 – 4 drops of lavender oil on the armpit area may act as a deodorant.
13. Rubbing a drop of lavender oil between your palms and inhaling deeply may help in alleviating the discomfort of airborne pollen and/or dust.
14. Rubbing several drops of lavender oil into the scalp may help with dry scalp and flaking.
15. A few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball placed in the linen closet will scent the linens and may help repel moths and insects.
16. A drop of lavender oil in a water fountain will scent the air and may help sanitize and prolong the time between cleanings.
17. A few drops of lavender oil on a wet cloth tossed into the dryer, can deodorize and freshen the laundry.
18. Diffusing lavender oil may support the body’s natural defenses against air borne sensitivities to the skin and immune system.
19. Spraying several drops of lavender oil mixed with distilled water on sunburn can help soothe it.
20. Dropping lavender oil on a cut may help clean the wound, sanitize and soothe it.
21. Applying 2-3 drops of lavender oil combined with vitamin E oil to a rash may help and soothe the skin.
Tamara Boswell Petrucci is a licensed esthetician, certified Reiki practitioner, reflexologist and aromatherapist. Her practice is in north Orange County, CA. Her website is http://www.TamarasSkinCare.com Tamara publishes her blog at http://www.TamarasSkinCare.blogspot.com More information on her essential oil products can be found at http://www.YoungLiving.com/TamaraSkinCare
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