Friday, October 21, 2011

Beijing Lavender Garden: The Most Hot Tourist Destination In This Hot Summer

love

If you have no chance to get to Provence of France, the “Zihaixiangdi Art garden” in Miyun, Beijing is a good alternative.

Lavender

The viewing time of the lavender flowers is longer than that of Provence, lasting from May to November.

Romance

However, in July and August the purple flowers are at their most beautiful.

Over 200 species of precious vanilla flowers are planted in the art garden, including 20 species of lavender flowers.

relaxing

The mixed aroma attracts visitors to the gate of the garden. But lavender catches the eye as well as arresting the other senses. Thousands of square kilometers of purple flowers waving in the wind, sending forth a waft of their sweet fragrance.

beautiful house

It could be the most romantic thing, to see an endless purple blanket blooming in front of you.
European garden

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The Natural Muscle Relaxant: Lavender

If there is a specific cause for muscle pain such as Arthritis or disc problems, there are also a number of specific remedies that can help deal with these ailments. But for pain relief, most people seek prescription pharmaceutical medication, which can have bad side effects and can even cause allergies, aside from the fact that it can be damaging to our bodies. If one is looking for a muscle pain relief but is worried about drug interactions and its adverse effects, then they may consider using natural muscle relaxants.

For general muscle relaxation, a massage using two teaspoons of almond or olive oil mixed with 3 drops each of essential oils of lavender, a natural muscle relaxant can help bring relief. lavender is as old as humankind. Already in use by different civilizations for more than 2,500 years, this beautifully-scented herb has been used in the following ways such as perfume, disinfectant, deodorant, aphrodisiac, and insect repellent.

Lavender, the bushy perennial with the refreshing and delightful scent, has a long history of medicinal uses. It is calming and has an uplifting influence. Warm lavender tea applied as a compress can relieve a headache. In the bath water, lavender oil relaxes one, and gets rid of tension, thereby making one feel better.

Lavender was also used in ancient times to tame lions and tigers. Perhaps the ancient people intuitively knew what researchers are finding out about lavender. Researchers have proven that it calms anxiety and provides natural stress relief. lavender has also a long list of medicinal properties, making it a natural health superstar. These days, lavender is enjoying renewed popularity as an alternative natural muscle relaxant.
lavender was also used in earlier days as a condiment and for flavoring dishes to comfort the stomach. It has aromatic, carminative, and nervine properties. Though largely used in perfumery, it is now not much employed internally, except as a flavoring agent, occurring occasionally in pharmacy to cover disagreeable odors in ointments and other compounds.

Red lavender lozenges are employed both as a mild stimulant. More than just lozenges, the red lavender product is also a favorite after-dinner treat because of its pleasant taste. The essential oil, or the spirit of lavender made from it, proves admirably restorative and tonic against faintness, palpitations of a nervous sort, weak giddiness, spasms, and colic. It is agreeable to the taste and smell, provokes appetite, raises the spirits and dispels flatulence. The dose is from 1 to 4 drops on sugar or in a spoonful or two of milk.

A few drops of the essence of lavender in a hot foot bath is often prescribed as a means of effectively relieving fatigue. If applied outwardly, it relieves toothache, neuralgia, sprains, and rheumatism. In hysteria, palsy and similar disorders of debility and lack of nerve power, lavender will act as a powerful stimulant.

Before you reach for over the counter drugs for your next muscle relaxant, why not do what ancient Egyptians did and look to nature first. After all, if lavender could tame tigers, imagine what it could do for Monday mornings at the office? Definitely, lavender, is the ultimate natural muscle relaxant.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Why Lavender Lavatory Accessories Are Thus Relaxing

During this highly worrying and quick paced planet that we tend to live in nowadays, it is absolutely essential to have a peaceful haven of harmony and relaxation. The toilet, being a room that we have a tendency to all use each single day, is a perfect place to strive and produce an atmosphere of calm. As a result of of the strain of the surface world, and the soothing, relaxing result of hot water and hot bathing, many individuals these days use the bathroom for a ton a lot of than simply its primary function. Typically folks return home stressed and with apprehension, and use the bathroom to unwind.

Lavender rest room accessories are perfect for this reason.

Whilst electing the possible type and style of the decorations to use in the toilet, you would like to require due care and consideration in defining exactly what your likeslikes are. All of the members of the family must clearly feel snug in the environment that prevail. Build positive that you take the time to determine exactly that amount in history you would like the décor to be from. Any seller of bathroom accessories can want to show a healthy alternative of wares if they're to survive in the fashionable competitive world. Both historic styles from previous eras and modern designs from today can be featured.

The one factor that you need to be especially aware of when selecting how to brighten and furnish your toilet is to form certain you get the main, huge purchases right. This can be not solely because of the intense expense concerned in creating a slip-up at this stage, however also as a result of of the work concerned in physically making the changes. With items of a smaller size, and,price, there's nearly the identical worry. It is never wise, however, to throw cash away, thus a little bit of careful thought given at this stage however makes sense. If you think that that lavender bathroom accessories are for you, then make positive you think that it through first.

Lavender lavatory accessories are readily accessible in searching malls, and on the internet. These are mainly things of a lesser nature, like a soap dispenser, hand crafted and hand painted, which would make a terribly aesthetic addition to any bathroom. Many sorts of lavender bath accessories are available, with one complete assortment of a bathtub set comprising of lavender tub soap, bathtub oil, body lotion, and tub and shower cream. lavender is meant to have the good thing about being a natural antiseptic, and is also imagined to be have calming properties. It's even been steered as having some benefit in the treatment of headaches.

When you are trying to find the simplest potential supply of lavender bathroom accessories, the simplest place to appear is through an internet search. There are currently so several retailers with on-line stores, that the mad scramble for business has meant that costs on the internet are often not up to those in traditional retail stores. Usually lower still are the prices on the web auction sites, where you find vendors selling at set costs furthermore as the bidding auctions. The web is the simplest place to search out bargains on lavender toilet accessories.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Bathroom Accessories In Lavender

Bathroom accessories can make or break a bathroom's decor. Bathroom accessories come in many styles. Bathroom accessories come in many colors. The careful shopper will take time to choose both the right style and the right color.

Bathroom accessories in lavender are an example. Lavender bathroom accessories can be had in a variety of styles and a variety of hues. You can find bathroom accessories in dainty lavender flowers on pristine white ceramic. You can find bathroom accessories in lavender wicker with chrome, brass, or bronze bases.

As you seek out bathroom accessories in lavender, you will want to ask yourself several questions. These will help you zero in on what you really want before you begin shopping.

1. Color: There are many shades of lavender. Visit a paint store and find the shade you wish to feature. Are you looking for lavender blue or lavender green? You may remember the old lullaby lyrics that begin with the words, "lavender's blue, dilly dilly, lavender's green. When you are king, dilly dilly, I shall be queen." You may want to copy out the lyrics and frame them for your bathroom wall. Set a theme with them, and combine bathroom accessories in lavender blues and lavender greens.

2. Style: Do you want bathroom accessories in lavender flowers, or in abstract swirls? Do you prefer simple, clean lines, or more ornate designs? Do you enjoy retro purple lavender or watery, pearl lavender?

Think about the color of your walls and floor before you make decisions on your bathroom accessories. Remember the secret to ideal color combinations: the 60-30-10 rule. Use about 60 percent of one dominant color in your bath decor. Use 30 percent of a lesser color. Use only 10 percent of your accent color.

In this case, lavender bathroom accessories will probably comprise your ten percent of accent color. The lavender should go well with the dominant and lesser colors on walls, floors, and fixtures.

Bathroom Accessories in Lavender Flowers

If you prefer flowers, you might want to look for lavender/purple flowers such as the following on bathroom accessories.

1. Lavender itself – flowers from the herb
2. Lavender iris
3. Lavender and yellow pansies
4. Lavender wisteria
5. Lavender lupine

Other Bathroom Accessories in Lavender

Lavender bathroom accessories are available in more than just flowers.

Dragonflies are often depicted in lavender on shower curtains, toothbrush holders, soap dishes, dispensers, and other bathroom accessories.

Whimsical cherubs in lavender, gold, and white are featured in some bathroom accessories. In others, these colors appear on the gossamer gowns and wings of woodland fairies.

Plain lavender bathroom accessories are readily available. The color and style are simple and cooling. They blend well with most bath decors.

Towels and rugs in lavender should match or closely complement the hues used in your other bathroom accessories.

Budget bathroom accessories in lavender

Your budget will go further if you shop garage sales and thrift stores for bathroom accessories in lavender shades. You might want to be creative by selecting objects such as a lavender tumbler or simple vase for a toothbrush holder. Add a lavender dessert dish to hold your soap.

Helpful Tip

When using bathroom accessories in lavender, include a lovely bouquet of dried lavender. Its cool color and relaxing aroma can quickly turn your bath into a luxury retreat.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

How to Make Lavender Oil Lotion for Strengthening Skin

Dry, cracked and chapped skin is a painful issue that many people struggle with. Whether it is caused by the dry, cold, blustery, winter weather or frequently washing with soaps, the skin needs support and attention to stay strong and healthy. But what is the best way to strengthen the skin without clogging it up with toxins? Many lotions on the market are filled with chemicals that are not desirable to have absorbed into the body. A simple recipe for lavender oil lotion can be a natural and economical solution.

Basic Lavender Oil Lotion Recipe

Only two ingredients are needed: pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil and any pure vegetable oil. Simply put a few drops of the pure vegetable oil in the palm of your hand. Then add a single drop of lavender essential oil. Mix these two ingredients together with a finger. Finally, apply topically to the stressed skin.

Pre-mixed Recipe

For a convenient way to carry your lavender oil lotion with you all day, pre-mix it in a small glass bottle. Almost fill a one or two ounce glass bottle with the pure vegetable oil. Then add 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake bottle to mix thoroughly. Carry in your pocket, purse or briefcase and apply as needed throughout the day.

Lavender Oil Healing Properties

Lavender essential oil has many healing properties that will help nourish the skin. It has antiseptic properties which will help prevent infection in damaged skin. It can be used to support many skin conditions such as sunburn, rashes, dryness, cuts, burns, and insect bites. It also helps with cell renewal and minimizes scarring as the skin repairs.

The pure vegetable oil will act as a moisturizer for the skin as it rebuilds. It also acts as a carrier for the lavender essential oil to spread more evenly when applied. Some quality vegetable oils to be used are extra-virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil and macadamia oil. There are also some good vegetable oil blends on the market for therapeutic uses. The one I prefer is called V-6 Enhanced Vegetable oil Complex.

When using any essential oil, including lavender, for health and healing purposes, be certain it is a pure therapeutic grade oil. Pure oils should be carefully steam distilled from organically grown plant material. oils that are synthetic or diluted with other substances may still smell nice, but they won't have the same healing properties as pure therapeutic grade essential oils.

Combining the healing properties of lavender essential oil with pure vegetable oil is a simple and economical way to support your skin as it strengthens and heals. Enjoy the benefits of using natural, pure ingredients in your home mixed lavender oil lotion.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Lure of Lovely Lavender

Those fortunate enough to have walked in a field of lavender and inhaled the heady aroma emanating from the purple waves of the flowering plants will most likely never forget the experience. It could be the beginning of a passionate love affair with this wonderful herb. Spring is the ideal time to plant lavender, and you don't need fields of this magical herb to enjoy it. Add a few plants to your herb garden; plant lavender beneath your rose bushes to hide the rose's scraggly legs; put lavender in a window box near the entrance to your home so all who enter can enjoy the heavenly fragrance, or simply pot up several lavenders and place them on your patio or in your kitchen on a south-facing window sill. You'll soon become captivated by the lure of lovely lavender and enjoy its many uses.

Growing Lavender
lavender is a perennial herb that, given the right conditions, can flourish and produce flowers for a decade. In most areas of the US, lavender produces dozens of fragrant flowers on a single plant in early summer. A second, less abundant flowering may occur in the fall. There are many varieties of lavender available today. Two popular varieties that may be used for culinary purposes as well as for craft-making are English lavender (Lavandula agustifolia officinalis) and Provence (L. x intermedia). These should be planted directly in the garden, as lavender has deep, spreading roots and will soon become root-bound when confined to pots. The more compact varieties of 'Munstead' and 'Hidcote' can be grown successfully in deep, wide pots.

Two very important needs of lavender should be taken into consideration when selecting a planting site: sunshine and drainage. Lavender thrives in full sun; eight hours a day will make it happy. Lavender must have good drainage; it does not like wet roots. Plant it on a gentle slope or in a raised bed in a south-facing, full-sun location. The soil must be loose-not compacted-and neutral to alkaline (6.0 to 8.0). Add lime if your soil is too acidic. If you don't have a sandy loam, add a little sand (not builder's sand) and small gravel to help with the drainage. When planting, add bone meal; afterward, no fertilizer is needed.

Other needs to consider are air circulation and mulch. Space your plants so that when they are grown and flowering their branches will not touch; they need plenty of air around them, especially in humid climates. After the plant has reached a good size, remove a few branches from the interior to open it up. Don't use bark or pine straw for mulch; sand or pea gravel is best. They will reflect heat and light up to the plant.

Lavender plants are fairly drought resistant after they are mature and well established. However, during the first year, they need to be watered regularly, especially during the hottest summer days. Don't forget to keep watering into the fall if you encounter a dry spell.

Pruning Lavender
Pruning lavender is not an option-it is necessary to ensure a good production of flowers and to keep the plant from falling open in the middle. Although lavender plants are pruned regularly by harvesting the flowers, to keep them well-shaped and to encourage new growth, prune lightly in early spring and cut back aggressively in late fall. Leave approximately 1″ of green foliage on plant when fall pruning.

Harvesting and Drying Lavender
Timing is important when cutting lavender. When your lavender has blossomed, the flowers can be picked for many uses. For a fresh bouquet, pick the blossoms when half of the flowers on the blossom head have opened. If you are picking to dry the bundle for culinary uses, crafting or making a sachet, pick them when the bottom three-quarters of the blossoms are open. Check each plant and cut them daily because not every stem is ready to be cut at the same time.

Wait until all dew has dried from the plants in early morning before cutting. Cut the stems down near the base of the plant. If you're going to dry the lavender, remove all of the leaves from the stem, leaving the bare stem on the bottom and the flowers on top. Bundle a handful of stems together and secure with a rubber band or twine, about an inch from the bottom. Hang the stems upside down in a dark, dry place with plenty of air circulation. A small oscillating fan will help to move the air around the hanging stems. Darkness preserves the color of the flower heads. Put a clean cloth underneath to catch any buds that may fall.

The lavender flowers will be dry in about 8 to 10 days. They may now be used for making crafts, in potpourri, or for culinary uses. Many recipes using lavender can be found in herb cookbooks or by entering "cooking with lavender" on internet search engines.

To preserve your dried lavender for cooking purposes, separate the buds from the stems, rub the flower heads gently between your hands over a clean cloth or plate. To remove any dried leaves from the flowers, sift them through a sieve. Store your culinary lavender buds in a dark-colored glass container out of light. The buds will maintain their flavor for several years and enliven many of your food dishes with a fresh, enticing hint of lavender. By grinding lavender buds in a spice grinder when you're ready to add them to a recipe, you'll release more essential oil, which will increase the lavender flavor in the dish.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Lavender Wedding Theme - The Best Kept Secret

If you want your wedding to be one of a kind, absolutely distinctive and unique, take heart. One of the most wonderful things about modern day wedding ceremonies and the receptions that follow is that the bride and groom can customize virtually every aspect of the day to reflect their personality as a couple. As you go through the ceremony and reception in your mind, do not overlook the power that the color of your wedding theme will have. In a very real sense, it will set and enhance whatever mood you are seeking to create. For someone as unique and special as you, why not consider lavender?

The woman who chooses lavender loves nature and is captivated by the delicate and the subtle. Not for her are traditional pink or even glowing pastels. Instead, she wants the multi-hued purples that make up lavender and are reminiscent of Easter and lilacs. These can be reflected in your bridal bouquet, which could be comprised of lavender flowers, white roses and even blooms of other complimentary colors. To accentuate your bouquet, your fiance could sport a lavender boutonniere.

Whether your vows are to be exchanged inside or outdoors, lavender will complement the beauty and solemnity of the occasion. This flower symbolizes caution and devotion, two traits particularly at the forefront on your wedding day. To show off the beauty of the flowers, you might decorate church pews or pillars in purple with sprigs of lavender as accents. Lavender would also be a terrific color for your party decorations, particularly if your post ceremony celebration is to be held outside. Just imagine how lovely each table would be if it displayed a centerpiece made up of lavender flowers and beautiful, fresh green boughs. All that is then required is simple white or ivory tablecloths and chair covers to complete the scene. At the seat of each guest you could place a fragrant lavender sachet, which will serve as an aromatic reminder of your special day for a long time to come.

As you might imagine, there are many options worth considering when it comes to planning a wedding with a lavender theme. Your bridesmaids dresses could be dyed in this hue. Perhaps you could even provide your bridal party with lavender themed gifts such as tanzanite necklaces or earrings. Even your wedding cake could mirror the theme by being covered in lavender colored icing flowers. Make the most of this special time to let your unique taste shine through. Think lavender!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Can Lavender Bags Also Be Handbags?

If you are looking for a new handbag, a new bag to take to yoga class or you need an overnight bag for those three day long business trips, you should consider one of the new lavender bags that have recently hit the shelves. Lavender has long been known as a flower that has soothing properties, and the color invokes those same emotions. With lavender colored clothes hitting store shelves and becoming popular, it only makes sense that lavender bags would follow. The key to adding this type of accessory to your wardrobe, however, is to choose the perfect bag for you.

Any Size

The great thing about bags is that you can get any size you need if you know where to shop. The good news is that most manufacturers of lavender bags make any sized bag you need. If you need a tote bag to take to the grocery store each week, you can find that type of bag. If you need a laundry bag, a bag to take to class or a bag to take across country, you'll be covered. But once you have the size down, you must then choose your color and your style.

Color

You may be thinking, "But these bags are lavender. I already know what color they are." While it is true that these are the color of lavender, there are many shades the bags come in. You can find dark shades and lighter shades and every shade in between. You may find that you look better with dark colors than light, and so your choice would be clear. If you're not sure what color to choose, just go somewhere in the middle so that you get the best of both worlds. A neutral lavender color will have the benefit of setting off both light and dark colors, so bags like that will go with anything.

When you're carrying your books, unloading your groceries or putting on your makeup in the morning, you want to know that you're doing it in style with a new and stylish lavender bag.

Style

You next have to choose what style you want. The style will usually be associated with the fabric the bag is made out of. For instance a straw bag is going to have a style all its own, but the style could also involve the color and shape of the bag. If you aren't exactly sure what you want, just peruse through the various selections you find in the stores near your home and online.

With lavender bags being so hot right now, you will surely find many bags that will help you get the size, color and style you need to match what you're looking for. Whether it's for a night on the town or it's for a five day stay in Paris, your lavender bag will keep you feeling relaxed while it also keeps your belongings safe and secure. So get out there and start shopping.