Aromatherapy Essential Oils and Lavender Blends - Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil is one of the most utilized oils in Aromatherapy. Its calming effect is well documented and it is used in a wide variety of products, from perfumes and deodorants to mosquito repellents and aftersun lotions. Its uses as an essential oil vary from treatments for restlessness and anxiety through to treatment for burns and insect stings. Whatever use you put lavender oil to, the scent of Lavender Oil is unmistakable. And here at Lavender Oil & Co you can find several different types of Lavender Essential Oil, as well as many other complimentary products that are good for the body, soul and mind.

As well as having many uses, Lavender Oil also comes in many different varieties. These varieties have different scents and properties. English grown lavender tends to be "woodier" in scent than its French counterpart whilst Bulgarian lavender has a sweeter aroma. Bulgaria is the biggest exporter of lavender in Europe, possibly in the world. It is often mis-sold as French Lavender. English organically grown and distilled Lavender is widely regarded as the best in the world and is commonly used in cooking and for culinary purposes.

Lavender has been appreciated for centuries. It is documented in works over 2500 years old and even mentioned in the Bible. There are many myths associated with Lavender. Placing a sprig of lavender in a lovers shoe would stop them from straying for example. During the plague Lavender was used to anoint ones clothing to repel the sickness. This could be in part true as Lavender Oil is a natural insect repellent and could have kept away the fleas that spread the illness. In modern times it is often use

As you can probably tell, we love lavender. In fact we love all of our products and we are sure that you will too. None of our products have been tested on animals, and they all utilize the many and varied wonderful plants that our planet has given us. We pride ourselves on using products that are as close as possible to their rawest form. Just as nature intended. Lavender oil, has long been used in the production of perfume, can also be used in Aromatherapy Oils. The scent has a calming effect which may aid in relaxation and the reduction of anxieties. Kashmir Lavender oil is also very famous as it is produced from the foothills of Himalayas.

It may also help to relieve pain from tension headache when breathed in as vapor or diluted and rubbed on the skin. When added to a vaporizer, lavender oil may aid in the treatment of cough and respiratory infection.

Lavender oil & co manufactures these herbal oils that may also be used as a mosquito repellent when worn as perfume or when added to lotions or hair products.

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Use Lavender in Cooking As It's Really Good For You

Remember grandma always smelling like a flower? Well that was lavender, used by ladies through the centuries. Other than being extremely beneficial lavender smells delicious. The flower when crushed gives off the most aromatic fragrance there is. When it is dried, it still holds its lovely color and scent. Many will plant lavender around their gardens because of the beauty and the scent. Lavender will attract butterflies to any garden, and what is prettier than a few butterflies in the garden?

Lavender has been around over 2500 years, and was known to be used to mummify and perfume the Egyptian dead. Romans used it for cooking, bathing and scenting the air. So stated in the Bible, Mary took spikenard, or lavender to anoint the feet of Jesus. Lavender, some say was found in the Garden of Eden, but the scent was not there yet. It is stated that the scent came from when the clothing of baby Jesus was laid on bushes to dry, these bushes were lavender. It is touted as a safeguard against evil.

Using lavender oil is wonderful for the skin, taken orally will help the digestion of foods; it is also used to cure headaches and those sleepless nights. Some will use the oil added to water and spray where they spend the most time, energy practitioners such as healers will use it to clear the negative energy and clean the auras. You can use it to spray your skin and hair on a hot summer day. During the Great Plague of London in the 17th century it was used to ward off the deadly disease if worn on the wrist. In the 16th century in France, glove makers would put lavender into the glove to resist infection.

Love and lavender seem to go hand in hand. Listen up ladies; many use this wonderful plant to lure the one they want to entice. Cleopatra used lavender to seduce Julius Cesar and Mark Anthony. The Queen of Sheba offered it to King Solomon along with frankincense and myrrh. Lavender has such a relaxing quality, not many other herbs can hold that title. Some say that men like the smell of lavender and pumpkin, and lavender was found out to be the most arousing. Today lavender is used as scenting the dresser draws and hope chests. You can also sip a cup of tea with lavender and feel your body slow down about twenty paces.

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Growing Lavender Plant Varieties in the Finest Conditions and How to Use Them

Growing lavender plants is a very simple process. They are a very well adapt plant and can survive in many conditions. Even though the plant did originate from the warmer climate of the Mediterranean. Lavender will require well drained soil with a warm climate and in full sun. It is a very hardy plant as it does survive well in rocky soil. One element to keep at bay is not to water your plant too much. Try and keep the soil moist but do not over water as this will cause root rot.

Plants that are set in the ground during the summer will bloom in early spring so a harvest must be taken to produce more flowers for the summer. There are many different types of lavender and some have different sizes. Some stems on some lavender will grow to higher than twelve inches while others are small and compact at two to three inches. Lavender doesn't just come in purple either, you can get it in blue, pink or white.

When you harvest the flowers in the spring cut long stemmed lavender to one third of its height. The short stemmed lavender can be cut all the way down to new growth. After winter you may see an area in your lavender plant that is brown but do not cut it back until the middle or end of June. It just might start to sprout by then. Cut flowers whenever you need them and also cut the plant back in order to retain shape. Do this at the end of the spring season and again in August. This will give the plant time to build back energy before winter comes and covers it with snow.

You do not have to grow lavender just in the ground as it grows great in a container. People that live in a shady place can move the containers here and there to keep them in sunlight. The large roots of a lavender plant like to be contained in a small area for some reason. The pot you put a lavender plant in should only be a few inches larger than the root system itself. The pot must drain after watering so put a large amount of gravel in the base of the pot before planting. Water lavender plants only when the soil feels very dry to the touch.

Lavender comes in a variety of types and you can get some that will endure a major winter blast. There is lavender with tall stems and some with short and some lavender types are more known for the lovely smell of the flowers. If you have a project to make wreaths get a type that has big flowers. If you want to make something that smells good get a type that is popular because of the extreme scent it gives off. If you like the look of a hedge of lavender purchase plants that are fast growers. Take a good look at where you live and grow lavender plant types that are right for your climate. There are so many types you will be able to find just the right one for you.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_R_Stevens

Lavender Plant Care - Most Important Tips Part 2

Is Lavender Plant Care easy or difficult? That question is on the minds of many people as they consider this wonderful plant that is growing in popularity. This is the second article in a two part series that provides the most important tips for lavender plant care. The first article gave advice on watering, fertilizing, harvesting, and pruning your lavender plant. Here we explain what it takes to protect your plant, how to plant a new lavender in your garden, the ins and outs of transplanting, and how to propagate your lavender plant.

o Protecting - What kind of protection does a lavender plant need? Not much! Lavender loves the sun, so protect it from too much shade. The exception may be potted lavender which will dry out more quickly than lavender planted in the ground. Lavender has too strong of a taste to be bothered by most animals. Insects are also rarely a problem. Protect your lavender plant from over-watering by ensuring that the soil and the area where it is planted has good drainage.

o Planting - Planting a new lavender in the ground is not difficult. Simply combine sand, soil and compost or peat moss in about equal proportions, dig a hole about twice as deep and three times the diameter of the root ball and plant with your soil mixture. Adding some slow release fertilizer and rooting hormone will give your plant a healthy start. Water more than normal for the first couple of weeks and then back off and follow the guidelines mentioned above.

o Transplanting - It is crucial to transplant potted lavender regularly until it is mature to ensure that the roots continually have room to grow. Transplanting a mature plant from one location in the garden to another is more difficult. You must assume that the roots extend at least as far as the longest branches and almost as deep. Dig the plant while disturbing the roots as little as possible and follow the planting directions mentioned above for the new location.

o Propagating - While many lavenders can be propagated with seeds, the easiest way is to take cuttings from a mature plant to start a new one. Cut a soft (not woody) branch about 4 inches (10 cm) from the lower part of the donor plant, peel back the lowest pair of leaves and place in a small pot with a mixture of peat moss and sand or vermiculite. Add some rooting hormone and keep it fairly damp for the first couple of weeks. Transplant to a larger pot in 4-6 weeks.

There are many aspects to lavender plant care, but it is generally very easy. Following these tips will make it possible to Enjoy the beautiful and aromatic blossoms and buds each year, making it well worth the effort.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmie_Norris

Lavender Plant Care - Most Important Tips Part 1

Are you wondering about Lavender Plant Care? Lavender is quickly gaining popularity as a beautiful, easy, and useful garden or landscape plant. This is the first of a two part series that will give you the most important tips for caring for your lavender plant. You will learn about watering, fertilizing, harvesting, and pruning your plant. In part two of the series you will get advice about protecting your plant, planting a new plant, transplanting an existing plant and propagating lavender plants.

o Watering - One of the most common mistakes of lavender plant care is over-watering. It's difficult for many people to realize that lavender does not like to have continually wet roots. The soil needs to be well-drained so that it doesn't hold water. Water only when the soil is dry, but before the plant begins to show signs of stress. How often that turns out to be will depend on your soil and weather conditions.

o Fertilizing - If your soil has a fair amount of decomposing material, you may not need to fertilize your lavender at all. However, if your soil is poor, fertilizing will definitely benefit your lavender plant growth and bloom production. Choose a slow release organic fertilizer such as bone meal or fish emulsion and follow the directions on the package. Fertilize in the spring when new growth is apparent, and again in early summer during the heavy blossom production period.

o Harvesting - Some people just want to enjoy their lavender blossoms by leaving them on the plant until the season is completely over. But many others will choose to harvest their lavender blossoms and buds for use in sachets or other crafts. Some may want to harvest their lavender for cooking or even for distilling to obtain the lavender oil. The best time for harvesting depends some on the lavender variety and the intended usage, but in general harvesting can begin after a few blossoms have opened on most stalks. Simply grab a handful of stalks and cut them off with a knife or sharp pair of shears where they protrude from the plant body. It's best to tie the stalks in bundles for convenient handling or to facilitate drying by hanging the bundles upside down.

o Pruning - One of the most commonly overlooked tasks of lavender plant care is pruning. It is important to cut your plant back each year to keep it healthy and keep its shape. Use garden shears or clippers once a year and cut one third to one half of the plant. The lower part of the branches will become woody over time and you should avoid cutting into that part of the plant. What works best is to trim an individual plant in the shape of a ball, but a lavender hedge can be cut straight on the sides and rounded on top. Prune in the spring or late fall.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmie_Norris

Lavender Oil - An Amazing Variety of Uses

Lavender oil has long been valued not only for its fresh, sweet smell, but also for its therapeutic properties. Its history goes back at least as far as the Roman Empire where lavender was used to freshen the wash water and the oil was used to treat battle wounds. In modern times lavender oil has many uses from aromatherapy to scent for bath products. Learn about this amazing natural substance from plant to product.

What is it? - Lavender oil is the essential oil of a lavender plant, derived from the stalks (peduncles) and flowers. The plant material is subjected to a steam distillation process that yields lavender hydrosol and oil.

Where does it come from? - Lavender grows well in a wide variety of climates and can be found in many parts of the world. It grows wild in several Mediterranean countries, and there are many lavender farms in this area. Provence, France is famous for its lavender farms and festivals. Other large production locales include Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

How is it used? - The wide variety of uses for this remarkable oil is truly astonishing, but can be grouped into two broad categories: Therapeutic and Scents.

Therapeutic Applications - Lavender is probably the most common essential oil used in aromatherapy, which is an alternative health treatment that makes use of essential oils. Breathing the aroma of lavender has been shown to have a calming effect on many people and is often used for insomnia. The aroma is often distributed using a diffuser or burner, but you can enjoy the benefits by simply placing a few drops of lavender oil in your bath water or in a cotton ball to sit on your nightstand.

Lavender oil has pain killing properties and provides temporary relief from aching joints. Rubbing the oil directly into can help ease childhood "growing pains" or even mild arthritis.

The antibiotic properties of lavender make the oil a great natural choice for preventing infection in minor cuts and burns. Simply apply the oil directly to the wound and appreciate both the pain killing and germ killing effects.

Lavender Scent - Lavender has an especially sweet scent and the oil has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years as an enjoyable aroma. The scent of lavender can be found in many products, from soaps and lotions to air fresheners. Lavender is a favorite aroma in spas, and is a major component of many massage oils and facial creams. Lavender sugar scrubs and salt scrubs are wonderful ways to exfoliate the skin while enjoying the relaxing aroma.

These uses for lavender oil are but a few of the many ways that one can take advantage of the wonderful aroma and health benefits. It truly is one of the simple blessings of nature.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmie_Norris

Cooking with Culinary Lavender

Have you tried whole grains with culinary lavender? Whole grains are making a comeback, and their advantages in terms of health and environmental conservancy are well known. However, to many palates accustomed to refined flour, whole grains seem tasteless and heavy. By using our Culinary Lavender, you can create healthy, satisfying meals that taste - and smell - delicious. Adding Lavender Lemon Pepper or Italian Seasoning with Lavender to your whole grains is the key to making nutritious meals that your entire family will love.

Why are Whole Grains So Beneficial?

Natural grains consist of three parts - the germ, the bran, and the endosperm. White rice, flour, and other refined grains are made by processing endosperm and discarding the bran and germ. The endosperm consists almost entirely of starch, while minerals, vitamins, proteins, and other healthy substances are found in the bran and germ. Although the endosperm has a milder taste and softer texture, adding culinary lavender to whole grains makes them just as appealing as refined grains - or even more so!

Using Culinary Lavender to interest your family in whole grains is also environmentally friendly. Nearly one third of every bushel of grain is discarded in the refining process. By using whole grains, you are extending the usefulness of every acre of grain that is planted.

What does Culinary Lavender Add to Your Meal?

Culinary Lavender looks and smells wonderful, but it also does more than just make whole grains more appetizing. Culinary Lavender has been known since Roman times for its soothing and healing properties. A pinch of Italian Seasoning with Lavender in your rice can relieve dizziness, or some Lavender Lemon Pepper mixed with whole grain flour for a fish batter can ease the pain of headaches as well as tasting great.

How Can I Use Culinary Llavender with Whole Grains?

Here are some suggestions for using Culinary Lavender while cooking with whole grains:

· Add Italian Seasoning with Lavender to homemade whole grain pastas, or use it to spice up your spaghetti sauce when cooking store bought whole grain pasta.

· Bake whole wheat breads with a touch of Culinary Lavender, to add a hint of alluring flavor to your loaves.

· Sprinkle Lavender Lemon Pepper over your stone-ground whole grain grits in the morning.

· Make a spicy topping for your whole wheat bread using a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and Italian Seasoning with Lavender.

· Use whole grain flour mixed with Lavender Lemon Pepper as a batter dip for fried vegetables, fish, and chicken fingers.

· Crush some Culinary Lavender with raw sugar, and sprinkle it over your whole grain oatmeal for breakfast.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Bishop

What Is So Great About Lavender Soap?

If you've never used lavender soap before, the first thing you are going to notice is the crisp, clean fragrance. Lavender gives off a sweet, floral overtone that makes it a favorite soap ingredient. You may not know it, but lavender soap isn't just used to wash the body. The essential oils that lavender produces are made into washing detergents, dishwashing and even floor soaps. And lavender isn't just known for its scent. It also helps to promote relaxation, which is why using it in your home can help to create a very peaceful environment.

How Does it Clean?

We've already established the great smells that helps you to relax, but how well does it actually clean? Well, according to the Entomology Research Institute of Loyola College, lavender oil possesses powerful antibacterial as well as antiseptic properties that make it perfect for aiding in insect bite healing and sunburns. Basically, any soap that contains lavender essential oils can be used for healing skin infections. Lavender's antibacterial properties also make it a great remedy for scabies and eczema.

Lavender has long been used to cure various ailments. It's even a great anti-inflammatory, as it helps to promote new cell growth. When you put essential oils, or even soap, on your skin, you will begin healing right away and you will even prevent scars from forming.

Lavender and Stress Relief

When you use lavender soap, you can actually help to relieve your anxiety and stress. That's right. According to Psychology Today, there was a study done by Charles Stuart University in Australia that showed how lavender actually changes our brainwaves and helps to create a feeling of well-being and relaxation. That means you can use the lavender soap right before bedtime to get a restful sleep. It can also be used on small children to help them relax if they, too, are anxious or too rambunctious.

Many Uses for Lavender Soaps

Lavender isn't just used in soap. It's also used in teas and it's heavily used in aromatherapy to help promote stress-relief and anxiety-relief. But you may not know that it's used to repel fleas. Soaps that contain lavender essential oils can be used to not only repel fleas, but kill them. You can even put a few drops of lavender into your pet's shampoo as a safe and effective flea treatment.

Anti-Aging Properties

Lavender is also used in anti-aging treatments. Since lavender helps to promote new cell growth, you can actually reverse time on your skin. Lavender soaps leave your skin feeling soft and clean, and they neutralize dry and oily skin at the same time.

Now you know all the benefits of lavender soap. With its robust, flowering scent and strong anti-bacterial properties, it's one of the best soaps you can buy. But when you take into account all the healing properties, and the fact that it promotes relaxation and stress-relief, everyone should use some type of lavender soap in their home. Not only will it bring a sense of peace, but it will make your house smell fantastic.

Lavender World is the new online shopping retailer which sells everything lavender, purple and lilac. This calendar month, sees the thrilling launch of the brand-new Lavender Soap range.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Barnby