Purple With a Purpose - What You Should Know About Lavender

Lavender is everywhere. A simple walk through the supermarket and you’ll find lavender candles, detergent, soap, fabric softener, air freshener, and body spray. There is no wonder that many companies take advantage of this thought after scent to improve upon or create new products. Lavender has been around for thousands of years and there are many reasons why. This fragrant purple flower can be used to cook, to sooth, or to add a pleasing scent to everything from clothing to the human body. Don’t just assume this pretty flower is only useful as a gorgeous centerpiece. Here is a quick rundown of the many uses for lavender.

History:

Lavender has been around for quite some time. This multi-facetted plant has been used for over 2,500 years in a variety of ways by various groups of people. Some of its earlier uses can be traced back to civilizations like the Egyptians. In these cases, lavender was used to help mummify bodies and as a perfume. The use of lavender as a perfume continued on through the ages and even today it’s used as a fragrance in several household products including detergents, candles, and body sprays. Throughout history, lavender has also been used in cooking and medicine.

Cooking:

Cooking with lavender is something that’s been done for years, yet not many people seem be very aware of its uses in the kitchen. This mint relative can be used in everything from baked goods to soups. Individuals who choose to cook with lavender often use it as a replacement for rosemary or thyme in recipes.

Another great way to add lavender into your cooking is to make lavender sugar by simple throwing a few flowers or leaves into an air tight container with some sugar. Leave it there for a few days and the sugar will pick up the essence of lavender and you’ll be able to use if in baked goods. Still little weary of cooking with lavender but want to introduce it into your kitchen? Try using dried or fresh flowers to add color to your salads or dishes.

Note: If you do plan on cooking with lavender, steer clear of lavender that you purchase from a flower shop or a gardening center. These plants may have been treated with pesticides or other growth chemicals that are not suitable to eat.

Medicinal:

Lavender is also used as an apothecary for several ailments that plague us. Having trouble going to sleep? The scent of lavender is attributed to relieving stress and anxiety by producing a relaxing sensation. Try inhaling lavender oil or burning lavender scented candles to help send you on your way to a peaceful night’s sleep. Some people even use lavender oil to help cope with the pain of headaches and migraines. This pretty purple flower also has some antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities that can help with skin inflictions such as acne and burns.

Bringing Lavender into Your Home:

There are several ways you can cash in on the benefits of this ancient plant. Here a just a few to get your started

• Lavender Essential Oils: Essential oils can be ingested, inhaled or applied directly to the skin. Having a stressful day? Trying sprinkling a few drops onto your pillow before you go to sleep or putting a few drops in a warm bath.
• Soaps: To really get the most out of your shower night or day, purchase some quality lavender soaps. You can use these soaps all around your house so put them anywhere you wash your hands.
• Foods: Try introducing lavender into your cooking. Make some lavender sugar and try it out next time you’re baking for yourself. Gourmet food retailers often sell lavender products to eat or cook with such as lavender honeys, chocolates, and teas.

Note: Lavender is an allergen so before applying it to the skin or ingesting, but sure to test it out on a small patch of skin, for example on your inner arm.

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Lavender: The Queen Of Herbs

Are you in love with lavender? If so, you're not alone, as lavender has become the most popular aromatic herb. In fact, in 1999, the "queen of herbs" was named as the "year of lavender!"

As one of the most loved aromatic herbs, lavender has been cultivated and used throughout the centuries. In ancient times, the Egyptians used lavender in incense and perfume and it was even used in the mummification process. The Arabs, Greeks and Romans used lavender as an offering to their gods.

Because of its tendency to render a better quality essential oil, true lavender -- which is found in the French and Mediterranean Alps, growing in altitudes of 6,000 feet -- is considered to be the most effective of these aromatic herbs.

Common Uses Of Lavender

As an essential oil in today's society, lavender is used, both internally and topically, for a number of conditions:

- Aromatic (a most popular fragrance)

- carminative (to relieve flatulence)

- antibacterial

- antiseptic

- nervine (to calm the nerves)

- 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 of lavender are to: treat burns (from minor to scalding), eczema, grazes, cuts, inflammation, dermatitis, headaches, migraines, fainting, nausea, insomnia, bacterial infections, boils, acne, arthritis and rheumatism. As a germicidal agent, lavender oil is non-toxic.

It contains linalool and linalool acetate which play important roles in the healing process.

Calming Effect Of Lavender

Both humans and animals, when inhaling lavender, experience a sedative effect that closely favors 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.

Lavender beauty and bath products, to be used for external purposes only, are often available in gift baskets. A wonderful gift for any occasion, lavender is sure to be appreciated by all who receive it. In addition to its use in aromatherapy products and treatments, lavender may be used to specifically treat depression.

The Gift Of Lavender

Lavender is a popular gift item that can be purchased separately or in a gift basket. Most of the aromatherapy gifts are made with essential oil and dried lavender buds. Examples of these are bar soap, bath bomb fizzers, bath crystals, bath oil beads, closet or drawer sachets, hand and body lotions, sleep pillows and soothing herbal sea salts. Beauty products that contain lavender range from body sprays and hair care products to a variety of skin care products. All of the above products mentioned are used for the sole purpose of creating a sense of peace and to promote relaxation.

Lavender Trivia

Did you know that lavender is also used in home cleaning products?

Throughout history, lavender 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.

Cooking With Lavender

Lavender is an amazingly versatile herb that is also used for cooking -- not only at home, but also in many upscale restaurants. A member of the mint family, lavender flowers are wonderful flavor enhancers that can also add to the appearance of the food. Lavender flowers and leaves can be used freshly cut; their buds and stems can be dried before use.

It is best to use lavender with other herbs, such as fennel, oregano and savory, and it can also be used with its other mint cousins (rosemary, sage and thyme). Lavender has an extremely powerful aroma, so it must be used sparingly or the recipe will have a bitter taste, and you'll feel like you are eating perfume. The next time you're cooking up a storm, add a sprig of lavender to the pot and enjoy!

Visit Aromatherapy to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at Articles for authors.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

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Fragrant, Flowering Lavender Herb Growth and Care in Low Water Gardens

Lavender is an aromatic herb grown for centuries and appreciated for its fragrant, purplish blue flowers. These small, drought-tolerant shrubs take full sun to partial shade outdoors. They can take moderate water, but can also survive in low water gardens once established (usually after a year). The flowers bloom on long, square-shaped stalks and buds can be up to two inches long.

Lavender leaves are also strongly fragrant and can be sticky with essential oils. The flowers are great in fresh bouquets. They can also be used for flavoring in salads or vinegars. Dried bouquets and flowers are used in crafts and as home decor.

Mature lavender plants have narrow green or gray green needle shaped leaves on woody branches. They are great in rock gardens, dry herb gardens or as low, informal hedges. They add structure to the landscape with their evergreen leaves and are a good height for the middle of the flower bed. Mix lavender shrubs in with other drought tolerant herbs like rosemary and sage to enjoy their fragrance on hot summer nights.

Two of the more popular home garden forms are French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and English lavender (lavandula angustifolia, l. officinalis). French lavender reaches 3 to 4 tall and 4 to 6 feet wide and is more drought tolerant with more compact flowers. English Lavender plants are smaller, reaching only about 2 feet high and wide. The English variety is known to be shorter-lived (3 to 5 years), but is considered to have a more complex fragrance.

After the second year or so, lavenders can develop a dry thatch, or collection of dry leaves on the inside of the shrub. The plant can also become leggy, meaning it has long spindly branches. This means it is time to prune back your plants. Fall is usually the best time to do this, especially in mild winter areas. Trim the branches way back; to about 10 inches long. The next spring your lavender will grow back thick and fresh.

The intoxicating scent of lavender has been used in love potions, perfumes and soaps for centuries. It is also credited with the ability to promote chastity. It has been worn to elevate moods and used in aromatherapy to cure nervous depression. In Victorian times a gift of lavender flowers could mean either loyalty or mistrust. Modern science has discovered that lavender oil has antispasmodic, antidepressant and carminative properties.

Lavender is a great insect and moth repellent. In the past it was used as a 'strewing herb' in hospitals and homes to disinfect and clear the air. Dried lavender blossoms make excellent potpourri and can be tied up in cotton fabric before being tucked into drawers or linen closets. The branches are also highly fragrant and can be layered into woodpiles to keep out bugs.

Lavender plants are another beautiful addition to any water-wise garden and provide fragrant flowers for the home almost all year.

Laura Zinkan is a writer in California. She cultivates a gardening site at http://www.theGardenPages.com with plant profiles, growing tips about succulents and native plants. She also cooks up http://www.MomsRetro.com where you can find retro art and kitchen tips for busy cooks. Copyright 2008 by Laura Zinkan. Article may be reprinted if author credit is given with a website link. All rights reserved.

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Lavender Oil - Powerful Herbal Remedy From Nature

Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils today, and for good reason. The fresh herbal aroma of lavender oil is a favorite of many who enjoy natural fragrances. And, as one of the safest and most versatile essential oils, lavender oil is also a very powerful herbal remedy, that is useful for many common health issues.

Pure essential oil of lavender is antibacterial and antiseptic. It can be applied undiluted "neat" to minor burns to ease pain and accelerate the healing process. Actually, this is how the burn healing and pain relieving properties of lavender oil were discovered. A well know story in the history of aromatherapy, is the experience of French chemist, Dr. Rene Gattefosse, one of the founders of the principals of aromatherapy. Dr. Gattefosse burned his hand while working in his laboratory, and not thinking, plunged his hand into a nearby bowl of liquid to cool the burns. He realized the pain of the burns was diminishing quickly, and the burns healed rapidly thereafter. The bowl contained lavender essential oil.

Lavender essential oil can be used to aid sleeplessness. Massage lavender essential oil into the soles of the feet before going to bed, or put a few drops on a tissue and place the tissue between your pillow and pillowcase to help promote sleep when you're feeling restless. Lavender oil is very calming and helps to relieve stress. When feeling anxious and "jumpy", inhaling pure essential oil of lavender is instantly relaxing. Place 2 or 3 drops in your palms, rub palms together, cup palms over your nose and mouth, and inhale for soothing stress relief.

Lavender oil is an effective herbal remedy for natural headache relief. Massaging a few drops into temples, and inhaling lavender essential oil, helps to relieve the pain of stress headaches, and can also be used to lessen the severity of, and provide natural relief from migraine headaches. I have tried this for migraines when I feel them starting and it works! Massage a few drops of lavender essential oil into temples, then place a drop or two into palms, and inhale, while cupping palms over the nose and mouth. My migraine headaches begin to fade instantly during this relaxing treatment. And, after sitting quietly and continuing to inhale the lavender oil for a few moments, my migraine symptoms stop almost completely.

Lavender essential oil is analgesic (reduces pain), and a massage with a few drops added to a carrier oil (examples include: soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil), helps to relieve pain associated with overexertion.

To help keep insects away when outdoors, lavender essential oil works as an effective insect repellent, and can be used as a natural alternative to toxic, chemical based products. Apply a few drops to the neckline, wrists, and ankles, and rub a few drops into palms and apply to hair, to repel mosquitos and other flying insects. For maximum insect repelling effectiveness, lavender essential oil should be reapplied every hour or so, or as needed.

Lavender essential oil should not be applied undiluted to babies and children. It should be applied only after dilution with a carrier oil including soybean, sunflower, and olive oils, at 4 drops lavender essential oil to 1 oz. carrier oil.

Lavender oil provides substantial benefits for the maintenance of natural health and wellness. The multiple uses of pure lavender oil make this powerful herbal remedy an essential for natural home health care.

For more information about essential oils: Click here: Essential Oils

Disclaimer Notice:
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for medical care, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition.

Kim Mujahid is a natural health and beauty writer, with over 15 years of experience in the natural skin care and health industry. Her online health site, NaturalHealth411.com, provides articles, information, and resource guides on topics of natural health, wellness, and beauty. For more information about natural health, natural beauty, and nature inspired lifestyle, visit http://www.naturalhealth411.com

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Pure Lavender Essential Oil

Pure Lavender Essential Oil is often referred to as the Mother of Essential Oils because it is so versatile. Therapeutic-grade pure lavender essential oil has been highly regarded for the skin. Pure Lavender Essential Oil has been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. The fragrance is calming, relaxing and balancing - physically and emotionally.

Picking the right Lavender Essential Oil

You can find lavender essential oil in many different stores and online. If you are going to use your lavender essential oil only as a fragrance you are probably ok to use any type of essential oil you like and enjoy the fragrance.

However if you plan to use your Pure Lavender Essential Oil as a natural alternative to help with health and your putting it on your body you need to use Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Lavender Essential Oil. It will cost slightly more then lower quality but you will know it is pure and of the highest quality and safe to use.

Below Are Some Common Uses of Pure Lavender Essential Oil

* Rubbing it on the feet may cause a calming effect on the body.

* Rubbing a drop of it on your palms and smoothed on your pillow may help you sleep.

* Putting a drop on a bee sting or insect bite may soothe the itching, stinging and discomfort.

* Putting 2-3 drops on a minor burn may soothe it.

* Dropping it on a cut may soothe it.

* Rubbing it on dry or chapped skin may bring relief.

* Rubbing a drop chapped or sunburned lips may help discomfort.

* Rubbing a drop between your palms and inhaling deeply may help in alleviating the discomfit of air borne pollen and/or dust.

* Rubbing several drops into the scalp may help with flaking.

* Placing a few drops of on a cotton ball and placing in your linen closet to scent the linens and may help repel moths and insects.

* Placing a drop in your water fountain may help to scent the air, help sanitize and prolong the time between cleanings.

* Placing a few drops on a wet cloth and throwing into the dryer, can help to deodorize and freshen your laundry.

* Diffusing it may support the body's natural defenses against air borne sensitivities to the skin and immune system.

* Spritzing several drops of it mixed with distilled water on sunburn may help soothe it.

* Dropping it on a cut may help clean the wound, sanitize and soothe it.

* Applying 2-3 drops to a rash may help soothe the skin.

Need more information about Pure Lavender Oil or need to find Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade 100% Pure Essential Oil Click Here

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Lavender: The Amazing Flower That Dates Back To The Ancient Egyptians

Can you imagine a flower that is a source of all purpose essential oils for skin care, pain relief, wound healing, relief for burns and skin diseases, plus so much more?

These are just some of the attributes of the attractive pleasant smelling purple colored flower known as lavender. The name Lavender is derived from the Latin word lavera meaning to wash, and has gained the reputation as possibly the greatest multipurpose source of natural essential oils ever found.

Think for a moment that this is not some chemically produced substance, but a natural product that can be acquired without prescription and the cost is considered quite economical.
lavender essential oils are also used as a deodorant, fungicide, antiseptic, insect repellent, and anti inflammatory.

lavender is also highly regarded for treating many skin complaints including acne, itchy or cracked skin, acne, blisters, warts, abscesses, boils, and eczema,

It is also prized for its nerve calming properties, and is known to restrict swelling and inflammation and speed up healing of minor burns.

Originally from England, Lavandula angustifolia is the most common strain of lavender and often referred to as true lavender. True lavender has the botanical name of Clavandula as the prefix.

Around fifty distinct species of lavender grow throughout the world, including lavandula vera and lavandula officinalis.

lavandula angustifolia is the most sought after variety because of the low concentration of camphor retained after distillation. This gives the essential oils derived from it a strong floral aroma, and also makes it perfectly effectual in aromatherapy where it is highly regarded for quickening the healing of minor burns.

Lavandin (lavandula intermedia) is a hybrid variety which is produced mainly in France by crossing true lavender with spike lavender (lavender latifolia) lavandin is generally larger than true lavender and easily identified by its woody stems. Its flowers range in color from blue like true lavender to grey.

Spike Lavender, or lavandula latifolia is often referred to as Spanish lavender, as it is common there, and also prolific in the Mediterranean countries.
The essential oils from this plant are found to retain a higher percentage of camphor than that found in true lavender

The first recorded cultivation of Lavender was found to be by ancient Egyptians who held it in high regard, using it to produce soothing and healing ointments and perfume.
It was also used by the Egyptians as a balm for mummification and the perfume has been found in tombs, including that of Tutankhamen.

Lavender has certainly stood the test of time, and is used commonly in perfume for women and after shave for men.
The uses and benefits of lavender do not stop with fragrances however.
Lavender essential oils are recommended for relieving the pain of minor burns and cuts, and are perfect for treating sunburn and insect bites. Even headaches can be treated by massaging lavender oil on the neck and temples.

Lavender and relaxation are words that are synonymous, and its benefits and uses in aromatherapy are enough to fill a book. Unlike many essential oils, lavender can be used undiluted, as allergic reactions to it are rare.

If you are just beginning your journey with this amazing flower, a wealth of experiences await you.
Whether you use it for a relaxing addition to a soothing bath, or as a soothing, rejuvenating skin treatment, be prepared to be amazed by this versatile plant

Antony Wilton was so impressed with the powers of lavender, that he devoted a website to it http://www.lavenderessentialoils.com

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The Many Wonders of Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil is created through a process of distillation of several species of lavender. There are two types of the oil, Lavender Flower Oil, which is clear oil and impenetrable in water, and Lavender Spike Oil that is concentrated from the Lavandula Latifolia aromatic plant.

Lavender oil is usually added to perfume products. It can also be used for aromatherapy to help soothe and aide relaxation. The fragrance of the oil is known to decrease stress. It may also be used in meditation sessions. Its components calm the mind and body, and encourage a feeling of stillness.

Lavender oil also helps in relieving tension and headaches when inhaled in the form of steam or applied to the skin. You can adjoin this with a vaporizer to care for a cough and respiratory illness. It can also serve as mosquito repellent when applied as a cologne or when included in lotions and hair products.

Supporters of alternative treatments say that lavender oil may provide first aid treatment for an array of ordinary illnesses. The thinned or pure oil solution can act as an antiseptic and pain killer when administered to minor burns and insect stings. Use only a small amount when applying it straight to the affected area. The best way to apply this is with the use of wet cotton wool padding to the affected region.

For curing sunburn and sunstroke, 10 drops of oil can be diffused in 25ml of base oil. Lavender oil when incorporated with chamomile is a treatment of eczema. To prepare a massage oil to soothe joint and muscle pain, 1ml of lavender oil should be incorporated to 1oz. of base oil and apply generously on the affected area.

To treat asthma or bronchitis, combine 1ml of lavender oil, 5 drops of chamomile oil and 10ml of base oil then apply this to the chest as a rub. If you want to use this as cure for head lice, use 5-10 drops of lavender oil and dilute it in water and lather it on the hair, you can use a few drops of pure lavender oil and apply it on a fine comb to remove nits.

Oral dosage is not to be administered to children. It can be used as topical solution to treat skin illnesses and injuries like minor cuts and chafes. It should not be applied on open wounds. For adults, lavender can be used in combination with herb tea. This can be used as vapor treatment for headache, depression and insomnia.

Herb medicines are used for strengthening the body and curing diseases. Herbs consist of active substances that can activate side effects and has a negative response to other medications and supplements. You must seek first the advice of health professionals before taking any herbal medicine. However, occurrence of side effects is uncommon but some build up allergies with lavender.

The San Francisco Bath Salt Company's slogan is "Relaxing The World One Bath at a Time". The company specializes in luxury bath salts for skincare and relaxation with the overall goal of improving health through bathing. The website is a powerful resource of information about bathing and contains many more articles and the daily bathing blog. For information visit http://www.sfbsc.com or to visit the complete resource section on bathing go to http://www.sfbsc.com/resource-center

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Lavender Lotion Or Bath Salt

Lavender lotion or bath salt is one of the most soothing of scents, calming and relaxing for the body, particularly during the evening hours. Lavender lotion or bath salts are among the more gentle of the natural or essential oils and can be used by adults who are unable to use other types of natural oils, as well as being gentle enough to be used even on your infant.

Bathing before bed in a lavender based product is so relaxing in fact that several companies have begun making these products for very young children and babies, in an effort to promote restful sleep for them.

Lavender lotion or bath salt is quite often used by those who cannot sleep, to help them to gain a good nights sleep using the aroma therapy that has become so popular in recent years.

Lavender also holds the distinction of being one of the herbs with the least likelihood of provoking an allergic reaction and as such can be relatively safe to use even for those who have allergic reactions to some of the more popular batch products. Lavender lotion or bath salt will provide relaxation and restful sleep when used in small amounts, however when it is used in larger amounts it tends to be a stimulant so you will need to be careful how much of the essential oils that you use in your bath.

Lavender essential oils can also be used in cleaning, offering a natural method of low residue cleaning because it is both antibacterial as well as gentle and natural. For this reason, lavender lotion or bath salt can be used by those who have skin problems and are not able to use other varieties of bath oils in their method of low residue cleaning.

For this reason, lavender lotion or bath salt can be used by those who have skin problems and are not able to use other varieties of bath oils in their bath water or as a shower gel.

It is quite easy to make your own lavender lotion or bath salts simply by adding several drops of the food grade or pure essential oils to mineral salts such as dead sea salts which are furnished in specialty or hobby store, and stirring it, leaving it for several days to permit the fragrance to seep into the mineral salts. Likewise you can make a mild lavender lotion by using an unscented baby lotion and adding one or two drops of lavender essential oil. Be careful how much of the oils you add as they are quite concentrated.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about beauty products, please visit Enhance Your Beauty Today for current articles and discussions.

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