Lavender
Lavender has many capabilities and is a delight to use. It is a potent
remedy for headaches,
muscle spasms and cramps, depression, and digestive upsets. Aromatherapists
recommend its
fragrant essential oil, obtained from the flowering tops of plants, for
calming the central
nervous system. It is also very effective in the treatment of burns
(including sunburn) and
scalds. Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant,
sedative, and
detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring, and also
stimulates the immune system
and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound
to regenerate more
quickly. As a mood tonic and antidepressant, it helps to deal with the
psychological shock of
injury. This multitude of qualities makes lavender a truly indispensable
healing herb.
USING LAVENDER:
The essential oil is used externally in baths, facial steams and massage
oils. Lavender can also
be taken in dried form as a tea. The "soapy" taste can be counteracted by
adding honey to the
tea.
Depression: Spritz your home with lavender oil. Another option is to
put it on lamp rings,
add 3-4 drops to your bathwater, or use a cottonball to dab it on wrists
and temples.
Insomnia: Lavender oil introduced into the air with a diffuser can
work as well as
prescritpion medication for people who struggle with insomnia. If you do
not own a diffuser, try
sprinkling the oil onto your pillow or rubbing it into your temples
(avoiding the eye area)
before going to sleep.
Stretch marks during pregnancy: Create an herbal "belly balm" by
adding a few drops of
lavender essential oil to 4 ounces of almond oil. (You may also add
calendula, coconut and/or
vitamin E oil.) Applying this balm to the entire belly each day during
pregnancy will keep the
skin soft and flexible, helping it stretch without leaving marks.
Athlete's foot: Grind 1/4 cup of lavender flowers (in a coffee
grinder or food processor),
and mix with 1/2 cup of powdered bentonite clay. Sprinkle the powder onto
clean, dry feet or into
clean cotton socks. The clay absorbs moisture and keeps your feet dry,
while the lavender serves
as an anti-fungal agent.
**Purchase lavender teas and oils at health food stores.
**Grow lavender in the garden by planting in light, well-drained
soil, and harvesting buds
when the flowers are about to open.
Information adapted from:
The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs (Harrar & Altshul O'Donnell)
The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy (Worwood)