Source: Mind Body Spirit
Originating in the Mediterranean mountains, the Romans brought lavender to England . The leaves, flowers and seeds of lavender have a sweet scent with woody undertones. The oil is extracted from its flowers. It has been a popular perfume for centuries. It can help treat troubles of the heart and mind. It has been widely used by herbalists and aromatherapists to treat depression. As a massage oil, lavender relaxes muscles and eases tension. And it's antiseptic properties help heal conditions such as acne and sunburn.
Lavender is the sacred scent of the Celtic month of the Willow Moon (April 15 to May 13). Picking lavender during the full moon enhances its magickal powers. The name is derived from the Latin word 'lavera' which means 'to wash' and the Romans used it frequently in their bath routine, and it is said to have been introduced by them into England, where it soon was a firm favorite. The Romans burned lavender over hot coals to surround a new mother and child with the scent of compassion. The ancient Greeks dedicated lavender to Hecate. Sprigs of lavender were worn by medieval monks to banish evil spirits. It was a favorite for strewing on the floor, since it released an aroma when walked upon and it is often used these days in toilet water, as an insecticide or in sachets to be placed between linen. It is also used to clean wounds and to treat burns.
Active Ingredients
Alcohol - Lavender oil contains up to 50% of the alcohol linalol. Linalol helps to kill bacteria and viruses. It also helps to heal burns, wounds and sores.
Ketones - These are compounds that help to relieve pain, build new skin tissues and reduce inflammation. They also have a sleep inducing effect. Ketones can be toxic, so lavender that contains an ammount above 35% should be avoided. Diabetics, epiletics and pregnant women should avoid them completely.
Esters - These are compounds that ease swelling and soreness, prevent muscle spasms, fight fungal infections and prevent scarring. They also help to regulate your moods, preventing you from experiencing depression and hysteria.
General properties: antiseptic, analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericide, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, rubefacient, sedative, sudorific, vulnerary, stimulant, tonic, stomachic, carminative, antiseptic, circulatory, balancing, detoxifying, uplifting, relaxing
Blends Well With: cedarwood, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, lemon, orange, rose, ylang ylang, pine, nutmeg and all the citrus oils.
General uses: soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria and nervous exhaustion in general and is effective for headaches, migraines and insomnia, bronchitis, asthma, colds, laryngitis, halitosis, throat infections and whooping cough and helps the digestive system deal with colic, nausea, vomiting and flatulence, rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago and muscular aches and pains, especially those associated with sport, abscesses, acne, oily skin, boils, burns, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, lice, insect bites, stings, also acts as an insect repellent, circulatory problems, cystitis, premenstrual tension and other menstrual problems, childbirth, colitis, earache, motion sickness, allergy, anorexia, dermatitis, inflammation, enuresis, fibrositis, anal fistula, fluid retention, tonsillitis, ulcers, thrush, flatulence, catarrh, coughs, fainting and vertigo, athlete's foot, chilblains, exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, aging / mature skin, high blood pressure, hair loss, glandular fever, immune system, urination (difficulty of), shortness of breath, fast breath, liver, cold sores, menopause, stomach pains, stiffness, psoriasis, palpitations, mood swings, oversensitivity, myalgic encephalomyelitis, rejuvenation, oily and open pores, rhinitis, scabies, sprains and strains, sinusitis
Caution: Although lavender oil is considered one of the safest essential oils, you should discontinue use is you have any allergic reactions. If serious risk of miscarriage, not to be used during first four months of pregnancy. Not to be used with chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer.
Natural Relaxant
As a natural relaxant, lavender is perfect for calming the nerves and to give a peaceful sleep.
*Prepare for a night of blissful sleep by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil into a deep, warm bath.
*Dab pulse points such as your temples and wrists with lavender oil to relieve stress or anxiety.
*To relieve headaches, massage a few drops of undiluted lavender essential oil into your temples.
*Drop lavender oil on your sheets or place a small bag of flowers under the pillow to help you drift off to sleep.
Nighttime Herbal Eye Pillow
*2 cups Flaxseed
*1/4 cup Lavender
*1/4 cup Chamomile
Combine ingredients and let blend up to 2 weeks. Sew a fabric case desired size (approx 4"x 8"). Fill case with herbs sew closed. Lay head back, place over eyes and enjoy. Use room temperature to ease into a restful night sleep or use frozen to help combat a headache.
Improving Your Skin and Hair
*To prevent dandruff, add a few drops to the water of your final hair rinse or sprinkle some onto your hairbrush.
*Treat minor cuts, bites, strains and bruises by adding a few drops of lavender oil to a bowl of water, soaking a cloth and pressing it over the affected area.
*Treat spots and pimples by dabbing them morning and night with lavender oil.
*Make an after-shampoo rinse for dull and oily hair with a jug of mineral water, a few drops of lavender oil and the juice of lemon. Leave to infuse for 30 minutes before use.
*Use a soft, warm cloth compress on damaged or broken skin. This will ease swelling and pain as well as promoting skin regrowth with lavender oil.
Cream or Lotion
When it is used in a cream or lotion, it is most helpful with relieving burns, Its cicatrisant properties help the skin heal faster and the cytophylactic properties will help it do so with less scarring. The soothing and anti-inflammatory action of lavender oil will also have a balancing action on the skin and can be used for dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, boils, carbuncles and acne. When employing the anti-inflammatory action of this oil, use in concentrations of less than 1%. Furthermore it will help ease the pain of sunburn and sunstroke and will also counter the itching effect of insect bites.
Body Splash
Here's a great tip for the hot summer. Create a fresh all over body splash!
Combine:
*4 oz. Witch Hazel
*4 oz. Mineral Water
*40 drops Lavender
*10 drops Sandalwood
Combine and pour into an 8 oz. glass bottle or jar. Use anytime you need a refreshing lift.
Foot Soak
Here's an idea for tired, swollen ankles and feet.
Place a dozen or so smooth round pebbles in a bowl of warm water then add Cypress 1 drop and Lavender 1 drop. Roll the soles of your feet slowly over the pebbles for a few minutes, then dry your feet.
Easing Period Pains
*To relieve period pain, gently massage the lower back and tummy with diluted lavender oil. This will help balance your spirits.
*To avoid the emotional symptions of PMS, combine 3 drops lavender, 3 drops Roman chamomile and 30ml carrier oil and dab on your pulse points in the days leading up to your period. The calming, soothing smell of this combination should help to regulate your hormonal system.
Dry Itchy Skin
Known mainly for its relaxing effects to aid with anxiety and insomnia, some herbal specialists prescribe oral lavender for skin conditions like eczema. In one study of topical lavender, however, children with eczema who received massage with or without lavender oil applied to the skin both did well.
In other words, the improvement in the rash was related to the massage - whether lavender oil was used or not seemed to make no difference. To the extent that eczema is worsened by stress, it is possible that lavender adds some benefit by helping you relax.
Using Lavender
When using lavender oil in a massage blend, dilute it in a carrier base, such as grapeseed oil, at a ratio of 10 drops lavender to 30ml carrier. Some massage oils may be already diluted.
Pulse Point Blend
*Blend five drops of lavender with 20ml of a carrier oil such as almond for pulse point use.
Room Fragrances
*Add three drops to water in your vaporizer bowl to gently fragrance your room.
Cuts and Scrapes
*For cleaning wounds use 10 drops Lavender in 1/2 cup of water and pour over wound or use a compress soaked in this solution.
Minor Kitchen Burns
*Apply pure Lavender essential oil generously to the affected area, then cool with ice cubes. The next day the skin should look like nothing happened.
Deodorizer
Oils to deodorize and clean the air instead of covering the odors. Try Rosemary with Lemon, Eucalyptus globulus with Lavender.
* 2 drops rosemary
* 4 drops lemon
* 3 drops Eucalyptus globulus
* 4 drops lavender
* 1 quart water
Shake well and put in a spray bottle.
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