Lavender's Healing Properties

Lavender has a long revered history among flowering plants.  Legend says that the plant got its perfume from the clothing of baby Jesus when Mary laid out the washed clothing to dry.  Romans used the oil for cooking and for its beautiful scent.  Lavender products are even mentioned in the Bible but are referred to by its pre-Roman name of spikenard.

The herb lavender (Lavandula officinalis) originated in the Mediterranean basin. Because of its pleasant fragrance and medicinal benefits, people moving from the region frequently transplanted it to their new homelands. Today lavender is found worldwide, where it remains a mainstary in aromatherapy, flower remedies, and herbal medicine. A sturdy flowering perennial with a distinct woody scent, lavender is a welcome addition to any autoimmune disease healing protocol. Although the plant, flowers and seeds all have the distinct lavender scent, the oil derived from the flowers is the most important medical component.

Lavender flowers produce high amounts of nectar so beekeepers prize them for the excellent honey they help produce.  Lavender flowers are commonly used by French chefs to add a mildly sweet and elegant flavor to their cooking.  Lavender blossoms are also commonly added to sugar to flavor it for use in tea.

Lavender oil contains several distinct chemicals with healing properties that complement one another. Consequently, lavender oil has a broad range of healing properties including antiseptic properties, which also make it an excellent general cleaning agent when diluted in warm water. Lavender is one of the few essential oils that can also be applied directly to the skin undiluted.

In aromatherapy, lavender is used for treating depression, amenorrhea, burns, acne, rashes, arthritis, athlete's foot, carpal tunnel syndrome, psoriasis, vaginitis, insomnia, pain, palpitations, anxiety and nervousness. As massage oil, lavender relaxes muscles and eases tension. Lavender oil is used in diffusers, salves, bath products, and undiluted as a topical essential oil. Lavender oil should not be taken internally.

Lavender's Active Ingredients

Lavender oil contains the natural alcohol linalool; ketones; esters; and aldehydes. Linalol provides lavender's antiseptic properties by effectively killing bacteria and viruses. Linalol also helps healing skin irritations including burns, wounds, acne and sores. The aldehydes in lavender are responsible for its distinct aroma and soothing properties. The ketones in lavender effectively reduce pain and inflammation and help induce sleep. The esters in lavender reduce soreness and swelling, prevent muscle spasms, fight fungal infections and prevent scarring. The esters in lavender also help relieve tension, depression and hysteria, and they help regulate moods.

Using lavender

Lavender is primarily used as an essential oil, which can be purchased in most stores that sell health products, or as the dried herb. As an oil, lavender can be diffused, sprinkled or applied directly to irritated skin. As massage oil, lavender oil should first be diluted with grapeseed or almond oil, using 10 drops of lavender oil to 30 ml of carrier oil. Lavender oil can also be found added to perfumes, flower essences, shampoos, soaps, bath products, herbal salves, and massage oils. Dried lavender herb can be found in sachets, dream pillows, satin-covered herbal eye masks. Lavender herb is also found in herbal cough and cold preparations.

Used in skin products, lavender helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing of rashes, bruises, minor cuts and sores. In one Los Angeles clinic, lavender oil is used for skin cancer, osteomalacia, facial ulcers and insect bites. Lavender also helps balance oil production and prevent scarring.

In shampoos, lavender helps prevent dandruff, and as a final hair rinse lavender combined with lemon oil and diluted in mineral water, helps restore sheen in dry, damaged hair. The oils should be added to the water at least 30 minutes before using to ensure proper solubility.

Lavender oil can be used to treat a wide variety of complaints, from skin conditions to sleeping problems, and has virtually no  side effects!!

A Natural Relaxant

The perfect natural remedy for calming your nerves, lavender can ease you into a sound 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.

Improve Your Skin and Hair

A great natural skin tonic, lavender helps to balance oil production and prevents scarring.

• 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 a lemon. Leave to infuse for 30 minutes before use.
• Use a soft warm compress on damaged or broken skin. This will ease swelling and pain as well as promoting skin regrowth.

Ease Your Period Pains!!!

The relaxing, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties of lavender make it ideal for easing both physical and mental mentrual woes.

• To relieve period pain, genly massage the lower back and tummy with diluted lavender oil. This will also balance your spirits.
• To avoid the emotional symptoms of PMS, combine 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops of 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.
• The esters in lavender oil reduce muscle spasms, thereby easing period cramps.

Magical Lavender

Lavender has been used throughout history for its mystical properties.

• 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 magical powers.
• 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, their goddess of witches, sorcerers, and enchantment.
• Sprigs of lavender were worn by medieval monks to banish evil spirits.
• Originating in the Mediterranean mountains, lavender was bought to England by the Romans.