Lavender

I realized that I had not dedicated a blog entry to my favorite plant ~ LAVENDER.

How could I have missed that?!

So today, because I'm in a lavender kind of mood, I'm writing about Lavender and its multiple uses and benefits...

The History of Lavender in brief

Lavender has a long history and dates back to at least 2,500 years. In ancient Egypt, it was used as perfume and for mummification. Romans have used lavender oils to scent the air, for cooking, and bathing. Quite possibly, the Latin root derives from those times. Lavare - to wash and Livendula - livid. During the middle ages, the dried lavender was thrown on the ground or floor to fumigate the homes. Lavender was mostly used by monasteries but by the time Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, lavender moved into the gardens of domestic homes. The women used it to give their lines a fresh scent. Sachets were created and placed between clothing. During the 16th century France lavender was used against infections. The story of the great plague and the thieves that stole herbs and oils divide a bit and some stories include lavender while others do not. It is said that during the plague the thieves who stole Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Rosemary were spared from the illness. During WW II, lavender was used to disinfect floors and walls and it was also used as a first aid for burns.

Uses for Lavender Essential Oil


Nervous System: Lavender has a calming effect on the nervous system and is therefore great for

• headaches
• anxiety
• depression
• nervous tension or 
• stress

It has a calming scent, a refreshing aroma and antidepressant properties.

Sleep: Due to the calming scent, lavender essential oil is great for

• insomnia
• difficulty falling asleep

Pain Relief: The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender make for a wonderful first aid for minor

• burns
• sunburn
• sores
• muscle aches
• rheumatism
• sprains
• backache. 

Mixed in massage oil, lavender can provide deep relief. Its antispasmodic properties make it great for

• cramps of all kinds thus is great for female issues or infections of the bladder. 

Respiratory Problems: Lavender is a decongestant and its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties aid when having

• throat infections
• flu
• cough
• cold
• asthma
• sinus congestion
• bronchitis
• whooping cough
• laryngitis
• tonsillitis

Use it in a diffuser or apply a few drops of 100% pure, Grade A, therapeutic essential oil directly on the skin of your neck, chest, and/or back. It is a great addition for inhalers.

Skin Care: I use lavender essential oil in virtually all my body products. It has antiseptic and antifungal properties and is wonderfully soothing for

• eczema
• psoriasis 
• achne
• sunburn
• minor burns
• healing scars
• cell regeneration
• wrinkles

Digestion: Due to its tonic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender is great to aid

• indigestion
• stomach pains
• colic
• flatulence
• vomiting
• diarrhea

How to use Lavender Essential Oil

Aromatherapy

1. put a a drop or two in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and cup them over your nose, breathe in deeply
2. put a few drops onto a cotton ball and place it into your room, on your nightstand, next to your pillow etc.
3. put a few drops in either a steam or electric diffuser.

Topical Application

1. Use only pure, 100%, Grade A, therapeutic essential oils when using directly on your skin.
2. Test your skin for any allergic reaction before using the oil(s) neat on your skin.
3. Lavender Essential Oil is great to use in creams, lotions, soaps or massage oils.

Other Uses for Lavender

The dried flowers are wonderful in sachets or potpourri. The scent will freshen up any closet or room. Also, the flowers are often used in the culinary world where they decorate cakes and other baked goods. Lavender Essential Oil is used in food such as melted chocolate, deserts, infused in drinks, and used as a spice. Honey is produced from Lavender flowers.

Have a lovely lavender-scented day!