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!

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Peace & Calming Essential Oil

As I promised in my previous entry, I am going to write about each oil that I received. Peace & Calming is part of the Essential 7 package that I received and I thought it is a good way to start my future blogs... Maybe I should have started with Into the Future but I am asking a friend of mine to write this blog as a guest contributor :)

So, let's start with Peace & Calming. The name says it all :) This essential oil, is one of my favorites. It could possibly be that you will read this about many oils as I have many favorites but this is one essential oil I take along wherever I go.

Peace & Calming has this lovely citrusy scent (Tangerine and Orange) with a hint of Patchouly, Ylang Ylang, and Blue Tansy. Whenever I smell this scent, I am reminded of freshly peeled oranges, a fresh breeze, and a bed of wildflowers growing in a valley. It has earthy qualities and I find it extremely grounding. Yet at the same time, the floral spiciness makes it very uplifting.

Tangerine is a sedative, diuretic, and decongestant. It helps stimulate the lymphatic system to release toxins.
Orange releases stagnant energy, is an antidepressant and sedative. It is excellent for calming the nervous system. It also is an antispasmodic and releases tension, frustration, anxiety, or fear.
Patchouli is a balancing oil. It helps bring body and mind together. It is grounding and a great oil to counteract a "spaced out" feeling.
Ylang Ylang is restorative and has a calming effect on the circulatory system. It also brings out feelings of joy and even euphoria. It is an analgesic, anti-depressant, and has sedative qualities.
Blue Tansy has a soothing effect on the respiratory system. It is an analgesic and sedative. It is great for muscle tension as it releases and breaks down stress.

I use this oil every time I feel stressed or whenever I need a calming influence. During the day, at the end of a long day, or for a good night sleep, this oil is wonderful! It calms the nervous system, relieves anxiety and tension, promotes relaxation, and helps with insomnia. It also may be good for hyperactive children since it has calming effects.

The way I use this oil is multi-fold. I diffuse it, inhale it neat directly out of the bottle, and/or I drop one drop on my wrists and rub both wrists together. At night before I go to sleep, I rub a few drops into the soles of my feet for a blissful and rejuvenating sleep. Also rub it into the back of your neck to get a good effect of the calming sensation. Nerve endings along the spine are very receptive and responsive. Use it in meditation and visualization. I frequently diffuse it (with permission of clients) during Hypnotherapy sessions. It allows the mind to go deeper into relaxation and aids in visualization and goal achievement. A friend of mine is using it in massage therapy as well as reflexology. It is a wonderful addition to any massage to foster relaxation.

As with any essential oil, please use caution to avoid an allergic reaction. Also, if you are pregnant or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your physician prior to using - especially if you are using an essential oil for a specific purpose.

Feel calm and at ease at all times and flow with the rhythm of life   ૐ

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