Monday, December 10, 2012

Lavender


Lavender is a beautiful purple and fragrant flower that has been used for years in perfumes, potpourris and aromatherapy.  Lavender may smell good but it also has many health benefits.  Lavender was popular as a medicine in the middle ages and in 1620 it was one of the herbs taken to the Americas by the pilgrims.

Benefits of Lavender:

  • Digestion
    • Soothes indigestion and colic
    • Relieves gas a bloating
    • The oil stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile thus aiding in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Nervous System
    • Soothing and calming effect
    • Helps relax and encourages deep sleep. Sprinkle a few drops of lavender oil on your sleep pillow or add to a room diffuser before bed time.
    • Reduces irritability
    • Relieves headaches and migraines
    • Helps to alleviate depression
    • Tones the nervous systems
    • The aroma increase mental activity and reduces anxiety
    • Lavender oil added to bath water will create a relaxing bath
  • Asthma
    • The relaxing effect of Lavender makes it helpful for some types of asthma especially when nervousness is present.
  • First Aid
    • Lavender is strongly antiseptic and will help to heal burns, wounds and sores.
    • When rubbed on an insect sting it relieves pain and inflammation. Use lavender tea as a wash or use lavender oil.
    • Lavender oil can be used to treat head lice and scabies.
    • A few drops of oil massaged at the temples can ease a headache.
    • 5 drops added to bath water will help to relieve muscle aches and pains.
    • A massage with essential oil will relieve joint pain.
    • A few drops of oil placed on a cotton ball and placed into the ear will relieve an earache.
    • Soak swollen ankles in a warm foot bath and a few drops of lavender oil.
    • Treat minor scrapes, cuts and burns by washing with lavender water and then applying a few drops of lavender oil.
  • Blood Circulation
    • Lavender oil will help improve blood circulation. It will also lower blood pressure and is used for hypertension.
    • Lavender can help restore circulation to cold feet by soaking feet in a warm foot soak with a few drops of Lavender.
  • Immunity
    • The regular use of lavender essential oil will boost immunity and help fight off disease.
    • Lavender oil is an effective antiseptic and can be used in massage blends to kill cold and flu germs.
  • Skin Care
    • The anti fungal and antiseptic properties of lavender oil make it affective in treating acne. Lavender is one of the few oils that can be applied directly to the skin.  I few drops applied to blemishes will kill the bacteria. Lavender is good for oily skin.
    • It is used to treat wrinkles, psoriasis and other inflammations.
    • Heals wounds, cuts, burns and sunburns rapidly. Use Lavender tea as a wash or use the essential oil.
    • Added with chamomile it is used to treat eczema. 
    • Add lavender to body oil for a relaxing massage and to help relieve dry and damaged skin.
  • Respiratory Disorders
    • Used for throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.
    • The oil is used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of the neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.
  • Urine Flow
    • Good for urinary disorders because it stimulates urine production.
    • Rests hormonal balance and reduces cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces associated cramps.

How to use Lavender:

  • Lavender tea can be made from the fresh or dried flowers.
  • Lavender essential oil should only be used externally, and can be used in massage oils, baths and aroma lamps.
    • Add a few drops of lavender oil to unscented laundry and dish soaps, shampoos, and body creams and lotions.
I had no idea that there were so many uses for Lavender. I just thought it smelled good and helped for a peaceful sleep. I will be adding this one to my first aid kit for sure. 
I am not affiliated with Doterra Oils but very impressed with the quality of their oils so that is where I recommend getting your essential oils. 






References:
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil.html#
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail31.php?gc=31&gclid=CNq7ypL1j7QCFelFMgodniYAvQ

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