Lavender is so much more than just a calming scent.  It can also soothe and heal an amazing variety of ailments.

When you begin building up your collection of essential oils, there is no better place to start than with Lavender. Its dreamy fragrance has made popular perfume for centuries, but this gentle herb also has powerful harmonizing properties.

The Healing Herb

The valuable therapeutic oil produced by lavender flowers can be used to treat troubles of the heart and mind.  It is widely used by herbalists and aromatherapists to treat depression, but its healing properties also run to pain relief of a more physical kind.  As a massage oil, lavender relaxes muscles and eases tension.  its strong antiseptic properties effectively heal conditions such as acne or sunburn.

The leaves, flowers and seeds of lavender have a sweet scent with woody undertones.  Lavender oil is extracted from its flowers.  Lavender is the perfect bathroom oil.  It will relax your mind and muscles after a hard day's work and is also good for skin and hair.

Active Ingredients of Lavender

the combination of compounds that make up lavender contribute to its legendary healing powers:

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 - ketones are compounds that help to relieve pain, build new skin tissue and reduce inflammation.  They also have a sleep effect.  Ketones can be toxic, so lavender that contains an amount of 35% should be avoided.  Diabetics, epileptics and pregnant women should avoid them completely.

Esters - Esters 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.

The powerful aroma of Lavender comes from the aldehydes it contains.  these compounds also add to the oil's soothing properties.

Lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be applied undiluted.  It can even be used on sunburned or damaged skin.

USING LAVENDER OIL

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 remedy for calming your nerves, lavender can ease you into a sound sleep.

prepare 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 into 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 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.

Ease your period pains

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

to relieve period pain, gently 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 lavender, 3 drops Roman Chamomile and 30ml carrier oil and dab on the pulse points in the days leading up to your period.  The calming, soothing smell of this combination should help to regulate your hormone system.

The Esters in lavender oil reduce muscle spasm, thereby easing period cramps.