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 it a 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.

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 percent of the alcohol linalol.  Linaolol 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 tissues and reduce inflammation.  They also have a sleep-inducing effect.  Ketones can be toxic, so lavender that contains an amount above 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.

The leaves, flowers and seeds of lavender have a sweet scent with woody underetones.  Oil is extracted from its flowers.

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.

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.

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 ight 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 cloth compress on damaged or broken skin.  This will ease swelling and pain as well as promoting skin regrowth.

LAVENDER OIL CAN BE USED TO TREAT A WIDE VARIETY OF COMPLAINTS, FROM SKIN CONDITIONS TO SLEEPING PROBLEMS, AND HAS VIRTUALLY NO SIDE EFFECTS.

ORIGINATING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN MOUNTAINS, LAVENDER WAS BROUGHT TO ENGLAND BY THE ROMANS.

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