Inhale the lavendar and smile!

by Katy Green

www.shoptobegreen.com

Lavender Fairy

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, or Lavandula officinalis) has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, to calm the spirit, for flavor in cooking and teas, infusions and of course perfume.

Did you know that lavender contains antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive, and last but certainly not least - anti-depressant properties.  The fresh or dried flowers contain the medicinal properties of Lavender. 

Lavender Farm

Lavendar History:

• The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash."
• Queen Victoria of England is most notable for making Lavender popular across England. Lavender was use in many forms dry or oil. The Queen requested that lavender was used to wash floors and furniture, freshen the air, and had it strewn among the linens.

10 Ways Lavendar can Benefit you:

Lavender Essential Oil and Dried Lavender

Also check Shoptobegreen's many natural Lavender products.

Note: Althought there may not be common side effects to lavender there may be a slight risk of allergic reaction to lavender for certain people who have sensitive skin or chronic allergies or asthma. Check with your local doctor to confirm. 

According to Dr. Weil you will want to use Lavandula angustifolia,not Lavandula latifolia for anything that is used for the skin. Check with your local herbal store. I lowered the number of drops of lavendar oil because it is quite potent. I did that because it best to start with a lower number of drop and then increase as needed.

Lavender Flower

1. Want that linen fresh smell naturally? Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a clean cotton cloth and place it in your tumble dryer to give a relaxing scent to bed sheets, pillowcases and towels.
2. Trouble sleeping? Add 1 or 2 drops of llavender essential oil to a cotton ball and tuck it into the corner of your pillow case. Inhaling lavendar will help you relax so you can sleep either on its own or when combined with Chamomile. You can also add a satchel of dried lavendar to your bedside or pillow if you don't want to bother with the oil.
3. Achy Feet?  A soothing footbath will relax the muscles, improve circulation and soothe any aches and pains. Add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil to 2 gallons (9 litres) of hot water. Alternatively, mix lavender essential oil with Geranium for a relaxing footbath, or with Eucalyptus and Pine for tired, aching feet.
4. Dry Skin? Blend 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil (or a moisturizing cream). Apply twice daily. Check with dermatologist first if you have sensitive or allergic skin.
5. Sunburn? Get instant relief from a heat rash or red and sore skin or blistering.

   To soothe a sunburn, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to water in a spray bottle, and mist sunburned skin.
6. Case of the blues or depression? Drop a few dried lavendar flowers in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water then pour in a basin and inhale slowly.
7. Need to brighten up a home office or living room? Lavender flowers (fresh or dried) emit a strong, aromatic, uplifting scent and their color brightens up any room.
8. Achy muscles?  Add 4-6 drops of lavender essential oil after running the water and vigorously agitate water. Add the drops to a capful of milk or Epsom salts and then put in the bath as this helps to disperse the oils through out the water.
9. Stuffy Nose? Add 1-2 drops of lavendar essential oil to your handkerchief or tissue box.
10. Need a massage for tight or sore muscles? Add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil per 10ml of your favorite oil. Take caution using on babies and the elderly. Consult with your doctor first.
11. Bonus Lavender Use: Itchy Scalp, try Solay Lavender Natural Shampoo  and Solay Natural Conditioner gently cleans hair and adds fullness and shine naturally or try 910 Joy Avenue's Lavender and Shea soap bar.