Laura McDonald Health: Lovely Lavender

I absolutely LOVE lavender oil. I’m a lavender junkie! I sprinkle it on my pillow and my pulse points every evening, and I never travel without it. With it’s unmistakable aroma and therapeutic properties, Lavender is perhaps the most popular of the essential oils with the ability to calm your mind, soothe your skin and aid in digestion.

Brief History:

Lavender oils can be traced back to over 2500 years ago. Lavender was first found by the Ancient Greeks and the Egyptians. In Ancient times, Egyptians used lavender oil in their mummification process. They also made perfumes from lavender. It’s believed Cleopatra seduced her boys Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony while wearing intoxicating lavender perfume. The Romans used lavender oil in their hair, bodies, and the public baths. Lavender oil was widely used as a precious disinfectant on wounds.

How Does Lavender Grow?

A romantic flower, Lavender is an herb that practically every gardener wants to grow. All lavenders are perennials, but they can be short-lived if they have to endure a harsh winter. They can last up to 5-7 years. Lavender plants will tolerate many growing conditions, but thrive in warm, well-drained soil and full sun. They also do well in pots and add a lovely fragrance to your garden or home. Lavender is a tough plant and is extremely drought resistant, once established.

Lavender Lover's Handbook
Great Ideas for Lavender!

The Many Uses of Lavender:

Apply to the bottom of feet or on a pillow before sleeping. (Our feet have the largest pores on the body and easily absorb the oil.)
Use with bath salts, or just sprinkle a few drops in the water for a relaxing spa experience.
Use to calm reaction to a bee sting or bug bite.
Apply to pulse points or inhale when traveling to calm and ease motion upset.
Lightly apply to soothe sunburned or scalded skin.
Put a few drops into a spritzer bottle filled with water and use as an aromatic room freshener, or spray on bedding or clothes.
Calm sensitive skin and soothe pores after hair removal.
Use to clam and soothe diaper rash.
Apply to dry, chapped lips before applying lip balm.
Use with peppermint oil for a healthy scalp massage.
Add to lotion or oil for a relaxing, aromatic massage.