Ideas Using Lavender Oil – a Gift or Just for You

Lavender has had many uses throughout history. Medieval monks wore lavender sprigs because they believed it would banish any evil spirits. Romans burned lavender near new mothers and their babies to aid in soothing them and to bring about a feeling of compassion. Massage therapists often use massage oils made with lavender to relax muscles and help relieve tension. Herbalists use lavender to aid in the healing of a variety of ailments. Perfumeries use lavender for its beautiful aroma and ability to blend well with other ingredients.

You can use lavender for many things right at home. If you are looking for new ideas for lavender oil, the ideas here are simple, easy to follow, and could also be used to make great gifts.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy, often to treat depression, tension or anxiety. It is a wonderful natural way to help sooth nerves and release your stress. Due to its popularity, lavender oil is readily available in many stores.

Aromatherapy Suggestions

Use an oil diffuser to heat the lavender oil to surround yourself in its relaxing aroma. Try this in the bathroom while showering or taking a bath for an extra soothing treat.

Undiluted lavender oil can be dabbed on your pulse points to help relieve tension. For headaches, some herbalists recommend massaging the oil into your temples.

Health, Beauty and First Aid Suggestions

Lavender is known for its antiseptic properties. Use lavender oil to dab on sunburned skin or acne. Dab the affected areas in the morning and again at night. The lavender will help to clear the skin by balancing the oil production and aid in preventing scarring.

If you are experiencing a problem with dandruff try adding a few drops of undiluted lavender oil into your hair when performing the final rinse. Add some to your hairbrush as well before brushing your hair.

To help with dull or oily hair you can make an after-shampoo rinse. All you need is mineral water, a lemon and some lavender oil. Add a few drops of lavender to your mineral oil and then add the juice of one lemon. Mix the solution and let it sit to infuse for about 30 minutes or so. When ready, apply it to your hair as an after-shampoo rinse.

Small abrasions, strains, insect bites and bruises can be treated with lavender to help ease swelling and pain. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a small bowl of warm water. Soak a washcloth with the mixture and use it as a compress on the area needing treatment. This solution of oil and water will also promote healing if there is broken or damaged skin.

Massage Oil

Lavender massage oils are quite popular. They are great for massaging any area of the body. The aroma helps calm the mind while the healing properties of the oil will relax the muscles. For females experiencing cramps or backache around their period, gently rub the lower back and lower abdomen with a lavender oil solution. You can either purchase pre-mixed lavender massage oil or mix your own.

To create a massage blend you will need a carrier base. This will dilute the lavender. Some suggestions to try are grapeseed oil or almond oil. Add 10 drops of lavender oil to every 30 ml of chosen carrier oil.

Gift Giving Suggestion

Many of the solutions above could be mixed and poured into a bottle of your choosing. Add it to a gift basket or tie a decorative ribbon around it to make it a gift by itself. A nice touch would be adding a small printed card telling about the solution, ingredients used, and directions for use.