The Healing Powers of Lavender
Essential oils are made from practically every herb on earth but lavender oil made by lavender flowers can be used to treat heart and mind ailments. The leaves, flowers, and seeds of lavender have a sweet scent with woody undertones. Oil is taken from its flowers. Herbalists and aromatherapists use it to treat depression but it also has many healing properties. When used as massage oil, lavender is relaxes muscles and eases tension. It also has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat acne or sunburn.
If you are suffering from insomnia or sleep apnea, add a few drops of lavender oil to your sheets or place a small sachet of lavender flowers under your pillow to help you get some zzz’s. Lavender is the perfect natural remedy for easing your nerves. Before you retire for the night, add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater. To combat stress and anxiety, put a dab of lavender oil on your pulse points (wrists and temples). For headaches, massage a few drops into your temples.
If you suffer from acne, dandruff, or the occasional cut and scrape, lavender will help balance oil production and prevent scarring. To allay dandruff, spring some drops of lavender oil into your conditioner or onto your hairbrush. Treat minor cuts, bites, strains, and bruises with a warm lavender-soaked cloth. This will ease the swelling and pain and help new skin cells to grow. Use lavender oil as an antiseptic on pimples and blemishes by applying it to the affected area twice a day. If your hair is dull and lifeless, add a few drops of lavender oil and some lemon juice to a jug of mineral water. Use this mixture as your conditioner and leave it in for 30 minutes.
Do you suffer from horrid menstrual cramps? Lavender has inherent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. For period pain, massage a few drops of lavender oil into your lower back and tummy area with a diluted solution. To avoid the symptoms of PMS, combine 3 drops lavender, 3 drops Roman chamomile and 30ml-carrier oil on your pulse points a few days before your period is due to start. The relaxing scent should help keep your hormonal system in balance.
Lavender oil contains three key active ingredients that contribute to its healing powers. Linalol alcohol aids in killing bacteria and viruses as well as healing burns, wounds, and sores. Ketones help to relieve pain, build new skin tissue and reduce inflammation. Ketones are also what help you sleep better. Esters ease swelling and soreness, prevent muscle spasms, fight fungal infections, and prevent scarring. They also help regulate moods.
To dilute lavender oil, use grapeseed oil as a carrier base at a 10-drop: 30ml carrier ratio. For pulse point mixtures, add five drops of lavender oil to 20ml of carrier oil. To freshen up your room add three drops to a vaporizer bowl in your room.
Use this gift of nature to help ease some of your health and beauty ailments.
