The Benefits of Lavender
The Multiple Uses of the Lavender Plant Make it Indispensable.
There are over 100 varieties of lavender producing a fragrant, relaxing aroma. English, French and Spanish lavender are among the most popular used in aromatherapy.
Lavender can calm your nerves, help insomnia, bruises, insect bites and is a disinfectant. It is useful for digestion, which makes it desirable in culinary products as well. Unlike most essential oils, lavender does not have to be diluted before using it.
The most famous example of lavender’s undiluted use comes from the French perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. He suffered severe burns on his hands while working in his laboratory, by chance he applied the essential oil of lavender directly to the wound. He discovered that his hand healed quickly and without scarring.
The Bath
You can create a relaxing bath experience by adding the pure lavender essential oil to your bath water. Adding a few drops after the tub is full will permeate the scent and the therapeutic benefits will begin. If you add the essential oil into the tub while it is filling you may experience a dissipation of the oil.
You can also use dried lavender in a muslin bag that you steep in a tub for a scented bath. Try different combinations by adding some dried chamomile, or rose petals to the lavender.
Mary Geoghagan created an entire line of bath products based on the benefits of lavender to soothe the senses. Check out her ‘Girls Night In’ which includes moisture booties and mittens, a lavender shea butter scrub, lavender spa cream and a lavender soy candle. She offers more lavender products, including a relaxation oil on her website www.dodisturb.com.
The Home
Because lavender has antiseptic properties it makes a great household disinfectant. You can also add 30-60 drops of lavender essential oil to warm water to wash your floors.
Lavender Farm is a certified organic farm situated in the mineral rich glacial water of the wild Hood River in Central Oregon. They make a 100% natural all purpose cleanser for the home. Not only is it a pure botanical, but comes packed with a punch to deodorize and cut grease. Their motto “ Be kind to your skin, the environment & our children” is enough to become a loyal customer. Discover the beauty of their farm and other products at www.lavenderfarms.net.
Cooking with Lavender
Lavender is a member of the large mint family, and therefore lends itself to savory dishes as well as sweet desserts. Experiment with it by using the dried flower as a garnish in a salad, or in a bread recipe. There are many possibilities because lavender is sweet with a citrus note.
The aromatic Herbs de Provence is a traditional blend that comes from the south of France. The basis of this herbal blend is the French lavender. Many of you may have used this herbal blend in roasting vegetables or grilling meats and know how fragrant and interesting it is to add to your cooking repertoire.
Magdalena Bassett lives on a lavender farm in Sequim, Washington and wrote, “Cooking and Baking with Lavender” to help out any novices who want to jump on board to discover the wonders of lavender in the kitchen.
Try making your own lavender tea before going to sleep with some dried lavender, honey and lemon for some sweet dreams!
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