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LAVENDER
Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender is the essence of serenity and cleanliness.
It is probably used in more soaps, shampoos and body cleansers than any
other herb. The name “Lavender” itself is derived from the Latin “lavare”
meaning “to wash”. Its healing qualities are contained in the flowers’ oil
glands, so using the flowers gives you the most potent natural oils.
Lavender is highly revered as a garden plant. Various lavender cultivars
flourish in gardens almost anywhere on Earth. There are a few varieties
which thrive only in warmer climates, and some which do well in temperatures
which 'put it to sleep' for the winter. All Lavender plants enjoy an
alkaline pH in their soil and a very sunny position.
The benefits of this plant satisfy ALL of the desires that an herb lover can
dream up - intoxicating fragrance, lovely flowers, therapeutic aroma,
effective garden plant, handy in craft-making and a culinary delight.
They appear in shades of deep purple through light lilac, pale pink and
silver-white. The best time to begin cutting the flowers stems is just
before the florets fully open. You'll learn by observing, when that point
is.
Lavender was a favorite in the baths of the Romans and Greeks because of its
fresh, clean scent. Its ability to repel insects and bad odors made it a
favored strewing herb, giving long-lasting scent. Lavender has a tradition
of medicinal uses. The English herbalist, Gerard, told his patients to take
it for …“light migram or swimming of the braine”.
The essential oil of Lavender offers healing attributes, such as stress and
headache relief, alleviate dizziness, fainting and bad breath, antiseptic,
mild sedative and pain killer. Lavender’s essential oil relieves insect
bites and stings and quickly and thoroughly heals burns. Added to a carrier
oil, for massage, it is therapeutic for throat infections, skin sores,
inflammation, rheumatic aches, anxiety, and insomnia. A favorite sleep aid
recipe: put one drop of the essential oil on the pillow to bring deep sleep
with pleasant dreams. (Don’t use more than a drop, as lavender increases
circulation - that’s why it is so effective for headaches and could
stimulate.)
Use it to massage muscular aches, for fluid retention and cellulite.
A few other uses for LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL ~
~ A blend of lavender and grapefruit oils is good for at the office and for
students of all ages. Lavender creates a calm, tranquil atmosphere, while
grapefruit stimulates the senses and clears up stale air.
~ Add a few drops to a piece of terry cloth and toss into the clothes dryer.
~ To set a calming mood anywhere, add a few drops to the hot, melted wax of
a burning candle.
In addition to its many healing qualities, Lavender has delightful cosmetic
uses: as a tonic water for delicate, sensitive skins, speeds cell
replacement and as an antiseptic acne treatment.
Around the house, Lavender is useful for repelling mosquitoes, moths and
flies.
The flowers can be used in sweet sachets, potpourris and herb pillows.
Make a VINEGAR with the flowers (instructions below...).
~ Use in your bath, to nourish and soothe your skin and bring instant
relaxation. (1 to 2 cups per tub of water)
~ In the final rinse of your clothes-washer, dissolve the soap residue, and
impart the fresh, clean aroma to your laundry (1 ˝ cups per load)
~ To bring sunburn relief, put some in a spray bottle, mix half-and-half
with water. Spritz on the skin wherever it hurts. Both vinegar AND Lavender
are good for the skin, Lavender especially healing for burns.
How to make a Lavender vinegar:
Into a quart mason jar, place about 1 ˝ cups of lavender flowers, either
fresh or dried. Fill the jar with cider vinegar. Put a plastic lid on it, or
line any metal lid with a baggie before you place it on the jar.
Shake about every day, setting in a sunny window.
Start using in about 2 weeks
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