Lavender has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. Because it is the most versatile of all essential oils, no home should be without it. Lavender is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that can also boost stamina and energy.
Therapeutic-grade lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty. It may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. The French scientist René Gattefossé was among the first to discover these properties when he was severely burned in a laboratory explosion. Lavender may also be used to enhance the flavor of foods.
Lavender is such a universal oil in so many ways. I have 2 or 3 bottles around at all times, and use it for such a variety of things. Read more details about it below, and follow the links to get your own as well. Also included here is a recipe for Lavender Lemonade! Perfect for summer and you would not believe how good it is… (and good for you!)
Perhaps ancient peoples intuitively knew what researchers are finding out about lavender…it calms anxiety and provides natural stress relief. And that’s not all — lavender has a long list of beneficial properties, making it a natural health superstar.
Lavender and Your Health
Aromatherapists feel that lavender essential oil is the most versatile because of its many properties and considers it one of the best essential oils to have on hand.
“My son had problems for years being able to fall asleep. He would lay there for hours it seemed. He had gotten into the habit of taking something over the counter before bedtime each night. He is 21 yrs old with a mind of his own, and I was really worried. One day, I asked him if I could put Lavender on the bottom of his feet at bedtime and he agreed. He slept like a baby and now he uses it every night. He no longer takes anything else!”
Regina Danley
Lavender has been used for:
- Pain relief
- Headaches – including migraines – and muscle aches and sprains
- Menstrual cramps
- Relaxation and sleep
- Burns
- Acne
- Insect bites, Dry skin, and as a deodorant
- Muscle relaxant
- Rub several drops of Lavender oil into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.
- Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a cotton ball and place in your linen closet to scent the linens and repel moths and insects.
- Place a drop of Lavender oil in your water fountain to scent the air, kill bacteria and prolong the time between cleanings.
- Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a wet cloth and throw into the dryer, which will deodorize and freshen your laundry.
- Put a drop of Lavender oil on a cold sore.
- Diffuse Lavender oil to alleviate the symptoms of allergies.
- Spritz several drops of Lavender oil mixed with distilled water on a sunburn to decrease pain.
- Drop Lavender oil on a cut to clean the wound and kill bacteria.
- Apply 2-3 drops of Lavender oil to a rash to stop the itching and heal the skin.
Here’s a Lavender Lemonade recipe for you to enjoy:
Lavender Lemonade
(they make at the restaurant at the Young Living Farm in Mona, Utah – It’s delicious!)
7 lemons, peeled and juiced
2 limes, peeled and juiced
1 drop pure, therapeutic-grade lavender oil
14 cups water
1-1/2 cup Blue Agave
Mix all ingredients together and chill. Add more water or Blue Agave, depending on the size and tartness of the fruit. Be careful that you don’t add more than a drop of lavender oil so that it does not overpower your lemonade.
Enjoy!