Sunday, August 3, 2014

Lavender, Lavandula officinalis

I had an experience this week that brought home to me how valuable lavender can be. I burned my thumb with boiling water and it hurt pretty bad. I had some lavender oil nearby and I doused the burn with it. Two hours later the pain was gone, there was no scaring and it was like I had never burned it at all. Lavender is wonderful stuff for burns. It is also good for bumps and bruises. I just feel fortunate that I had the lavender oil on hand.

Lavender is what I call a super herb. It is used for so many things. It has many cosmetic uses such as air freshener, perfume, soaps and bath preparations. It also has healthful uses. There are several varieties of lavender. Among them are English lavender, True lavender, Spanish lavender, and Spike lavender.  Each kind has different uses. Spike lavender is harsh and mainly used for making soaps. Spanish lavender is not usually used for cooking or medicinal purposes. True lavender grows at a high elevation and produces the finest essential oil. English lavender is used for cosmetic purposes.



  



Lavender has been used for thousands of years as an antiseptic, disinfectant, sedative, stimulant, tonic and carminative (helps flatulence). It is used topically for scrapes, bumps, bruises and burns. Lavender is good for dental decay because of it's antimicrobial and antibacterial activity. It is also antifungal and heals wounds. It is good for chills, infectious diseases, feverishness and feeling tired. A mild infusion can be made that is good as a sedative, and helps insomnia, poor digestion, migraines and irritability. The oil is a good tonic for hair. Dried lavender flowers made into a sachet can be scattered among clothing to keep the moths away. Lavender flowers are also useful when making a potpourri.  

Lavender essential oil can be used in massage when diluted with another oil and leaves a delightful scent. It can be made into a lotion, or a compress for burns, eczema or lung congestion. Lavender essential oil is one of the few essential oils that can be used orally. It can be inhaled for respiratory problems. Lavender has been said to be good for hair loss when combined with thyme, rosemary and cedarwood in a base of jojoba and grapeseed oil. It is also useful for dandruff. Lavender can be used as a tea for anxiety. Lavender is truly a super herb.

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Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas

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