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

Lullval@clearwire.net

Natural Ways to Relieve Pain

I have arthritis in my back and sometimes the pain gets pretty bad. When the pain gets too severe I have to take a pain pill, but for mild to moderate pain there are several herbal remedies that work quite well.

1. Ginger - I like to brew up a cup of Ginger tea, it takes the edge off my arthritis pain. You can use fresh ginger, or some of the commercial ginger teas. To use it fresh, grate about two tablespoons of the fresh root and simmer in water for 20 minutes.As an alternative  I often use Yogi brand ginger tea. You can also use a hot ginger compress externally. Some people find that ginger has a calming effect which also helps.

2. Willow Bark - Willow bark was used by the American Indians. It contains salacin which is what aspirin is made of. Willow can be used in capsule form or a tea can be prepared from the bark. Personally I prefer the capsule. If you have an aspirin allergy it is probably best not to use willow bark.

3. Lavender - Lavender is wonderful for mild to moderate burns. A few drops of  lavender essential oil can be mixed with a little vegetable oil and rubbed into the area where there is pain. Lavender actually works on the nerves so that they transmit less pain. Just remember, essential oils are for external use only. Taking essential oils orally can be deadly. Lavender is also good for scrapes, bumps and bruises.

4. Peppermint - This was my grandmother's remedy for menstrual pain. Peppermint contains menthol which has an anesthetic effect. One common remedy for headaches uses peppermint tincture rubbed into the temples of the head. Peppermint is also good for indigestion discomfort.

5. Red Pepper - Red pepper contains salicylates, which are similar  to salicin, the herbal version of aspirin. Red  pepper also contains capsaicin, which stimulates the body's natural pain killers called endorphins. Capsaicin works as a rub or liniment that is massaged into the skin of the painful area. You can purchase capsaicin creams in your local drugstore. Be sure you wash your hands afterwards, and make double sure you don't get it in your eyes.

Remember to check with your health care provider when using herbal products. Check out my web site at www.valerielull.com .


Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net.