Pure Lavender Oil and Dried Lavender Flower

When most people think of lavender, they think of cosmetic uses. Lavender is a common ingredient in many lotions, soaps, bath oils, shampoos and other beauty items. Lavender cleanses the skin and stimulates blood circulation, ¹⁴ which is why it is so popular.

Of course, the other reason lavender is so popular is that it just plain smells good. Lavender Essential Oil is very calming and relaxing. It is frequently used in the home treatment of insomnia and anxiety.

English lavender is more aromatic than french lavender. ¹⁴ The dried leaves of the english lavender plant are frequently used to make sachets and pillows. These sachets are used to freshen rooms, drawers and linen closets.

Did you know that lavender is edible? It is sometimes used in salads and is often used to make vinegar, jams and jellies. In fact, lavender vinegar is very beneficial for oily skin. ¹⁴

Pure lavender oil has antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, flatulence-relieving, ¹⁴ anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. ^al

Many studies have shown that pure lavender oil aromatherapy reduces cortisol (stress-hormone), anxiety, insomnia, depression, menstrual tension, distress and aggression. ^al. It has also been shown to improve coronary velocity flow reserve and have antiplatelet and antithrombotic properties. ^al

Lavender oil is not taken internally, but rather diluted in another oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil) and massaged on the skin...especially for eczema and psoriasis. Lavender essential oil is also frequently added to baths for the relief of sore feet and muscles. It can be inhaled by adding a few drops to a steam tent, or placed on a tissue, handkerchief or cotton ball.

Dried lavender flower can have a sedative effect. Make an infusion using 1 teaspoon of flower to 1 pint of water. Drinking this infusion helps calm the nerves and settle anxiety. ¹⁴

Lavender tea compresses are used in the treatment of bruises, bites and chest congestion. ¹⁴

Many of my readers may be interested to know that pure lavender oil stimulates hair growth and is used in the treatment of alopecia (baldness). ¹³ A scientific study conducted with sufferers of alopecia areata (an auto-immune condition which affects both men and women and results in hair-loss occurring in patches) showed a statistically significant increase in hair regrowth in patients using a mixture of lavender and other essential oils (thyme oil, rosemary oil and cedar oil), as opposed to placebo. ¹⁴

Planting Lavender: Generally lavender is started from cuttings as opposed to seeds. This is due to lavender's long germination time. Place the cuttings 3-4 inches apart in shaded pots filled with moist, sandy soil. Once the cuttings reach a year old, they are planted in the ground...around 4-6 feet apart. The best ground is dry and gravely. Do not plant lavender in an area where frost occurs. Lavender spreads quite a bit; frequent clipping will cause the plants to branch out to the side. ¹⁴

Lavender Plant Care: Adding lime and root cuttings to the soil will help lavender spread over a large area. Lavender is easily broken by strong winds, so it is best to plant the cuttings in an area where they will be protected. In the wintertime if the temperature gets very cold, lavender must be protected. ¹⁴

Lavender plant care is very easy if planted in containers indoors. Plant lavender in course soil and expose to lots of sun via a greenhouse or sunny window. Water when the soil is dry, typically lavender does not require frequent watering. ¹⁴

Safety Information: Lavender is generally regarded as safe. ². Pure lavender essential oil does not need to be diluted, but be sure not to get it near the eyes. ². If you are breastfeeding, lavender is assigned a plant safety rating of 'A' No contraindications, side effects, drug interactions, or pregnancy-related issues have been identified. Generally considered safe when used appropriately. Rarely, allergic reactions will occur. ⁶ However, a study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has discovered an association between the topical use of lavender essential oil and prepubescent breast growth in boys so do use caution. ^ao

Benefits of Pure Lavender Oil: home remedies for curing acne, home remedies for allergies, arthritis, athletes foot home remedy, bed-wetting, bee sting treatment, blisters, home remedies for burns, chapped lips, chicken pox, colic, cough home remedies, dry hair, dry skin, home-remedies-for-eczema, foot odor, home remedies for headaches, hives, home remedies for insomnia, irritability, home remedies for head lice, menstrual cramps, muscle pain, home remedies for nail fungus, rashes, ringworm, sprains, stomachache, stress, sunburn, tick bites, wrinkles.

Benefits of Dried Lavender Flower: dandruff, natural cure for depression, home remedies for insomnia

Return from pure lavender oil and dried lavender flower to my-home-remedies.com

New! Comments