Lavender - It's Not Just a Fragrant Herb

What comes to mind when you think of lavender? The sight and fresh scent of a field of lavender plants swaying gently in the breeze? The scent and feel of your favorite lavender-scented body care product? Or maybe it's that sprig of lavender on the beef dish at your favorite restaurant? And these are just a few uses of this versatile herb.

Lavender, native to the Mediterranean region, has been used for at least 2500 years. The ancient Egyptians used it for mummification and for perfume. In Greece and Rome, lavender was added to bath water. In fact, the herb's name derives from the Latin word, lavare, which means "to wash". As the use of the herb spread to Western Europe, the English and French began to use it for medicinal purposes as well as enjoying it for its aromatic properties. Here are some diverse ways you can enjoy this herb.

Stress Reduction

Aromatherapists and herbal medicine practitioners prescribe this herb for its calming properties. It has been used successfully for treating insomnia and sleep disorders. Try applying a few drops of the essential oil to your pillow to help you drift off to sleep more easily. And many people report that lavender oil calms them and lifts their mood when in a tense situation.

Culinary

Use Lavender is a member of the mint family. It has a sweet flavor with citrus overtones and is often substituted for rosemary in recipes. Flowers and leaves can be used in food preparations calling for edible flowers. And both the buds and stems can be dried. Try adding small amounts to your favorite chicken or beef dish. Or for a special treat, add a sprig of fresh lavender to a glass of champagne or add to a piece of your favorite chocolate cake.

Skin Care

Lavender has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It has a history of successful use in treating acne, eczema and dermatitis. It also helps heal wounds, cuts and burns, reputedly by aiding the formation of scar tissue. And for insect bites or stings, apply 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil directly on the bite. Or dilute 10 drops of the oil in 1 ounce of a carrier oil like sweet almond oil and apply the diluted mix to the bite or sting.

Health Benefits

Numerous successful uses of lavender to improve health problems have been reported. Massaging with lavender oil can help pain from sore muscles, sprains or backache. The oil has been used in vaporizers to improve respiratory disorders like laryngitis, asthma and bronchitis. And there have been reports of lowered blood pressure because of the calming properties of the herb.

How You Can Use Lavender

Be sure to find a high-quality essential oil especially if the oil will be applied directly to the skin. Inexpensive essential oils can have impurities which can mask the healing properties of the herb as well as the fresh, natural scent.

Some essential oils can be applied directly to the skin. But highly concentrated ones should be diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond, apricot or extra virgin olive oil. It is best to apply a small amount of the preparation to a small area of the skin since rare sensitivities to lavender have been documented.

Other ways to apply this herb include mixing a few drops of essential oil with Epsom or some other bath salt and dissolving the mix in the bath water. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a vaporizer or humidifier.

So find yourself some high quality essential oil or some fresh or dried lavender and try some of these healthful, relaxing tips. And experiment with other uses of this fun and versatile herb.

© 2009 Infinite Indulgence. All rights reserved.

Ann Karcich, owner of Infinite Indulgence Bath and Body Products, publishes a FREE monthly newsletter with tips on how to take good care of yourself. Sign up for the newsletter and get a free report on how to create an at-home spa at http://www.infiniteindulgence.com.

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