The Many Uses of Lavender
"The Many Uses of Lavender"
Lavender. The name given to this plant came from the Latin verb 'Lavare" to wash, or 'livendulo' Livid or bluish.
Lavender, this amazing beautiful herb has a pleasant fragrance and a soothing quality to boost. It has long been used for its calming effect in treating headaches, migraines, insomnia, anxiety and chronic pain.
Its use as a healing herb has been used for centuries. In Ancient Egypt, lavender was used for embalming and cosmetics. Jars filled with something resembling lavender were found in King Tut's tomb!
Ancient Rome used lavender for its healing and antiseptic properties, for deterring insects and washing. In ancient times, soap was a luxury or unknown. Lavender oils were used as part of the bathing ritual. Massaging into the skin, then scraped off, carrying the dirt and impurities away with them.
Lavender was thought to be a safeguard against evil and a lavender cross hung over the door for protection was a common tradition.
Today, lavender has been used to cure everything from menstrual cramps, upset stomach, sinuses, hangovers, tiredness, tension, exhaustion, rheumatism, arthritis, chronic pain, kidney disorder, stress relief, headaches, and migraines.
The oil may be effective because some chemical components help slow nerve impulses, reducing nervousness and excitability thus this helping to induce sleep. The lavender eye pillow is used for just this reason as well as to combat headaches, and migraines. Lavender can also be used as an
antiseptic/ pain killer on insect bites and burns.
Here are 10 common lavender essential oil aromatherapy practices:
1. Headaches/Migraines
Placing a lavender eye pillow over the eyes to combat headaches and migraines. Or add a couple drops of oil to a cotton ball or wash cloth and place over face. Inhale and heal!
2. Anxiety/Calming
Add 3-6 drops of lavender essential oil to bath water, act a soother for cranky kids or a relaxing moment for Mom’s and Dad’s.
3. Insomnia
Add a couple drops to your pillow at night to help induce sleep.
4. Menstrual cramps
Massage a few drops of lavender oil onto your abdomen, and place a soothing heat pack over it to ease cramping.
5. Cuts/Scrapes/Burns
Externally, Lavender is one of the safest essential oils that can be used full strength on the skin. It can work well and be applied directly to cuts, bruises, blisters, bee stings, rubbed directly to the temples in case of headache or migraine, and scrapes.
6. Moth Repellent
Lavender can be used in sachets to keep the moths away, as well as providing a lovely scent.
7. Sinusitis/Allergies
To relieve symptoms, add 2 drops of lavender and thyme oil to bowl of steaming water and inhale slowly, with a towel over your head.
8. Scar Treatment
Need to heal a scar, skip the expensive creams and opt for lavender. Add a couple drops of lavender oil to your lotion or carrier oil, or place directly on the scar you want to heal.
9. Relaxation
Just dab a couple drops on your wrists, neck or on your temples. You can put drops on a cotton ball if you prefer. Inhaling throughout the day will lessen nervous tension and emotional stress.
10. Hair Care
Add a couple drops to your shampoo or conditioner. Lavender’s antiseptic qualities can help disinfect the scalp, and help dandruff.
Our Herbal Pillows carry this tradition forward. Experience the soothing scent of lavender!
