Posted on 21st Jul 2011 @ 11:27 PM

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavender officinalis) has been used in treating various health and beauty conditions for thousands of years. Lavender’s naturally soothing, calming aroma and cleansing purifying properties made it a favorite among natural healers, aromatherapists, beauty therapists, and conventional medicine practitioners around the world. 

Lavender and your health

Lavender appears to have a strong health protective effect. Recent studies show that lavender is a strong antioxidant especially protective against sun damage, toxic exposure, and bacterial infection. One study found that women who have undergone botox injections recovered better after applications with diluted lavender oil! Lavender as an essential oil also shows to be helpful in the treatment of depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Lavender and your mind

Lavender’s fresh yet woody and floral aroma helps soothe the body and mind.Lavender vaporizers are traditionally used for relaxation and meditation.

Preparing lavender oil

You can use lavender essential oil or infuse your own base oil with stems of fresh or dry lavender. Infused lavender oil can be used for general massage. We recommend using organic lavender oil but you can grow your nearly-organic lavender without any pesticides on your windowsill.

How to use lavender?

Here are ten amazing uses for lavender in your health, beauty, and wellbeing.

1. Lavender for better sleep. Dot two drops of pure lavender oil on either side of a pillow to help you unwind and fall asleep easier. Lavender tea or a simply glass of milk can also be helpful.
2. Lavender for combination skin. Add 3-5 drops of pure lavender oil to 1 tablespoon of organic yogurt and apply to your face (avoiding eye area) for 10-15 minutes.
3. Lavender for wrinkles. Beat the egg white and add 3 drops of lavender oil. Apply to your face and reasonably away from immediate eye area.
4. Lavender for relaxation. To make an amazingly effective relaxing oil add 10 drops of lavender oil to 100ml / 3.3 fl oz of any base oil and shake well. Grapeseed, jojoba, apricot and peach kernel oil are the best, but olive oil works just as well.
5. Lavender facial: to unclog pores and detox your skin steam your face with 3 sachets of green tea and 10 drops of lavender oil. Do not use if you have low blood pressure!
6. Lavender for insect bites and sunburn: Combine a tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 10 drops of lavender oil. Keep handy!
7. Lavender for a soothing soak. Add 10-12 drops of lavender to a bath under running water. Relax for 10-15 minutes. Do not use if pregnant!
8. Lavender for home cleaning. Add 2-4 drops of lavender to a bottle of vinegar and use as an all surface cleanser.
9. Lavender for baby massage. To soothe a baby into a sleep, massage her back with an oil enriched with 2 drops of lavender essential oil per 100 ml / 3.3 fl oz of base oil (any thin oil would do).
10. Lavender for smooth skin. Combine 10 drops of lavender essential oil with 2 tablespoons of fine salt and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Massage your skin using gentle sweeping movements, then rinse well – and no need for a moisturizer

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