The Healing Properties of Lavender

Who does not love lavender? The bees love it because this flowering plant contains a large quantity of nectar to produce honey. People love it because of the sweet smell the flowers produce. This pretty flower is a welcome addition to the home. It brightens up any room in the house, even the most drabbest. It adds color when it is used as a decorative addition to many meals. Because of their sweetness, lavender is also used in many teas. While it is appreciated for its nectar, aroma, beauty and flavor, there is another reason why we should love lavender. This plant has many healing properties. It has been used for thousands of years to treat many health ailments. I have been using herbal remedies for one ailment and another. It not only is safer and less expensive than prescription and over-the-counter medications, I also save money with fewer trips to the doctor.

Lavender has astringent properties. It is excellent for skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. It also has cooling and antiseptic properties. By putting a salve that contains lavender on cuts, scrapes, burns and sunburns, you are protecting the affected areas from getting infected. When you use lavender to prevent your body from infections, you are also using it to prevent your body from a serious condition called Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

If you suffer from insomnia, you will love lavender because of its relaxing properties. You can put lavender leaves into a pillow or put 10 drops of essential oil on the cover. Breathing in the aroma will help you nod off in no time at all . Even taking a bath with a few drops of essential oil will help you win the battle against insomnia. The calming properties in lavender are also affective in relieving stress and anxiety.

If you are embarrassed by foot odor, put hot water in a foot bath or a pan. Either add ten drops of essential oil or dried lavender leaves to the water. Allow the water to cool until you can comfortably put your feet in and then soak your feet for ten minutes. Doing this is also an excellent way to treat plantar warts.

Lavender is a natural pain reliever because of its anti-inflammatory properties. People who suffer from headaches, toothaches, sprains and joint and muscle pain can find immediate relief either when taking lavender as a capsule or massage oil. It is even effective in relieving pain after an individual has an operation.

Lavender helps your digestive system when you eat a spicy meal or over indulge at the all you can eat buffet. It helps relieve the symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, gas, bloating, and nausea.

If you are suffering from the stomach flu, drinking a tea that contains lavender helps relieve you of vomiting. If you include lavender in your daily diet, the antiviral properties of this herb may protect you from catching the stomach flu and other viral infections.

Lavender can be used as an insect repellent. If you grow it in your backyard, take a few leaves and rub them over the exposed skin. This will keep the mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

Lavender is very easy to grow. Even if your backyard is full of bushes and shrubs, lavender grows easily in shaded areas. You can purchase seeds or starter plants from your local florist. Since it is so easy to grow, you can just as easily make your own lavender products. That way you can keep your medicine cabinet full without having to run to the local pharmacy.

If you do not have the time to make your own products, you can purchase products that contain lavender at your local health food store. The products can be purchased as:

• Teas
• Leaves
• Creams
• Soaps
• Lotions
• Essential Oils
• Extracts

You can also purchase lavender products online on sites such as Amazon and EBay.

When using lavender essential oil, never consume the oil. It is not meant to be consumed and can be dangerous if you do so.

Since some people can be allergic to lavender, place a small amount on your skin. If you experience any reaction such as a rash or itching, do not use lavender.

Avoid using lavender if you are pregnant or nursing.

Since lavender has relaxing properties, avoid driving or operating around heavy machinery until you know how your body adjusts to this herb.

Before using lavender, it is important to talk to your doctor. Even though it is safe to take it can interact with any other medications and vitamins you are taking.

If you are planning to gather lavender from the wild, it is best to talk to a qualified herbalist since poisonous plants can easily be confused for this plant.