Uses of Lavender
Lavender Oil:
Produces a
fresh and calming atmosphere.
Insect
repellent: Mix a
few drops of lavender oil with a little sunflower oil and rub onto skin
Moth repellent: Use sachets of dried
lavender buds in wardrobes and linen drawers
Inhalation: Clear a stuffy nose – add 5 drops
of lavender oil to a small bowl of hot, steaming water.
Burns or
sunburn: A few drops
of lavender oil on burns can relieve pain and help healing.
Scars: Add lavender oil to a
carrier oil and massage gently into scarred area. Must be applied within a few
weeks of scarring to obtain a reasonable diminishing of the scar.
Eczema,
Dermatitis and Psoriasis: Lavender
oil will assist in control of these skin problems.
Acne: Lavender will assist in
controlling and relieving acne and other associated skin problems.
Sleep Disorders: A few drops of lavender oil on the
pillow or massaged gently into temples will help in inducing sleep.
Massage: Add 45 drops of
lavender oil to 100mL carrier oil and massage.
Headaches: Gently massage a couple of drops of
lavender oil on to temples.
Sunburn: Add a few drops of
lavender oil to water (mineral) and spray onto sunburned skin.
Bathing: Enjoy a relaxing bath
and relieve stress by adding lavender oil to the bath.
Cosmetics: Add a couple of drops of lavender
oil to your favorite face cream or bath product.
Washing floors: Add a few drops to your
floor washing water. Great for timber, tile or slate floors.
Drying clothes: In a clothes dryer –
put a few drops of lavender oil onto one item of clothing and place in dryer
with others. Will give your clothes a beautiful fragrance and scent your house.
Lavender Water:
Has all the
properties of the oil but in a much milder form. It has been termed the
'ethereal sibling' of the essential oil.
Sleep disorders: A few drops of lavender
oil on the pillow or a spray of lavender water will help induce a restful
sleep.
Ironing: Use lavender water in
the iron to give your clothes a fresh scent and prolong the life of your
delicate linens.
Insect
repellant: Lavender
water may be safely sprayed around foods to keep flies away. It may also be
sprayed on plants to control mealy bug and aphids.
Antiseptic: Cuts and scrapes may be cleansed
with lavender water to reduce the risk of infection.
Cosmetic
applications: Lavender
water is good to clean makeup off and to tone the face.
Pet wash: Terrific in the final
wash to keep your pet flea free and cuddle-worthy.
Lavender Bath
Excellent for
aching muscles, relaxation, stress relief. Add 6-8 drops Lavender essential oil
after running the water and vigorously agitate water. Add the drops to a capful
of milk or Epsom salts and then put in the bath as this helps to disperse the
oils through out the water. This is a great way to receive the benefits of
Lavender oil. Lie back and enjoy!
Lavender Shower
After wetting
your hair, add 3 drops Lavender oil to a capful of water and tip onto your
head. Stand under running water and allow oils to rinse off. Cup your hands
over your face and breathe in the vapors. Add oils when shampooing your hair
and rinse off as normal.
Lavender Vaporization
Fill the top
dish of an 'oil burner' or 'vaporizer' with water and add 6-8 drops of Lavender
oil. Place a lit tea light candle in the space provided underneath the dish.
This is a very good way to receive the benefits of the Lavender oil. Use in the
bedroom or living room. Vaporization is especially good to use when you have a
cold or feel unwell. Keep burner away from draughts and open windows. Hint: use
warm water in the dish for quicker results. I use an oil diffuser which I bought from Ebay for about $40.
Lavender Massage
This is a
particularly effective way to apply the oils when you have tight and sore
muscles or have sustained an injury. The oils will be absorbed quickly into the
blood stream, thus assisting the body and mind. NEVER massage UNDILUTED oils,
always use a good quality vegetable or carrier oil. Add 5 drops of Lavender oil
per 10ml of vegetable oil. Use 1-2 drops for babies and the elderly. Only use
lavender with babies.
Lavender Tissues/Handkerchief
Good for
instant relief from flu, sinusitis and anxiety. Use 1-3 drops Lavender oil and
inhale immediately as required. You can buy empty inhalers on Ebay very cheaply. Just fill up the cotton centre with your choice of oils and snap on the outer case. Carry in your handbag.
Lavender Steam Inhalation
Great for colds
and flu or as part of a skincare/acne regime. Add 4-6 drops to a bowl of hot
water. Place a towel over your head and breathe in the vapor. Keep your eyes
shut. Continue to breathe deeply for a few minutes, occasionally removing the
towel and your head from the bowl.
Lavender Hand/Foot Bath
Great for tired
feet, fatigue or sore/dry hands. Add 4-6 drops Lavender oil to a large bowl of
warm water and soak for approx 10 minutes. Then apply a Lavender lotion for
added benefits.
Lavender Compress
In a bowl or
warm water add 6-8 drops Lavender oil and swirl around. Soak a cloth then
gently squeeze out and apply to area of your body you wish to treat. Use cold
water for treating new muscular injuries or sprains.
Lavender directly for Burns
After running
cold water on the burn for approx 10 minutes, put a few drops of neat lavender
oil onto the burnt area (including sunburn). This will greatly assist the
healing process. ONLY use lavender. Remember serious burns must be seen to by a
doctor.
The dosages
mentioned are recommended for average sized adults. For the elderly, disabled,
the very sick or young children, half the dose is recommended.
So, you see there are tons of uses for essential oils and lavender is one of the most versatile!
