Lavender oil has been popular since ancient times. It
was the sacred scent of the Celtic month of the Willow Moon (April 25
to May 13). Picking lavender during the full moon was said to enhance
its magical powers. The Romans burned lavender over hot coals to
surround a new mother and child with the scent of compassion. The
ancient Greeks dedicated the beautiful flower to Hecate, their goddess
of witches, sorcerers and enchantment. Sprigs of lavender were worn by
medieval monks to banish evil spirits.
However today, it is
revered for having a wide variety of uses, and Nature's Sunshine
procures the finest oil of the right species to bring you a host of
benefits far more pleasing than inferior substitutes commonly sold
today. Not only does it encourage balance for the entire nervous
system, it has been used for nerves, migraines, headaches,
tension,emotional stress, sore muscles or tense muscles and has the
power to penetrate the body quickly. Other uses include benefits for
the skin, immune and circulatory systems. French psychiatrists found
that lavender-laden air can reduce agitation among certain psychiatric
patients.
Lavender can be used as a powerful antiseptic because
it contains more than 200 compounds that are active against fungi,
viruses and other microbes. Many of the purported medicinal uses for
lavender have, upon modern scientific testing, proven to be legitimate.
Lavender oil was used extensively on the battlefield during both World
Wars when medical supplies became scarce to prevent infection and help
reduce pain.
Ease Period Pain
The relaxing,
anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of lavender make it
ideal for easing both physical and mental menstrual woes.
- to relieve period pain, gently massage the lower back and tummy with diluted lavender oil - this will also balance your spirits
- to
avoid the emotional symptoms of PMS, combine 3 drops of lavender, 3
drops of roman chamomile and 30mi carrier oil and dab on your pulse
points in the days leading up to your period. The calming, soothing
smell of this combination should help to regulate your hormonal system.
- the esters in lavender oil reduce muscle spasm, thereby easing period cramps
Improve Your Skin And Hair
A great natural skin tonic, lavender helps to balance oil production and prevents scarring. You can use it to:
- prevent dandruff, add a few drops to the water of your final hair rinse or, sprinkle some onto your hairbrush
- treat
minor cuts, bites, strains and bruises by adding a few drops of oil to
a bowl of water, soaking a cloth and pressing it over the affected area
- treat spots and pimples by dabbing them morning & night with oil
- make
an after-shampoo rinse for dull & oily hair with a jug of mineral
water, a few drops of oil and the juice of a lemon - leave to infuse
for 30 minutes before using
- use a soft, warm cloth compress on damaged or broken skin to ease swelling and pain as well as promote skin regrowth
A Natural - Relaxant - Lavender is the perfect natural remedy for calming your nerves and easing you into a sound sleep.
- prepare for a night of blissful sleep by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil into a deep, warm bath
- dab pulse points such as your temples and wrists with oil to relieve stress or anxiety
- to relieve headaches, massage a few drops of undiluted lavender essential oil into your temples
- drop lavender oil on your sheets or place a small bag of dried lavender flowers under the pillow to help you drift off to sleep
The
Active Ingredients of Lavender - The combination of compounds that make
up this flower contribute to its legendary healing powers
- Alcohol
~ the oil contains up to 50% of the alcohol linalol which helps to kill
bacteria & viruses. It also helps to heal burns, wounds and sores.
- Ketones
~ compounds that help relieve pain, build new skin tissue and reduce
inflammation. They also have a sleep-inducing effect. Ketones, however,
can be toxic, so lavender that contains more than 35% of ketone should
be avoided. Diabetics, epileptics and pregnant women should avoid them
completely.
- Esters ~ compounds that ease swelling and
soreness, prevent muscle spasms, fight fungai infections and prevent
scarring. They also help to regulate your moods, preventing you from
experiencing depression and hysteria.
So, as you can see, lavender can treat troubles of the heart, body and mind.
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