Lavender : The Purple Panacea

Lavender is wholly spent with us, for to perfume linen, and the dried flowers to comfort and dry up the moisture of a cold braine(Parkinson)

Lavender, the once popular English garden herb, was used extensively as a perfume, but the versatility of its oil has made it a remedy for ailments.

History

In classical times, lavender was widely used by the Romans and Libyans as a bath perfume. This was probably how it derived its name from the Latin word Lavare, which means "to wash".

In Spain and Portugal, lavender is used to cover the floors of churches and houses on festive occasions, or make bonfires on St John's Day, when evil spirits are said to be abound.

The Arabians made use of lavender flowers as an expectorant and antispasmodic. People in France and Spain used to hang the flowers upside down in a closed bottle in the sunshine to extract the oil for dressing wounds.

Ecology

Lavender is a shrubby plant native to the mountainous regions of the Western Mediterranean. It is widely cultivated in France, England, Italy and even in Norway. Now it is also grown as a perfume plant in Australia. The scent of lavender is light and mild with a floral scent and woody undertones, and its oil is clear with a mild bitter taste. It has fresh and clean attributes that create a pleasant and soothing ambience. The scent is found on most parts of the shrub but the essential oil comes from the flower.

The lavender grows to 1 to 3 feet high with short, irregular stems covered in yellowish-grey barks with numerous straight, slender, broom-like branches. The leaves have the opposite characteristics of being sessile, linear and blunt. The flowers are produced in terminating, blunt spikes from the young shoots, on long stems. The spikes are made up of rings of 6 to 10 flowers. The flowers are short-stalked, purplish-grey, five-toothed and hairy.

Health Notes

The calming effect of lavender works well on suppressing mood swings. Its mild aroma helps soothe anger and relieves mental stress. The sedative effects are ideal to aid sleep and relieve headaches caused by anxiety. The mild characteristic of its aroma creates a balancing effect on the central nervous system and helps reduce depression.

Like the eucalyptus, lavender is also used as an antiseptic and painkiller. It is able to accelerate the healing process of wounds and burns. In addition, it also works as an insect repellant and relieves stings and insect bites. The oil, in cotton wool, when tied to a little bag and hung in a room, is said to keep flies away.

Although not an anti-inflammatory, lavender has healing properties that help promote cell growth especially for the skin and is good for removal of acne, athlete's foot, fungal growth, swellings, scarring and stretch marks.

---

Body Work

Body Work is more than just a massage, it's a... Read More

Using Chinese Techniques For Your Health and Strength

Chi Kung and T'ai Chi are only two of the... Read More

Laughter, Why Its so Good for You

For hundreds of years, we've known that 'Laughter is the... Read More

Eucalyptus: The Way to Smoother Breathing

The eucalyptus is a popular Australian remedy that was first... Read More

Aromatherapy Candles

Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting... Read More

Check Your Colon Transient Time

Many doctors and others in the health field may tell... Read More

Water Therapy: Therapeutic and Esoteric Properties for Your Home Spa Smart Bathing

Something New Interesting About Water Therapy."The more I find out,... Read More

You Can Stop Biting Your Nails, Heres How!

Are you tired of being self-conscious about your hands and... Read More

Bad Breath and Gingivitis

Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist... Read More

Herbal Products

HERBAL PRODUCTS are comprised of herbal care remedies, such as... Read More

Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality

How many of us wake up in the morning feeling... Read More

Storing, Handling And Using Essential Oils

Pure Essential Oils are a natural product and contain no... Read More

Diet Food Stinks!

One big thing that can keep you from eating healthy... Read More

How Visualization Is Different from What You May Have Tried for Pain Relief

You've probably tried everything you can think of to ease... Read More

Health Benefits of Green Tea

For over 3000 years, the Chinese have been using green... Read More

Magnetic Energy and DNA

Magnetic energy has been in use for reducing pain and... Read More

Magnetic Therapy: The Facts (and Some Myths)

Is magnet therapy regarded yet as a mainstream therapy? I... Read More

Migraine and Feverfew

Many people today will tell you that they suffer from... Read More

Everything Old Is New Again: Rebuilding Your Vision

Glasses, contacts, or surgery. These are the usual choices offered... Read More

Chronic Back Pain

Magnetic Advantage Newsletter FEATURED TOPIC... Read More

An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part II ? The Seven Helpers

The 12-7-19 Method of Bach Flower ClassificationDr. Edward Bach, developer... Read More

Consultation Guidelines For Hypnotherapy

The initial consultation may well be the most crucial aspect... Read More

Snoring - A Small Change Can Make A Big Difference

We all know how annoying snoring can be, both for... Read More

Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!

Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to... Read More

How to Use a Footbath with Herbs

Recently I read a book by William L. Fischer called... Read More

Secrets Of Aromatherapy Part I - Physical Remedies

Aromatherapy can be used to relieve the discomfort of a... Read More

Detoxify Your Body and Treat Your Health Ailments

If you are like most of us, you're tired, maybe... Read More

Aromatherapy Favorites: Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli's History and UsesAh, Patchouli oil - people seem to... Read More

Shemale Breast Enlargement - Transgender Breast Development

Shemales, or transgender males who strive to achieve more feminine... Read More

Fruits, Juices, and Food for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part II

Eating the right kind of food and following good eating... Read More

Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Old Medicine, New Synergies

The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often wrongly... Read More

Visualization For Self Healing

Visualization and guided imagery are two of the most powerful... Read More

10 Simple Ways to Naturally Increase Your Energy

1. Eat protein at every meal: One of the most... Read More