The Healing Properties of Lavender

Post date: Jul 28, 2012 9:43:50 PM

The Healing Properties of Lavender

Lavender, used for its beautiful aromatic scent, is incorporated into herbal and aroma therapies worldwide. Its natural healing properties are derived from the oil it produces. Lavender oil contains several chemicals, when working together, are effectively used for treating depression, amenorrhea, burns, acne, rashes, arthritis, athlete's foot, carpal tunnel syndrome, psoriasis, vaginitis, insomnia, pain, palpitations, anxiety and nervousness.

According to Lavender oil contains the natural alcohol linalool; ketones; esters; and aldehydes. Linalol provides lavender's antiseptic properties by effectively killing bacteria and viruses. Linalol also helps healing skin irritations including burns, wounds, acne and sores. The aldehydes in lavender are responsible for its distinct aroma and soothing properties. The ketones in lavender effectively reduce pain and inflammation and help induce sleep. The esters in lavender reduce soreness and swelling, prevent muscle spasms, fight fungal infections and prevent scarring. The esters in lavender also help relieve tension, depression and hysteria, and they help regulate moods.

Lavender Infused Olive Oil

Renew your skin with this basic recipe for a blissful and refreshing sugar scrub.

You will need:

• 1 cup of olive oil
• 2 Tbsp of fresh lavender leaves
• 1 small glass container or bottle with a lid

Instructions:

Finely chop the lavender leaves in a coffee grinder. Transfer the ground leaves and the olive oil into the container or bottle. Tightly seal the container or bottle with the lid and mix well. Leave the mixture untouched for 4 weeks. At the end of this period, filter the mixture through a coffee filter into a clean container or bottle and store at room temperature.