Lavender has been used for centuries for its calming properties but it can also help relieve pain, soothe the skin, and take the edge off of depression and anxiety; it definitely deserves a place in your home remedy tool kit. Keep in mind that a small portion of the population is allergic to it, particularly when it is applied to the skin. If you notice skin reactions to this oil, you obviously should stop using it, but also investigate your home to make sure you have none tucked in your pillow or perfuming your sock drawer. Lavender for Relaxation, Sleep, and Mood To use lavender to help you relax and improve your mood, consider these options: Use a nebulizer in your bedroom through the night to help you relax as you sleep. Make the lavender spray described below and spray your bed sheets before turning in. Rub lavender body oil into your chest in the evening before you go to bed. Keep a nebulizer in your office as well for improved work performance. (You will not relax so much that you will fall asleep at your desk but you might be able to tackle your work with a bit more “calm.”) Drink a cup of lavender tea before bed — simply add a drop of lavender oil to hot water or to a relaxing tea like chamomile. Lavender for Pain Control In bath water for pain control. A 1994 study examined the effect of lavender oil baths on the control of pain from normal childbirth. It did not find a large effect but noticed in days 3-5 after birth (when the new mom often just arrived home and pain tends to be highest) that the moms taking lavender baths had a reduction in pain. For pain control, keep a body oil such as coconut handy mixed with a bit of lavender for these uses: Rub your lavender body oil gently into a minor burn or scrape. Treat an insect bite or sting gently by rubbing in your lavender body oil. Rub into areas affected by dermatitis or specific skin irritations such as eczema. Soak your sore feet in a warm foot bath with a few drops of lavender oil. Take a lavender bath by adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath water. Lavender to Relieve Skin Irritation In bath water for pain control. A 1994 study examined the effect of lavender oil baths on the control of pain from normal childbirth. It did not find a large effect but noticed in days 3-5 after birth (when the new mom often just arrived home and pain tends to be highest) that the moms taking lavender baths had a reduction in pain. To relieve skin irritations, keep a body oil such as coconut handy mixed with a bit of lavender for these uses: Rub into areas affected by dermatitis or specific skin irritations such as eczema. Soak your sore feet in a warm foot bath with a few drops of lavender oil. Lavender for Wound Care It found that lavender treatment helped reduce redness of the effected area and tended to be associated with more pain relief. To aid in healing of wounds, apply a drop of lavender oil to the effected area. Mixing lavender oil with a small amount of carrier oil may make it easier to apply and may help the lavender oil elements sink in more quickly and thoroughly. Lavender As An Anti-Fungal (Candida) To get fungal infections under control, make your custom lavender body oil as described above and massage the mixture into an affected area. More On How to Use Lavender Oil Some people are allergic to lavender oil and others may be allergic to other ingredients of these recipes. Watch your reactions and discontinue use if you notice any negative side effects. Breathing In Lavender Oil: Use a Nebulizer Particularly to use lavender oil for relaxation, you will want to purchase a nebulizer. This requires a bit of start-up cash but your results will be better. The oil will last longer and will be more effective. Lavender Sprays By far your best bet for a lavender spray is to buy a new spray bottle, fill it with water, and add five drops of lavender essential oil to every 1/2 gallon of water. Lavender Body Oil You can buy lavender oils made for you but it is so simple to make it yourself that you might as well save on the cost. Buy a carrier oil as a base and add lavender oil to it. To get the most out of your lavender, we recommend jojoba oil as a carrier because it helps the lavender penetrate more deeply (5 drops lavender in one ounce of jojoba). See below for lavender and jojoba oil sources. Use lavender oil to rub into skin to improve skin irritation and reduce muscle and joint soreness. Lavender Bath Simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your warm bath water to relieve pain, relax, and improve your mood. Lavender Scrub Combine one cup of sugar, one cup of coconut oil (or another favorite oil), and five drops of lavender oil. Use the scrub on your feet and legs to combat dry skin. You may use it on areas of skin irritation if the effected area can handle being “scrubbed.” Lavender Tea Using a food-grade lavender oil, simply put a drop in your herbal tea to help you sleep at night.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Oct 2013 03:07:30 +0000
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