by Janette Peel

Lavender is so much more than just a calming scent. It can also soothe and heal an amazing variety of ailments.

When you begin building up your collection of essential oils, there is no better place to start than with lavender. Its dreamy fragrance has made it is popular perfume for centuries, but this gentle herb also has powerful harmonizing properties.

The valuable therapeutic oil produced by lavender flowers can be used to treat troubles of the heart and mind. It is widely used by herbalists and aromatherapists to treat depression, but its healing properties also run to pain relief of a more physical kind.

As a massage oil, lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be applied undiluted. I can relax muscles and ease tension. Its strong antiseptic properties effectively heal conditions such as acne or sunburn skin.

The combinations of compounds that make up lavender contribute to its legendary healing powers.

Up to 50 per cent of lavender oil is actually the alcohol linalol. Linalol helps to kill bacteria and viruses. It also helps to heal burns, wounds and sores.

Ketones are compounds that help to relieve pain, build new skin tissues, and reduce inflammation. They also have a sleep-inducing effect. Ketones can be toxic, so lavender that contains percentages above 35 per cent should be avoided. Diabetics, epileptics and pregnant women should avoid them completely.

Esters are compounds that ease swelling and soreness, prevent muscle spasms, fight fungal infections and prevent scarring. They also help to regulate your moods, preventing you from experiencing depression and hysteria.

Lavender oil can be used to treat a wide variety of complains, from skin conditions to sleeping problems, and has virtually no side effects.

A perfect natural remedy for calming your nerves, lavender can ease you into a blissful sleep.

Prepare for a night of blissful sleep by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil into a deep, warm bath. Drop lavender oil on your sheets or place a small bag of seeds under your pillow to help you drift off to sleep.
Dab pulse points such as your temples and wrists with lavender oil to relieve stress or anxiety.
To relieve headaches, massage a few drops of neat essential oil into your temples.

A great natural skin tonic, lavender helps to balance oil production and prevents scarring.

To prevent dandruff, add a few drops to the water of your final hair rinse or sprinkle some onto your hair brush.
Treat minor cuts, bites, strains and bruises by adding a few drops of lavender oil to a bowl of water, soaking a soft, warm flannel and pressing it over the damaged or broken skin. This will ease swelling and pain as well as promote skin regrowth.
Treat spots and pimples by dabbing them morning and night with lavender oil.

Make an after-shampoo rinse for dull and oily hair with a jug of mineral water, a few drops of lavender oil and the juice of a lemon. Leave to infuse for 30 minutes before use.

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 your lavender oil. The esters in the lavender oil reduce muscle spasm, thereby easing period cramps. This will also balance your spirits.
To avoid the emotional symptoms of PMS, combine your lavender oil with a similar dilution of Roman chamomile and dab on your pulse points in the days leading up to your period. The calming aroma of this combination should help to regulate your hormonal system.

Lavender has been used throughout history for its mystical properties.

Originating in the Mediterranean mountains, lavender was brought to England by the Romans.
Lavender is the sacred scent of the Celtic month of the Willow Moon (15 April to 13 May). Picking lavender during the full Moon enhances 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 lavender to Hecate, their goddess of witches, sorcerers and enchantment. Sprigs of lavender were worn by medieval monks to banish evil spirits.

When purchasing neat lavender oil, blend five drops with 20ml of a base oil such as almond for massage and pulse point use. Add three drops to water in your vaporizer bowl for fragrancing your room. There are no additional safety considerations for lavender oil.

To purchase this amazing oil, please call Tracy at 403-774-1330, or stop in the store for more details.