~ Mother Earthbeats ~

My most favourite scent is Lavender. I use the oil as well as the flowers. I burn the flowers to cleanse the rooms in my house and bring in good energy. I also like to crumble the flowers into a tub of hot water for a soothing foot bath… what a delight! It is no small wonder that this Magical plant is such a favourite in my home and to scent my body. As I have always associated this intoxicating scent with all that is wild and pure in Mother Earths garden, I will be most happy to share a bit more about this extraordinary gift of Nature…

Lavender and its Magical Properties…

You all know the pretty plant that is lavender. But did you know that lavender has magical properties? Well, maybe not quite fully certified magical, but close. Lavender essential oil is my absolute favourite essential oil. It has so many uses that it is always necessary to have it on hand. Not only does it smell great, it has important curative powers. Here are some of the ways that I have used lavender essential oil.

Burns or scalds~
This works best if applied neat (undiluted) to the area affected by the burn or scald. The skin should be intact, use your judgment. It takes away the pain quickly and the skin heals with almost no sign of damage. This includes sunburns. If you are sensitive to the oil in its pure form, dilute it accordingly in a small clean spray bottle with water. This is quite soothing and refreshing.

Pimples~
Your adolescent will love you for this remedy. Because lavender oil is antibacterial, it destroys pimples and the associated bacteria quickly and easily. Apply it neat as soon as you feel a pimple developing and the pimple is banished shortly. If you didn’t catch it in time, it makes pimples come to a head faster and it helps with the swelling and redness.

Sleep & relaxation~
Just a drop or 2 to a cotton ball or tissue placed beneath the pillowcase under your head at night makes you sleep more soundly and more quickly. Lavender has amazing relaxation properties that will leave you refreshed in the morning.

Migraines or Headaches~
Apply a drop to your temples or the back of your neck and massage into the skin. This helps with both tension headaches as well as migraines. For some people with migraines, the smell may be too strong during the acute stage of a migraine. During this time you can apply the lavender oil to the muscled area between your thumb and forefinger on the backside of your hand (both hands). This is an acupressure point associated with headaches.

Insect repellent and insect bites~
Just like citronella, lavender has the ability to ward off mosquitos and flies. Additionally, it can help calm the itching of an insect bite. I can really attest to this one as I am the world’s number one mosquito attractor.

**A word of caution. Those with sensitive skin cannot always tolerate direct application of lavender oil to the skin. If that is the case for you, you can dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil. European made essential oils are the best for now unless you know the source that you are getting the oil from is organically grown. Europe has standards for the production of essential oils, the United States does not. Because of the extreme concentration of essential oils, they should always be organically grown. As always, be wise and use your own best judgement!