Aromatherapy: Lavender Oil

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean even though its cultivated now mainly in the province, in the south of France. It grows on mountain slopes and in open fields and gives off a spicy and intense aroma when it's in full bloom.

It's the oil in Lavender that has the most medicinal properties. The lavenders flower buds are harvested in the middle of the day when the oil is at its highest level.

Lavender is a powerful antiseptic and contains over 200 compounds that help to fight and get rid of fungi, microbes and viruses.

The oil is also used to balance emotions. It helps people who are nervous by having a calming effect. It also aids people who have trouble sleeping.

Use this mixture of essential oils to freshen the air. The fresh scent also has an uplifting effect on the body, mind and spirit.

To make the lavender mixture: Mix together 4 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of bergamot oil and 2 drops of lemon oil. Then put the mixture in a simmer pot to help with keeping the air fresh.

For Skin Irritations: Lavender water works to prevent infections of the sebaceous glands as it promotes good circulation in the skin.

To make a daily facial lotion: Add 3 drops of lavender oil to one quart of distilled water and dab on the affected areas daily.

For Insomnia: Lavender oil can be used to induce sleep when you are anxious or feeling stressed since it has a great calming effect.

It will help you to sleep through the night by placing a couple drops of lavender oil on an aromatherapy stone and putting it in your bedroom.

For Nerve Pain: Lavender oil is great with relieving inflammation and pain due to neuralgia.

Simply mix 10 drops of lavender oil with two tablespoons of St. John's Wort oil and carefully rub it into the affected area to relieve pain.

For Sunburn Relief: Add 10 drops of lavender oil to four ounces of water. Store the mixture in a plastic spray bottle.

You can then take it with you to the beach or pool to spray sunburned or sun irritated skin as needed.

External Use: For middle ear infections

Soak a cotton ball in olive oil. Then drip five drops of lavender oil on the cotton ball and put it on the outer part of the ear that's affected.

This will help with relieving pain and will also prevent inflammation.

You can use lavender oil externally to help with stomachaches, colic or cramping.

Mix thirty drops of lavender oil with ten drops of chamomile oil and 3 1/2 ounce of cold pressed olive oil in a bottle and shake it vigorously.

Then massage this mixture gently onto the stomach area for ten minutes. Rest for a short period and apply a hot water bottle to the area for thirty minutes.

To freshen a load of newly laundered clothes add a few drops of lavender oil to the washers final rinse cycle.

Put a handful of lavender buds in a sock. Then knot it and store it in a drawer with your linens. This will keep the items smelling fresh.