Lavender Lavandula spp

In the evening lavender comes into its own, the relaxing and sedative aroma of lavender has an almost immediate effect as soon as it hits the sensitive membranes inside your nose. ^{(Duke, 138-139 )} Soaking in a lavender scented bath relaxes away mild depression and anxiety and may even lower high blood pressure and improve circulation. Lavender is approved for use by the German Commission E for use internally for insomnia, restlessness and nervous stomach irritations and for external use in baths for the treatment of functional circulatory disorders. ^{Commission E} Oil of lavender is sometimes effective in bringing back circulation to feet that have lost feeling. Regular lavender baths are can be enjoyed throughout a woman's pregnancy. ^{( Gladstar,36)} Lavender is a wonderful sleep aid. Combine with valerian, or chamomile for a relaxing tea, diffuse in an aroma lamp for restful sleep, use it in your evening bath, sprinkle a few drops of lavender on sheets and pillowcases, and add dried lavender flowers to sleep pillow mixtures.

Lavender for Pain: Quite a number of clinical trials confirm the conventional wisdom that lavender relaxes the body in the presence of pain, most likely by reducing anxiety levels. A calm mental state makes pain more bearable, lessening it's impact by reducing the perception of pain. ^pubmedHowever you don't need to depend on lab studies to gauge the effects; Lavender is so easy and safe to use, it is quite easy to judge the effects yourself as they are immediate and quite apparent. For headaches apply a few drops of lavender oil neat to the temples. Massage with lavender oil at tender trigger points reduces the pain and tension of fibromyalgia in long term sufferers.^(Weed,51) Lavender combines well with the analgesic power of rosemary to relieve all types of pain: arthritis, sore muscles, and nerve pain. Lavender can also be used in a massage oil to relieve the pain and arthritic stiffness older dogs, (but not cats). ^{(Worwood, 173 )}

Lavender for Skin Care: Lavender is well regarded for it's skin healing properties as well. It's effectiveness in treating burns was first discovered by French biochemist René Gattefossé when he cooled his hand in a handy vat of lavender after burning it in a lab accident. This storied burn healed so quickly, and without scarring, that it is often cited as a seminal event in the birth a modern aromatherapy. ^{(Balch, 89)} To make a all purpose remedy for scalds, burns, and sunburns: apply a cloth wet with witch hazel, then apply a few drops of lavender essential oil directly to the burn. To treat skin abrasions first clean the affected area with warm water with 5 drops of lavender diluted in a bowl. Apply one neat drop of lavender and leave to heal. Acne responds to gentle herbal oil treatments that are much lighter and less harsh than over-the-counter chemicals. Lavender skin care products are ideal for oily and combination skin. Dot essential oils of lavender, tea tree and lemon on blemishes to kill bacteria. You can also blend these essential oils with light, astringent facial oils like almond and grapeseed, or make a facial wash with lavender herbal tea. Lavender oil is an effective antiseptic. A lavender massage on the chest and lymph nodes is relaxing and helps kill germs. Lavender flower water, or a few drops of lavender essential oil make a good balancing and sweet smelling perfume.

Use lavender sachet bags to protect clothes against moths. Also flies and mosquitoes dislike the fragrance, use the oil in insect sprays, or add the cut flowers to flower vases. Lavender is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. A tea made from the fresh or dried flowers can be applied as a skin wash for both pets and people to relieve itching due to flea bites and rashes, or the essential oil can be used.