Holistic Properties of Lavender

Lavender – it’s not just a color. Neither is it merely a fragrance. Nor is it just a flower. Some people say this heavenly herb has come down from the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve used to reside; while others believe that it was used as a fragrance on Jesus’ clothes by Virgin Mary. However although these claims are debatable, one thing has been scientifically proven to be true. Lavender does have numerous effective properties and uses.

Lavender can surely enhance the aesthetic view of any home or garden with its pretty purple blossoms. Apart from attracting nature-loving human beings, it also brings in bees and butterflies which further add to any garden’s attractiveness and also ensures healthy pollination to take place around it. Now that is called being a generous plant that actually helps those which are around it. However it itself often needs a protected location to flourish, along with the warmth of a sunny atmosphere. It also requires dry well-drained soil which is rich in lime. If it gets the optimum condition, it can usually grow up to 12 to 24 inches tall and can be harvested during the summer.

Lavender has a variety of other uses other than being an attractive aromatic herb. It is a miraculous cure for headache, indigestion, fatigue, muscle pains, fever, cough , acne, wounds, stress, earaches, faintness, insomnia, eczema, cramps, sunburns and a number of others problems. Let us go into more details of the incredible uses of this marvelous and yet common herb.

1. Lavender works wonders when it comes to solving skin problems. It has been proved to be effective in curing acne, eczema and fungal infections such as ringworm. With the help of its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, it can easily play the role of an effective remedy for burns, blemishes and other skin issues. Moreover, it eases pain and expedites healing of cuts, stings and other wounds. It also aids in reviving and soothing the skin while inhibiting bacteria and hence, preventing skin infections. This is why a number of creams and tonics found in the market today that claim to solve skin problems possess the elements of lavender. An alternative to these commercial creams is to simply purchase a plain cream and add a few drops of lavender oil in it and apply it on the skin in order to get a home-made soothing cleanser.

2. Lavender also assuages muscle aches. There are two alternative methods of using lavender for this purpose. Firstly, lavender essential oil can be used directly during body massage. Secondly, lavender can be used during shower to treat circulatory problems. Such a lavender bath can help to improve circulation of blood and also relaxation of tense muscles. Thus, lavender can make a simple bath turn into a soothing state of rest and serenity. Just a few lavender blossoms or salts added to a warm bath or a few drops of lavender oil added to a foot bath can stimulate the exhausted body.

3. Lavender also helps effectively in the case of anxiety or sleeping disorders. This makes it a best friend to people who are stressed, restless and insomniac. Its smell alone can bring a soothing sensation, which is why lavender candles and oils are quite commonly used. As mentioned earlier, adding lavender to a bath can also calm tight muscles and ease headaches and body aches. Another easy and flavorsome way of utilizing lavender to act as a sleep-inducer is to add it in tea. Lavender tea often plays the role of an antispasmodic sedative which not only improves sleeping patterns but also cures coughs, exhaustion, headaches and digestion issues. Thus, it is an effectual natural alternative to sleeping pills which does not have any side effects. The easiest way to use lavender to promote sleep is to simply drop a few drop of its oil on the pillows before going to bed.

4. Lavender also acts as a cost-effective spray for fending off moths, mosquitoes and other insects and for sterilizing and cleaning purposes. Such pests dislike the fragrance of lavender and thus, stay away from places that smell like it. Hence, sachets containing lavender leaves or flowers are extremely effective in keeping away insects. In case of cleaning, lavender can easily replace the chemical cleaners. This can be done by diffusing white vinegar with lavender leaves and blooms and using the mixture to clean the dirty areas.

The best part of utilizing lavender in so many ways is that it is extremely safe. It does not have side effects and does not react adversely to other chemical medicines. However, it can seldom result in an allergy in a few people, thus, it is important to be careful while using it in huge quantities. Hence, it can be safely concluded that lavender indeed seems to be a heavenly herb that can benefit us in ways that are incredible. It makes complete sense to include this natural beautician, healer, doctor and cleaner in our daily lives.