Lavender – Burns, Migraine and Beauty

Lavander (Lavandula Vera) is lovely, aromatic and beautiful ever green shrub, with flaking bark and from this the other stems grow stiff and straight. The grey green leaves are narrow and the fragrant flowers grow in spikes on long stems which stand out high above the plant. Other lavenders in the species have deep purple blue flowers, some pink to white. The white lavender is the easiest of all to plant and grow,where the most aromatic one is the English lavender.

Lavender is well known as a remedy for headache, migraine and anxiety. It can stimulate the circulation and can help to calm nerves, usually taken in the form oil or tea. For migraine, headache or nervous disorders a small glassful can be taken hot last thing at night and first thing in the morning. Taken at night induces relaxation and sleepiness. Lavender tea can be used as a mouth wash as well. It will strengthen the gums and is a remedy for bad breath.

Lavender tea:

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of fresh lavender flowers

Cover and infuse for 10 minutes

Lavender oil can usually be purchased at a chemist or a simpler version made at home.

Lavender Oil:

Pour 1 cup of almond oil or sunflower oil into a glass jar

Add a handful of fresh lavender flowers

Cover with a piece of muslin and leave the jar in the sun for 3 days

Strain off the oil and repeat the process, adding lot of fresh flowers into the jar

Continue until the oil is strongly scented, perhaps 2-3 weeks, then strain into dark colour screw-top bottle.

For migraine and dizziness 5 drops of oil can be taken on a lump of sugar.

Externally, the oil is useful remedy for mild burns and rubbed on the chest, can soothe aching muscles.

Lavender has a lovely soft fragrance and is used in many beauty care products, soaps and powders. Lavender toilet water is refreshing, cooling and slightly antiseptic, with just rubbing with lavender water on your forehead and temples will help to overcome fatigue and exhaustion. The lavender water can be easily made at home or purchased from the chemist.

Lavender Water:

Use 3 handfuls of dried lavender flowers into a wide-necked screw-top jar

Add 1 cup of white wine vinegar and 1/2 cup of rose water

Leave the mixture in the dark for 2-3 weeks and shake the bottle frequently.

 Lavender flowers can be mixed with other herbs for a facial stem which can improve dull-looking skin and tone the skin. Also using just 2 handfuls of dried flowers in 2 cups of boiling water can give you beautiful, relaxing bath water.

Lavender Soap:

Take 12 tablespoons grated pure, unscented soap

Place it in a bowl fited over a pan of simmering water

Stir until melted

Mix in 2 tablespoons lavender oil, 1 tablespoon clear honey and few drops of blue or violet colouring

Pour the mass in oiled mould and leave until set