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In Love with Lavender: A Natural Calm
Lavender has become the most popular aromatic herb and has been labeled as the “queen of herbs.” In fact, the year
of 1999 was named as the “year of lavender.” Lavender is one of the most used aromatic herbs that has been
cultivated and used throughout the centuries. In ancient times, the Egyptians used lavender as incenses, perfumes,
as well as in mummification process, while the Romans, Arabians and Greeks used lavender as an offering to the
gods. True lavender which is found in the French and Mediterranean Alp is considered to be the most effective of
these aromatic herbs, as they tend to render a better quality essential oil. This lovely aromatic herb can be found
growing in altitudes of 6000 feet. In today’s society, lavender is used as an essential oil, both topically and
internally, for a host of ailments and can also be used as a cooking ingredient for consumable foods.
Lavender contains actions and properties that are used to treat many conditions such as: aromatic (as the most
widely used and enjoyed), carminative (to relieve flatulence), antibacterial, antiseptic, nervine (to calm the
nerves), expectorant, stimulate, cosmetic, and antispasmodic. Lavender has been known to prevent some childhood
infections and to soothe temper tantrums in some children. Some of the most common uses of lavender are to treat
burns (from minor to scalding), eczema, grazes, cuts, inflammation, dermatitis, headaches, migraines, fainting,
nausea, insomnia, bacterial infections, boils, acne, arthritis and rheumatism. Lavender oil is a non toxic
germicidal agent containing linalool and linalool acetate that plays an important role in the healing
processes.
Inhaling lavender has a sedative effect for both human and animals, with a calming effect that closely favors the
calming effect of the peppermint and geranium plants. This may be the reason why these aromatic herbs are favored
for a variety of uses from treating depression and sleep disorders to treating premenstrual syndrome. Lavender is
widely used for external purposes as in beauty and bath products. These products are often available in gift
baskets that make a wonderful gift for any occasion. A gift of Lavender is surely to be greatly appreciated by all
who receive it. Lavender is also used in aroma therapy products and treatments and is available to specifically
treat depression and created for sleep pillows.
Lavender is the most popular gift item that can be purchased separately or in gift baskets. Most of the gifts
available as aroma therapy gifts are made with lavender essential oil and dried lavender buds such as the bath bomb
fizzer, a lavender sachet made to hang in a closet or placed in a drawer, bath oil beads, bath crystals, hand and
body lotions, soothing herbal sea salts, and bar soap. The beauty products range from a variety of skin care
products to body sprays and hair care products. All made for the sole purpose of creating a sense of peace and
promoting relaxation.
Lavender is also used in home cleaning products and for many recipes as well. Lavender has found its way throughout
history into the homes of many historical figures. Queen Victoria had insisted that her furniture and floors be
cleaned with lavender to freshen up the rooms in her home. Queen Elizabeth I of England used to enjoy drinking
lavender tea as a way to relieve her migraines and other maladies. In World War I, the nurses treating injured
soldiers would wash their wounds with a lavender wash as an antiseptic wash.
Lavender has become an amazingly versatile herb for cooking at home and in upscale restaurants. These fresh edible
flowers are wonderful for enhancing the flavor and appearance of food everywhere. As a member of the mint family
and in close relation to sage, thyme and rosemary, the flowers of and leaves of Lavender can be used freshly cut
and the buds and stems can be dried before use. Lavender works best when used with other herbs such as savory,
fennel, oregano and its other mint cousins sage, thyme and rosemary. Lavender should be used sparingly because of
the powerful aroma can make a dish taste bitter, almost like eating perfume. So next time you’re cooking up a
storm, why not add a sprig of Lavender to the mix and enjoy?
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