What are Some Uses of Lavender Oil?
Lavender has long been used in perfumery, but its history as a healing herb is just as long-standing. Nicholas Culpeper writing in his landmark book about herbs in the 1650s claimed that it was well suited for headache, cramps, convulsions and even faintings. Lavender is conveniently available in essential oil form, and is so useful that it has often been called ‘first-aid in a bottle’. It is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin ‘neat’, or undiluted.
Lavender has long been used in perfumery, but its history as a healing herb is just as long-standing. Nicholas Culpeper writing in his landmark book about herbs in the 1650s claimed that it was well suited for headache, cramps, convulsions and even faintings. Lavender is conveniently available in essential oil form, and is so useful that it has often been called ‘first-aid in a bottle’. It is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin ‘neat’, or undiluted. The oil is antiseptic and anti-bacterial, and can be applied directly to burns and stings, where it will cool the pain. It will stimulate blood flow to the affected area, which may aid healing. Most people agree that the scent is calming, and can be used to reduce anxiety. A few drops in an aroma diffuser such as an aromalamp (a small bowl of water over a tealight) will infuse the air with the scent of lavender and provide balance to overwrought emotions.
