Uses for lavender oil?

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Lavender has long been used in perfumery, but its history as a healing herb is so ancient. Nicholas Culpeper, writing in his landmark book on herbs in the 1650s, claimed it was suitable for headaches, cramps, convulsions, and even fainting spells.

Lavender is conveniently available in essential oil form, and it’s so helpful that it’s often been called ‘first aid in a bottle’. It is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to ‘clean’ skin or undiluted.

The oil is antiseptic and antibacterial, and can be applied directly to burns and stings, where it will soothe pain. It will stimulate blood flow to the affected area, which can 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 aroma lamp (a small bowl of water on a tealight) will infuse the air with the scent of lavender and bring balance to overburdened emotions.

Lavender oil rubbed on the temples can soothe a headache, even in some cases stop a migraine if you haven’t held on too firmly. Massaged into the muscles of the neck and shoulders, it can relieve tension headaches and “computer headaches.” The oil is analgesic (relieving pain); Rub it on painful joints to relieve arthritis symptoms, or on sore muscles from overexertion. It certainly smells better than most pungent ‘sports creams’ on the market.

While many scented body care products, like scented shampoos, attract bugs, lavender essential oil is actually an insect repellent. It can be used as a perfume or added to a hair rinse to keep mosquitoes and other outdoor nuisances away. (Men can use citronella essential oil to keep bugs at bay.)

Lavender essential oil is quite reasonably priced, especially compared to some of the rarer oils, and is so widely useful that no home should be without a bottle.

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