Monthly Spotlight
Lavender
“LAVENDER IS A UNIVERSAL OIL THAT HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN KNOWN TO BALANCE THE BODY AND TO WORK WHEREVER THERE IS A NEED. WHEN IN DOUBT, USE LAVENDER
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Lavender is from the botanical family Labitatae (mint). The essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers at the top of the plant. The chemical constituents of Lavender are alcohols, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, phenols, aldehydes, oxides, coumarins, and ketones.
Lavender has a wonderful scent that is refreshing, floral, clean, and calming. Its wonderful aroma has made it a popular ingredient in many soaps, fresheners, cleaners, and beauty products.
How can you add Lavender to your home? Suggestions include adding a few drops of lavender to Epsom salt and taking a nice, long, relaxing soak in your tub. Put a few drops of lavender on the soles of your feet before you go to bed at night. Unwind with a lavender neck massage. Make your own shower scrub with coconut oil, sugar, sea salt, and lavender. Add lavender to wool dryer balls to infuse your clothes with a fresh scent. And finally, make your own room or air freshener by putting a few drops of lavender in a spray bottle with water and spritz as needed.
Common and Popular Uses:
The use of lavender dates back to ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Lavender was used for mummification, as a perfume, for bathing, as an aphrodisiac, for cooking, and medicine. Today, Lavender essential oil is often utilized to aid with sleep, clear skin irregularities, to reduce anxiety and stress, alleviate burns and scrapes, provide antioxidants, and aid with headaches (Dr. Axe, 2016).
(Note: these statements are not intended to diagnose or treat illness. These claims have not been approved or endorsed by the FDA.)