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Throughout history, lavender has been known for its impress healing powers. Its use throughout the ages as a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier is still used today to promote healing and prevent or diminish unsightly scar from forming.
Ancient Greeks used lavender oil to treat throat infections, constipation and chest conditions. While in Roman lavender flower heads where used in communal baths probably for its antiseptic properties, as well as its sweet fragrance. Many medieval European herbalists used lavender water to help prevent and treat head lice. Small bundles of dried lavender were also placed in the laundry, to make clothes smell fresh and keep moths away. They also treated insomnia and other sleep disorders, by placing small dried bundles inside their pillows. The aroma was also believed to drive away bed bugs.
Usually common lavender (Lavendula angustifolia, Lavendula officinalis or Lavendula vera) is used in the production of the essential oil used in aromatherapy. It is advised to avoid the lavender essential oils made from Lavendula stoechas, as this flower has a different composition; then the above mentioned common plants and is not suitable for use in the home. The south of France is still the main producer of the oil. Originally, simply gathered from the hillsides by local people who sold it to perfumeries, in Grasse. In the 1950s, its demand increased to such an extent that cultivation was increased. Lavender was now being grown in fields containing neat rows of the flowers. Today the demand for the oil still grows and so does the distribution of lavender; being found today in China, Tasmania and England.
Placing the stems of lavender flowers on a grid and steaming them, releasing the essence of the flower in the form of a vapor. The released vapor is then stored in tanks and left to cool. Once cooled the vapor forms the precious essential oil.
Unlike most essential oils lavender does not need to be
diluted before using it, in some instances. A few drops on a pillow can aid the healing process, protect the skin from infection and improve sleep. Sniffing its light, floral aroma through a cotton wool pad helps calm frazzled nerves, decreases anxiety and calms the mind and body. Massaging with lavender oils or added it to a warm bath helps decrease muscle pains caused by tension, exercise or rheumatism. Menstrual pain can be also alleviated by gently massaging lavender over the lower abdomen, in a circular motion.
Being so gentle, it is ideal to use on children and babies, to help prevent childhood infections and to soothe temper tantrums and upsets.
Although associated with hot climates, lavender can also be grown in cooler areas, as well. Well-drained soil and a sunny place are needed to cultivate the flower. It is important not to over fertilize the plant and the stems should be cut as soon as the flowers open, either in the morning or evening. The flowers should be sun-dried and then the florets stripped from their stalks.
Finally, some common day uses for lavender oil in present day society are: for scalds, minor burns (including after-sun), cuts, grazes, inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, fainting, headaches, insomnia, migraines, nausea, bacterial infections, acne, boils, rheumatism and arthritis. Not to re-mention alleviating anxiety, stress and tension, by claming, soothing and relaxing the body and mind.
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