By Holly Gagnon
Lavender, a traveler’s best friend. What doesn't it do! Often, I coin the phrase, “it's properties are everything but auntie-em“. It's an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-depressant, to name a few of its assets. Lavender has been used in folk remedies prolifically throughout the centuries and is still popular and widely used today. Lavender's Latin root is “larve“, which means “to wash”. This is not surprising since it is used in bath and beauty products, as well as in soaps and detergents. It was once used to clean and disinfect hospitals, as it would leave a light and clean scent.
Lavender oil is non-toxic if ingested, and will not irritate the skin. It's one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin, or otherwise known as applied “neat”. Since it is a popular scent, and reputed to be so versatile, it is used in a number of skin products. It aids in the treatment of bruises, acne, eczema, dandruff, athlete's foot, sore muscles, dandruff, sunburns and burns, insect bites, as well as being used as an insect repellant (I can vouch for the insect repellant). While in Mexico, my roommate and I were the only ones not suffering from bed bugs and regular insect bites. That is because we would apply a couple drops in our beds and pillows, as well as use it as a daily body spray. Everyone wanted to know our secret!
Lavender oil has been found to stimulate the lymphatic system and help to regenerate skin tissue. That is why it is often found in skin care and acne products. On the same Mexican trip, I had badly sunburned my shins, and Lavender once again came to the rescue. I applied it neat to the burns and it relieved a lot of discomfort. It healed the burn much faster than times in the past when I had used regular burn medication. Used strictly as an aroma-therapeutic, it aids in easing headaches, high anxiety, depression, nervousness, insomnia, migraines, and other stress related conditions. I have had numerous customers who are teachers purchase Lavender oil for their classrooms, as well as nurses for their stations in their hospitals. When I'm stressed, a drop of Lavender oil promotes clarity of the mind, and eases my high emotional state, bringing me back to a state of balance. I guess that's why Lavender has been called “the great balancer“. It helps to keep the mind from chattering, and is often used for meditation, and for promoting a good night's sleep. On a more energetic based approach, the color of Lavender is indigo, is ruled by the planet Mercury, and aids in opening the 6th chakra for meditation and psychic development.
Some customers say they have used 3-5 drops of Lavender oil in the saline solution used in a neti-pot. When there are allergies or sinus infections present, people say it really helps reduce the inflammation and aids in the body healing itself. Yeast infections are no fun and can be uncomfortable. To help deal with the outbreak, soothe the affected area, and quiet the nerves, many customers say they use body oils such as Lavender in their bath. This is one essential oil that should be a must in your medicine cabinet as well as a travel item. No wonder it's one of the most widely used and most popular essential oils here at the Mustard Seed!
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