Lavender

Parts Used: The flowers, harvested as buds, and their essential oil are both used medicinally. Components: The essential oil contained in lavender flowers has a calming effect. It is comprised primarily of linalyl acetate and linalool. The flowers also contain tannins, coumarins and flavonoids. It is a powerful antiseptic containing more than 200 compounds that are active against fungi, viruses and other microbes. Indications: Taken internally, lavender is a mild sedative. It counteracts feelings of restlessness and dizziness, and it brings welcome relief to those suffering from headaches and migraines. It also eases stomach discomfort and symptoms of nervous intestinal disorders, such as flatulence and bloating. Applied externally, lavender soothes sore muscles and reduces swelling, so it's beneficial for bruises and sprains. The most famous healing use for lavender blossoms is perhaps in the bath, where they have long proved relaxing, tension melting and sleep inducing. It also helps alleviate depression. On sleepless nights, place a lavender sachet under your pillow to induce drowsiness. Brewed into a tea, the flowers also impart sedative as well as antispasmodic properties, relieving headaches, coughs and nervous indigestion. Topically, the diluted essential oil relieves aching muscles and, with its antibacterial effects, cleanses, soothes and heals cuts, stings and burns. Cosmetic uses abound, and savvy cooks add blossoms to cakes, fruit salads, puddings and confections. Therapeutic Effect: The best known active components in lavender are geraniol, cineole and coumarin. These ingredients have a strong cleansing and germicidal effect and are believed to be particularly valuable for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pain. Lavender also brings swift relief from digestive problems and various skin irritations. Medicinal Uses:

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For the breasts: Lavender oil can be rubbed onto the breasts to help tone and tighten the skin. Add 2 drops of the oil to 3 tbsp. of a base oil, such as sweet almond; apply to breasts daily.
For skin irritations: Lavender water promotes good circulation in the skin and prevents infections of the sebaceous glands. For a facial lotion, add 3 drops of lavender oil to 1 quart of distilled water; dab on daily.
For insomnia: Lavender oil has a calming effect and can be used to induce sleep when you're feeling stressed or anxious. Put a few drops of lavender oil on an aromatherapy stone (available in most herbal stores) and place it in your bedroom, or have a cup of lavender tea half an hour or so before retiring for the

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