Medicinal Uses

The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means “to wash.” Lavender may have earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. Lavender has been one of the best loved scented herbs for centuries. Inhalation of the essential oil has a very relaxing effect on the mind and body. It is a good remedy for anxiety, nervousness, and physical symptoms caused by stress, including tension headaches, migraines, and insomnia. Lavender also has a stimulating edge to it. It acts as a tonic to the nervous system, and restores vitality to people who are suffering from nervous exhaustion.

Lavender’s relaxing effects can also be seen in the digestive tract. There it soothes spasms and colic related to tension and anxiety. It also relieves distension, flatulence, nausea, indigestion, and enhances the appetite.

Lavender also has powerful antiseptic volatile oils. They have been shown to be active against bacteria including diphtheria, typhoid, streptococcus, and pneumococcus.

Lavender’s decongestant and expectorant qualities make it ideal as a remedy for colds, catarrh, and chest infections.

As a tea or oil inhalation, lavender is effective for colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. The tea can also be drunk for stomach and bowel infections causing vomiting or diarrhea.

Taken as a hot tea, lavender causes sweating and reduces fever. By eliminating toxins through the pores and, because of its mild diuretic action, through the urine, it helps to detoxify the body.

Many parts of the lavender are used for medicinal purposes. The essential oil is far more potent than the flowers, yet the flowers are very useful for nervous exhaustion, headaches, and indigestion.

With the flowers, one can make an infusion or a tincture. Tinctures are easy to make yet require the use of a wine or cheese press. If you don’t have the time to make them yourself, they can be found in many health food and herbal shops.

An infusion is made the same way as hot tea. Place the herb in a teapot, and pour water over the herbs. The water should be just about to boil when using. Leave it to infuse for 10 minutes, and then pour through cheesecloth or a fine sieve into a teacup. Store what is not going to be used immediately in a cool place. It is best to make fresh infusions every day and to use the flowers or leafy parts of the plant. Drink it hot or cold.

Migraine

1. Place a few drops of lavender oil on an ice cube and suck it slowly.
2. Massage the temples and nape of the neck with lavender oil to soothe the pain.

Burns

Lavender is safe to use ‘neat’ or undiluted. Use lavender oil undiluted on burns, with repeat applications several times a day. Immediate use of the E.O. after a burn will greatly reduce the degree of the damage to the skin.

Sunburn

Mix with your favorite carrier oil (olive, sesame, apricot kernel, sweet almond) and apply to sunburn.

Insect Repellent

Dilute Lavender Oil with a little olive or safflower oil and rub it on the skin.

Insect Bites

To relieve swelling and pain, to prevent infection and promote healing, use lavender oil ‘neat’ or undiluted on insect bites.

Lavender (lavendula officinalis) flowers:

Key uses: relaxant, antispasmodic, antidepressant, nerve tonic, antiseptic, decongestant, expectorant, diaphoretic, detoxifying, analgesic, rubefacient.

Lavender and Honey Gargle

3 drops lavender oil
1 tsp honey
½ cup boiling water
Mix the ingredients together and add enough cold water to make a warm mixture. Use as a refreshing gargle or mouthwash to allay a sore throat or mouth infection.