THE BEAUTY OF LAVENDER is that it is not
just a beautiful and fragrant plant, its many
uses and benefits have been appreciated for thousands
of years. It was one of the earliest perfumes,
a perfume jar discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb
contained lavender. Both Queen Elizabeth I and
Queen Victoria greatly valued it as a conserve
and a perfume. Indeed, Elizabeth commanded that
the royal table should never be without conserve
of lavender and she issued orders to her gardeners
that fresh flowers from Lavandula angustifolia
'true' lavender, should be available all year
round!
For centuries it has been used for its strong
healing and antiseptic properties - herbalists
believed that there were few ailments that could
not be improved by the use of lavender, often
steeped in hot water. The plant's name itself
is testimony to this, Lavandula comes from the
Latin lavare to wash.
A recent resurgent interest in natural remedies
has deservedly revived its popularity and lavender
can now be found in a huge variety of products.
We can't list all its uses and benefits in this
leaflet, but here are just a few:
- Essential oil of lavender is one of the most
widely used in aromatherapy, for its calming,
soothing effects.
- Keep a bottle of lavender oil in the kitchen,
its natural antiseptic and healing properties
work wonders on minor burns.
- During the summer months, a bunch or two of
lavender in the kitchen will also help to keep
away flies.
- If you are feeling stressed and perhaps are
not sleeping well, a couple of drops of essential
oil of lavender on a hankie or your pillow can
be very helpful.
- Lavender tea also helps to relieve anxiety
and works as a gentle sedative.
- A few drops of essential oil of lavender rubbed
into the temples is a natural way to relieve
migraines.
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