Lavender Oil

Lavender grows in open fields and on mountain slopes, giving off an intense spicy aroma when it blooms.  Ther herb's flower buds are harvested by hand at midday, when the oil content is highest; the essential oil is then extracted using steam distillation. 

Lavender oil has many uses:  It is a powerful antiseptic containing more than 200 compounds that are active against fungi, viruses and other microbes.  The oil is also valued for its ability to balance the emotions.  It restores vitality in people suffering from nervous exhaustion and also has a calming effect on people who are agitated or who have trouble sleeping.  Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that is safe to use "neat" or undiluted, on the skin. 

Recipes

To Purify Indoor Air - Place this mixture of essential oils in  simmer pot or nebulizer to help freshen the air.  The oils have a powerful cleansng action.  The fresh scent also exerts an uplifting effect on the mind, body and spirit.  Lavender combines particularly well with citrus oils.
4 drops lavender oil
2 drops bergamot oil
2 drops lemon oil

For Skin Irritations - Lavender water promotes good circulation in the skin and prevents infections of the sebaceous glads.  For a facial lotion, add 3 drops of lavender oil to 1 quart of distilled water; dab on daily

For Sunburn Relief - Add 10 drops of lavender oil to 4 ounces of water.  Store the liquid in a glass spray bottle and take it with you to spritz on sunburned skin as needed.

To Treat First Degree Burns - 1 to 2 drops directly on the burn will relieve pain and reduce the risk of blisters.

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 in your nebulizer and place it in your bedroom.  Its soothing effects will help you sleep soundly through the night.

For Middle Ear Infections - Saturate a cotton ball in olive oil, drip 5 drops of lavender oil onto it and place it on the outer part of the affected ear.  The lavender oil will help releive the pain and inhibit the inflammation that often accompanies ear infections.

Stomach Aches, Cramping, and Colic - Combine 30 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of chamomile oil and 3 1/2 ounces of cold pressed olive oil in a bottle and shake vigorously.  Massage this mixture gently onto the abdomen for 10 minutes, using broad circular movements.  Rest for a brief period, and then apply a hot water bottle to the affected area for 30 minutes.

For an aromatic lavender bath, use a natural emulsifier to help the oil blend well with the bathwater.  Mix 5 drops of lavender oil with 1 cup of heavy cream or 1 tsp of honey and add it to the tub.

Around the House
Add several drops of lavender oil to the washer's final rinse cycle, or scent a cloth with a few drops of lavender oil and throw it in the dryer to freshen a load of newly laundered clothes.