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eLearning Series:
I Want a Natural Health Remedy
( 50 articles in this series )
Lavender:
A Natural Aromatic Herb
Lavender has become the most popular aromatic
herb and has been labeled as the “queen of herbs.” In fact,
the year of 1999 was named as the “year of lavender.” Lavender
is one of the most used aromatic herbs that has been cultivated
and used throughout the centuries. In ancient times, the Egyptians
used lavender as incenses, perfumes, as well as in mummification
process, while the Romans, Arabians and Greeks used lavender
as an offering to the gods. True lavender which is found in
the French and Mediterranean Alp is considered to be the most
effective of these aromatic herbs, as they tend to render a
better quality essential oil. This lovely aromatic herb can
be found growing in altitudes of 6000 feet. In today’s society,
lavender is used as an essential oil, both topically and internally,
for a host of ailments and can also be used as a cooking ingredient
for consumable foods.
Lavender
contains actions and properties that are used to treat
many conditions such as: aromatic (as the most widely
used and enjoyed), carminative (to relieve flatulence), antibacterial,
antiseptic, nervine (to calm the nerves), expectorant, stimulate,
cosmetic, and antispasmodic. Lavender has been known to prevent
some childhood infections and to soothe temper tantrums in
some children. Some of the most common uses of lavender are
to treat burns (from minor to scalding), eczema, grazes, cuts,
inflammation, dermatitis, headaches, migraines, fainting, nausea,
insomnia, bacterial infections, boils, acne, arthritis and
rheumatism. Lavender oil is a non toxic germicidal agent containing
linalool and linalool acetate that plays an important role
in the healing processes.
Inhaling
lavender has a sedative effect for both human and
animals, with a calming effect that closely favors the calming
effect of the peppermint and geranium plants. This may be the
reason why these aromatic herbs are favored for a variety of
uses from treating depression and sleep disorders to treating
premenstrual syndrome. Lavender is widely used for external
purposes as in beauty and bath products. These products are
often available in gift baskets that make a wonderful gift
for any occasion. A gift of Lavender is surely to be greatly
appreciated by all who receive it. Lavender is also used in
aroma therapy products and treatments and is available to specifically
treat depression and created for sleep pillows.
Lavender
is the most popular gift item that can be purchased
separately or in gift baskets. Most of the gifts available
as aroma therapy gifts are made with lavender essential oil
and dried lavender buds such as the bath bomb fizzer, a lavender
sachet made to hang in a closet or placed in a drawer, bath
oil beads, bath crystals, hand and body lotions, soothing herbal
sea salts, and bar soap. The beauty products range from a variety
of skin care products to body sprays and hair care products.
All made for the sole purpose of creating a sense of peace
and promoting relaxation.
Lavender
is also used in home cleaning products and for many recipes
as well. Lavender has found its way throughout history
into the homes of many historical figures. Queen Victoria had
insisted that her furniture and floors be cleaned with lavender
to freshen up the rooms in her home. Queen Elizabeth I of England
used to enjoy drinking lavender tea as a way to relieve her
migraines and other maladies. In World War I, the nurses treating
injured soldiers would wash their wounds with a lavender wash
as an antiseptic wash.
Lavender has become an amazingly versatile herb for cooking
at home and in upscale restaurants. These fresh edible flowers
are wonderful for enhancing the flavor and appearance of food
everywhere. As a member of the mint family and in close relation
to sage, thyme and rosemary, the flowers of and leaves of Lavender
can be used freshly cut and the buds and stems can be dried
before use. Lavender works best when used with other herbs
such as savory, fennel, oregano and its other mint cousins
sage, thyme and rosemary. Lavender should be used sparingly
because of the powerful aroma can make a dish taste bitter,
almost like eating perfume. So next time you’re cooking up
a storm, why not add a sprig of Lavender to the mix and enjoy?
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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