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Lavender is an herb used in aromatherapy treatments for many ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, depression and headache/migraine pain.
Add the ingestible type of lavender to tea or as a spice on meals to combat a number of digestive issues including loss of appetite, vomiting, and flatulence or bloating.
1. Anxiety antidote
“Find a scent that makes you feel calm and happy,” says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, and RD, from Sarasota, Florida. Researchers have found lavender to have calming effects that can reduce anxiety.
Lighting a lavender-scented candle or warming a diluted mixture of essential oil and water might create just the aroma to help you unwind after a stressful day. The scent of lavender may also calm a tension-related headache.
2. Dandruff destroyer.
"Lavender oil can help scalp conditions," says Francesca Fusco, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. Just mix 15 drops of lavender essential oil with two tablespoons olive or almond oil and microwave for 8-10 seconds. Dampen hair and message the mixture into scalp and let set for an hour, then shampoo hair.
Note: It may take several treatments to see results.
3. Dog destresser
“Lavender oil used pure or diluted helps in conditioning dogs to a safe space. May help allergies, burns, ulcers, insomnia, car ride anxiety and car sickness, to name a few,” said Dr. Richard Palmquist, Chief of Integrative Health Services at Centinela Animal Hospital, Inglewood California. Burning a diluted mixture of lavender oil and water to create a light scent may be just the ticket for an anxious pup.
Note: Essential oils can be toxic to cats.
4. Skin soother
"Lavender is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it helps reduce itching, swelling, and redness," explained Naila Malik, MD, a Texas-based dermatologist. Apply a drop or two on bug bites, burns and sunburns, as needed every six to eight hours. Adding a few drops of lavender oil into bath water can relieve that overall itchy-skin feeling.
5. Sleep saver
"Lavender isn't a game-changer unless you practice other sleep-promoting habits," says Joseph Ojile, MD, founder of Clayton Sleep Institute in St. Louis.
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Love the scent of lavender, Thanks for all of the suggestions, I am going to try them.
June 25, 2012 - 8:58pmThis Comment