Lavender – The Color and Scent of Relaxation, Youthfulness and Creativity

When I think of Lavender, the purple and blue blooms come to mind with it’s beautifully relaxing aroma that makes one want to take a deep breath in and feel that all is okay in the world again.  Wild Lavender is found growing in the Mediterranean and northeast Africa and it is quite easy to grow in many other parts of the world.

It’s the dried flower buds that we use medicinally, most often Lavandula angustifolia but various other garden varieties can also be used.

The calming and soothing effects are well used in times of stress, anxiety and insomnia.  It is relaxing and uplifting and the calming effects have been used to help with agitation related to dementia.  Those experiencing mild depression and having a difficult time moving through it may also find it beneficial.  Lavender also makes an effective headache remedy.

It encourages healthy digestion as it is calming for stomach irritation due to stress and anxiety as it is helpful with the lack of appetite it brings.  Lavender is a antispasmodic, so it relaxes the stomach muscles making it useful for irritable bowel syndrome and Crone’s disease.  A Lavender honey is particularly calming for these situations.

Externally, Lavender honey is one of the best all round remedies for any type of skin condition.  It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, relieves pain and is wonderful for minor infections, wounds and insect bites.  Lavender honey can also be used on minor burns to decrease pain and promote the repair of skin tissue.

One day I was away from home and I managed to take the skin off my knuckle.  In the gardens where I was at, I found the most beautiful Lavender bushes, however they were not in flower.  I proceeded to pick a few leaves, crushed them up and put it on my knuckle like a poultice.  Yes it stung like fire for a few moments, but I must say, within 3 days my knuckle was completely healed!

Now because of Lavender’s ability to repair cells in the skin, you will often see it in facial care and anti-ageing products, you will also find it in our Healing Balm and Drawing Balm!  The calming and soothing attributes are helpful for sensitive skin or red, irritated skin such as rosacea.

There are no contraindications, side effects or interactions with other drugs.