Lavender - Lavendula angustifolia

Calming, soothing, peaceful

For me, the thought of Lavender immediately evokes mental images of relaxing in a field of gently waving flowers.  Lavender is perhaps one of the most popular and versatile herbs worldwide.  It is best known for its ability to calm the mind and lift up the spirits, but it has many more therapeutic properties that are just as important.

Lavender is analgesic and anti-inflammatory.  As a tea, it can be ingested and used in a compress to help the body heal acute injuries (like sprains or mild burns).  Studies have shown that inhaling the aroma after surgery can reduce the amount of pain medication needed.  Its antispasmodic properties can diminish muscle spasms which accompany injury and/or surgery.  

Lavender is antimicrobial and may be used to treat bites, scrapes, wounds, and several types of infections like yeast and staph.   During cold and flu season, try making a tea blend that includes lavender to relieve symptoms like headache and help reduce congestion.  Its antiviral properties may shorten the duration of the illness.  You can infuse lavender into vinegar for a disinfecting, multi-surface cleaner to use around the house.

Some of the ways I've used lavender for myself and my family members:
* in an herb pillow to help me fall asleep more easily;
* in a post-op tea for pain reduction;
* in a relaxing bath;
* as part of a foot soak to heal athlete's foot and toe-nail fungus;
* in facial and body soaps;
* in salves for skin irritations;
* in antiseptic washes for wounds;
* in headache blends.

I have to admit that when I first started learning about the healing properties of plants, I ignored Lavender because I was more interested in the 'exotic' sounding herbs.  That was a mistake on my part.  Fortunately, I know better now and Lavender is a staple in my house.  

To learn more about Lavender, look it up on the membership portion of this website!