| Are you in love with lavender? If so, you're not alone, | | | | external purposes only, are often available in gift |
| as lavender has become the most popular aromatic | | | | baskets. A wonderful gift for any occasion, lavender is |
| herb. In fact, in 1999, the "queen of herbs" was named | | | | sure to be appreciated by all who receive it. In addition |
| as the "year of lavender!" | | | | to its use in aromatherapy products and treatments, |
| As one of the most loved aromatic herbs, lavender | | | | lavender may be used to specifically treat depression. |
| has been cultivated and used throughout the centuries. | | | | The Gift Of Lavender |
| In ancient times, the Egyptians used lavender in incense | | | | Lavender is a popular gift item that can be purchased |
| and perfume and it was even used in the | | | | separately or in a gift basket. Most of the |
| mummification process. The Arabs, Greeks and | | | | aromatherapy gifts are made with essential oil and |
| Romans used lavender as an offering to their gods. | | | | dried lavender buds. Examples of these are bar soap, |
| Because of its tendency to render a better quality | | | | bath bomb fizzers, bath crystals, bath oil beads, closet |
| essential oil, true lavender -- which is found in the | | | | or drawer sachets, hand and body lotions, sleep pillows |
| French and Mediterranean Alps, growing in altitudes of | | | | and soothing herbal sea salts. Beauty products that |
| 6,000 feet -- is considered to be the most effective of | | | | contain lavender range from body sprays and hair |
| these aromatic herbs. | | | | care products to a variety of skin care products. All of |
| Common Uses Of Lavender | | | | the above products mentioned are used for the sole |
| As an essential oil in today's society, lavender is used, | | | | purpose of creating a sense of peace and to promote |
| both internally and topically, for a number of conditions: | | | | relaxation. |
| - Aromatic (a most popular fragrance) | | | | Lavender Trivia |
| - carminative (to relieve flatulence) | | | | Did you know that lavender is also used in home |
| - antibacterial | | | | cleaning products? |
| - antiseptic | | | | Throughout history, lavender has found its way into the |
| - nervine (to calm the nerves) | | | | homes of many historical figures. Queen Victoria |
| - expectorant | | | | insisted that her furniture and floors be cleaned with |
| - stimulant | | | | lavender to freshen up the rooms in her castle. Queen |
| - cosmetic | | | | Elizabeth I of England enjoyed drinking lavender tea as |
| - antispasmodic. | | | | a way to relieve her migraines and other maladies. |
| It has also been used to prevent some childhood | | | | During World War I, nurses treated injured soldiers by |
| infections and to soothe temper tantrums in children. | | | | washing their wounds with an antiseptic wash that |
| The most common uses of lavender are to: treat | | | | contained lavender. |
| burns (from minor to scalding), eczema, grazes, cuts, | | | | Cooking With Lavender |
| inflammation, dermatitis, headaches, migraines, fainting, | | | | Lavender is an amazingly versatile herb that is also |
| nausea, insomnia, bacterial infections, boils, acne, arthritis | | | | used for cooking -- not only at home, but also in many |
| and rheumatism. As a germicidal agent, lavender oil is | | | | upscale restaurants. A member of the mint family, |
| non-toxic. | | | | lavender flowers are wonderful flavor enhancers that |
| It contains linalool and linalool acetate which play | | | | can also add to the appearance of the food. Lavender |
| important roles in the healing process. | | | | flowers and leaves can be used freshly cut; their buds |
| Calming Effect Of Lavender | | | | and stems can be dried before use. |
| Both humans and animals, when inhaling lavender, | | | | It is best to use lavender with other herbs, such as |
| experience a sedative effect that closely favors the | | | | fennel, oregano and savory, and it can also be used |
| calming effect of the geranium and peppermint plants. | | | | with its other mint cousins (rosemary, sage and thyme). |
| This is probably the reason why these aromatic herbs | | | | Lavender has an extremely powerful aroma, so it |
| are favored for a variety of uses from treating | | | | must be used sparingly or the recipe will have a bitter |
| depression and sleep disorders to treating | | | | taste, and you'll feel like you are eating perfume. The |
| premenstrual syndrome. | | | | next time you're cooking up a storm, add a sprig of |
| Lavender beauty and bath products, to be used for | | | | lavender to the pot and enjoy! |