Lavender has derived its name from the Latin word Lavare, which denotes “to wash”. The sweet floral fragnance of lavender essential oil makes it the most popular essential oil in aromatherapy. For centuries, the essential oil of lavender has been used for its various therapeutic purposes. Ancient Egyptians used lavender essential oil in their mummification process. Roman soldiers carried lavender oil to disinfect their injured soldiers. Today, lavender essential oil is used for its various health benefits.
Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil:
Listed below are some health benefits of lavender essential oil:
- As a Nerve Tonic: It is believed that the refreshing essence of this oil can relieve nervous exhaustion and anxiety by soothing and relaxing the ruffled nerves. This can help in treating sleep disorder, headaches, migraines, nervous tension, stress, etc. In addition, lavender essential oil can boost mental activity.
- As a Pain Reliever: Experts suggest that the anti-inflammatory property of the essential oil of lavender can help in relieving various types of pain and inflammation. This can help in treating muscular aches, backaches, rheumatism, sprains, etc.
- As a Skin Care: The antiseptic property of lavender essential oil can help in fighting infection caused by various microbes like virus, fungi, etc. This property can help in treating various skin disorders such as wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, etc. Additionally, the antiseptic property of lavender essential oil can also help in faster skin healing. This property can treat burns, cuts, sores, etc.
- As a Spasm Reliever: It is suggested that lavender essential oil can relieve spasms by soothing the walls of the respiratory tract. This property can help in relieving throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, etc.
- Improves Digestion: The essential oil of lavender can boost digestion by promoting the secretion of bile and gastric juices. This can help in treating flatulence, indigestion, stomach ache, etc.
People with sensitive skin may want to avoid lavender essential oil because this oil can cause allergic reaction, vomiting or nausea. Also, pregnant women may want to avoid any essential oil during the period as such oil can induce contraction or cramping.
How to Dry Lavender Herbs?
To dry lavender herbs, you can cut lavender stems just above the leaves when the flowers are about to unfold. Then the harvested stems can be secured with a rubber band to be hung upside down in a dry storage area, away from sunlight. After 7-10 days, when the stems have dried, cover the stems with a towel and gently roll them back and forth. This might help to separate buds from the stems. You can use the dried stems and buds separately.
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