Lavender: Nature's Gift for the Senses

Editorial: Julie Baumlisberger
Header Image: Canva Stock
Feature Images: Julie

Lavender essential oil is a steam distillation of the flowers, harvested at their peak. Some of the best 
​lavender in the world is grown in the Mediterranean climates of France and Bulgaria.  

Lavender. The very word conjures up an unmistakable aroma. Lavender means "to wash" in Latin, and the plant was used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans for everything from bathing, relaxation, cooking and perfume. Dried flower buds can be used for aromatic sachets, but it is the essential oil that has the most therapeutic properties.
Lavender essential oil is a steam distillation of the flowers, harvested at their peak. Some of the best lavender in the world is grown in the Mediterranean climates of France and Bulgaria. Essential oils can be used in three different ways:  aromatically, topically and ingested (if they have been rigorously tested and approved for internal use).  ​

Diffusing Lavender or making a linen spray with Lavender oil and distilled water is a beautiful way to promote a good night's sleep.  Try putting a drop of Lavender oil on the bottoms of your feet or on your big toe before turning in for the night...try it, it works like a charm for me!  Adding a drop or two to an herbal tea in the evening will also have a ​calming effect.
​Headaches and other minor discomforts can often be soothed by applying the oil, diluted in a carrier oil, to the temples, back of neck, or shoulders.  Young crying babies may be comforted by applying a single drop of oil to your own clothing, where they can enjoy its aroma.​​

Another therapeutic way to use Lavender oil is for mild skin irritations.  Use it on minor cuts, wounds and blisters to comfort, cleanse and promote healthy healing. I love using it in the kitchen for minor burns.  
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Did you know that Lavender is a natural bug repellent?   Simply add a few drops to an unscented lotion ora carrier oil.  Otherwise, make a spray using a combination of Lavender and some Eucalyptus or Lemongrass, for more efficacy.  So much safer to use on your children and pets than chemical-laden alternatives.  Just remember to reapply every few hours.

Lavender DIY

Gardener's Scrub

Summertime means work in the gardens for me, and my hands
always need some pampering at the end of the day.
​Mix 1 ½ cups of Epsom Salt, sea salt, or sugar with 1 cup almond oil, 20 drops Lavender essential oil, and 3-5 teaspoons vitamin E oil in a bowl. Place in a container with a tight fitting lid. Massage about a teaspoon of scrub into hands, then rinse lightly.  Your hands will feel so soft.....and smell wonderful!
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​Sun Soothing Spray

So, get outside, smell the spring air, get your walking shoes on again and give your liver some love.
​A sun-soothing spray is easy to make up with 8 drops each of Lavender, Melaleuca and Peppermint, with 1 cup of Aloe Vera juice, 1/4 cup carrier oil and a teaspoon of Vitamin E in a spray bottle.  Shake and apply as needed.

Culinary Delights

​And I would be remiss if I didn't mention Lavender's delightful culinary uses!  Add 1 to 2 drops to your next batch of shortbread cookies, or make your own Lavender Honey Butter:  Mash together a 1/4 cup stick of softened butter with 1 drop of Lavender essential oil, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 2–3 tablespoons of honey.   I now add 2 to 3 drops of Lavender oil to my home made blueberry jam.  The fragrance is amazing!  (Again, please make sure that you are using an oil that is labelled to be safe for internal use.  NOT all oils are created equally!)