www.PlanetEarthRemedies.com - © 2005
Planet Earth Remedies™
by Judy Carter
I am one of those weird people who do not love the smell of
Lavender, but I have been brought to my knees with
appreciation and respect for this most wonderful healing oil
over the years. Although my business originated mainly for
dealing with pain issues, I did want to cover all the bases
when formulating my products, including stress & skin
problems. I am a balm lover (oil with beeswax & natural
ingredients) as the lasting power when applying under the nose
and applying on temples for emotional benefits appears to have
extended staying power over applying an oil. As Lavender is
somewhat expensive, it seems sort of a waste to spray a pillow
when the benefits can be reaped immediately when applied to
key areas on the face and wrists. If you are going to spray
your pillow, take pure Lavender oil and add distilled water
–shake before spraying, but this supply will last for ages. I
was forced into submitting to the powers of Lavender two years
ago, refusing to submit to taking medications to relax me.
Dealing with severe jaw clenching and insomnia issues, I began
applying Lavender Balm every night and it found it was
immediately very calming and I was soon sleeping peacefully.
(Also, to help with insomnia, drinking “Sleepy Time” Tea with
honey is wonderful). What’s interesting is that by relaxing
me, I virtually stopped the jaw clenching which eventually
relieved the swelling in the jar area.
The following conditions of the mind, will benefit by using
Lavender:
- Nervous tension
- Balancing emotions
- Stress & anxiety
- Depression
- Hysteria
- Soothes and calms the
nervous system
- Anger
- Depression
- Ups and downs – highs and
lows
- Insomnia – Research shows
that Lavender has a mild sedative effect.
Studies have shown participants appear to sleep more
restfully.
The
term “Aromatherapy” was brought about after a
French perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattefoss in 1928 applied
Lavender to a badly burnt hand which resulted from a lab
explosion. The burn healed quickly and left minimal scarring.
He began studying many oils and their effect on the mind and
body in healing. Lavender has been valued for centuries for
its beauty, fragrance and cosmetic value. It also has a long
history as an ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and
long considered a very romantic oil.
A lot of research has been done on
the effect that scents have on the emotions,
especially for women. Because the same part of our brain – the
limbic system - processes both emotions and odor. We have an
immediate response to smells. Although women and men seem to
have the same detection of scents, women are thought to be
more aware and receptive. Lavender helps create a feeling
that’s serene and focused. In an article published in the New
York Times 2002, several studies indicated that Lavender Oil
appeared to help calm agitation in patients with severe
Alzheimer’s disease. Three studies were done, all showing
significant benefits from patients smelling or rubbing the oil
on their skin. This is a great oil for headaches and helping
to prevent migraines, although I recently read that Lavender
is not to be used in the middle of the migraine – only to
prevent them.
Lavender is one of the ten most
important oils in the world and claims the #1
placement. Said to be a medicine chest in a bottle it is
extremely safe. If you are pregnant suggested use is after 1st
trimester. For mothers to be – this is definitely the oil to
be used when in labor. Several years ago I had to Fed-ex
Lavender up to a customer in Spokane, WA, where her daughter
and daughter-in-law were both in waiting. The nurses in the
labor room attributed the easy labor to using Lavender in foot
massage and applied under nose.
Stress comes with living, and unfortunately life today is
changeling and we get so caught up in our hectic lives we
don’t take time to “stop and smell the roses”. Even babies
experience stress when hungry, wet, and our school kids have
major stresses at school (With peer pressure and extensive
tests). Stress causes physical problems and mental tension.
Using Lavender for aromatherapy massage is a wonderful way to
relieve the mind body. I am a firm believer that children
should have short massages on a regular basis. Lavender in a
nice almond oil with vitamin E. Both my sister in law and
sister use the Lavender Balm on their kids who deal with
hyperactivity by massaging hands, feet and applying under the
nose before bedtime.
Lavender Oil, although best know for aromatherapy,
is also used for relief of arthritis,
rheumatism, neuropathy, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rashes,
burns, scars,
Bites. Lavender is my most popular item with massage
therapists and acupuncture specialists. You will definitely
feel like a new person when you get a massage with this
wonderful oil.
The content in this article is provided for general personal
education purposes only. The content is not intended in any
way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always
seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical
condition.
Clipart © copyright
Wheeler Arts.
|
|
