Not just a pretty smell (Lavender)

Member Name: idoodooyou

Product:	Lavender
Date:	28/05/08 (368 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Huge health benefits

Disadvantages: Some people may not like the smell

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LAVENDER ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lavender is a perennial. It has purple or light blue flowers and has a wonderful scent. The oils from this plant have long been used in the making of perfumes, soaps and scented sachets, however lavender also has a long history of healing and shall be used for this purpose for many years to come.


What its good for:
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Insomnia:
The lavender smell comes from molecules of linalyl esters. These oils contribute to calming the central nervous system by stimulating the olfactory nerve and therefore promoting good sleep. Sewing some lavender flowers into a pouch and placing it under your pillow has long been used to fight insomnia.

Anxiety:
If you are feeling anxious or tense, Lavender may be of great help to you. Lavender is reported to increase the type of brain activity assocaited with relaxation. Lavender oil has long been added to bath water to promote relaxation.

Headaches:
Lavender has been used for centuries in essential oils for it relaxing effect on the brain and central nervous system. It is easily absorbed and has massive calming effects. For this reason, applying a little lavender oil to the temples when you have an aching head and massaging it in will give remarkable relief.

Earache:
Lavender contains a very useful chemical compound which fights skin infections, this same chemical compound will completely knock out the irritation and itch of swimmer's ear.

Pains:
Lavender oil has mild painkilling effects. A few drops mixed with a tablespoon of olive oil and rubbed in should have a pain relieving effect. It will also relieve itching and may be used as an anti-inflamatory.

Infections:
Lavender contains tannins which kill bacteria and help protect cuts and scrapes from infection.

Tummy ache:
Lavender has long been recommended as a digestive aid. The soothing properties of the oils relax muscles and ease cramps. It has also been known to ease intestinal wind.


The most important thing to note about Lavender is that we may discover one day it could hold the key in combatting cancer. There is scientific evidence that one of its oils, perillyl alcohol may one day play a role in the treatment of cancer and it also contains a group of chemical compounds called monoterpines which when studied, appeared to inhibit the development of cancerous cells.

It is far too early to tell but results are promising and tests continue on this wonderful plant. Perhaps one day it will be the cure millions have wished for.

Lavender is available in plant form, but more widely in oil form.
As with all oils and alternative remedies, if you are pregnant or breast feeding seek advice of a medical professional before hand just to be on the safe side. Otherwise your local health food store should be able to guide you in the right direction as to what to use and how it should be used.

Summary: Plant with great relaxing effects on the body.