Herbal Remedy

Lavender Is A Calm Herb

Although lavender is used today as an essential, externally and internally, it has been used in a variety of ways throughout history. Ancient Egyptians used lavender as an incense, perfume, and mummification oil. Offering it to the gods, Romans, Arabians, and Greeks also valued this aromatic herb. Queen Victoria had lavender used to clean and freshen her home. Queen Elizabeth I of England drank lavender tea to ease migraines. Lavender was even used in WWI as an antiseptic wash for the wounds of injured soldiers. Growing at altitudes of 6000 feet, true lavender is found in the French and Mediterranean Alps, where it is considered to be most effective because if its high quality of essential oil.

Lavender has many properties that can be beneficial. The most widely used property is the aromatic which is credited with soothing fussy children and relaxing the tense adult. It can also be used to relieve flatulence, calm nerves, ease spasms. Lavender also provides the effects of expectorant, stimulant, cosmetic, antiseptic, and antibacterial. Uses of lavender include treatment for burns, eczema, cuts and scrapes, inflammation, dermatitis, headaches (mild to severe migraines), fainting, nausea, insomnia, bacterial infections, boils, acne, arthritis and rheumatism. Containing linalool and linalool acetate, lavender is a non-toxic germicide that can aid in the healing process.

With such a calming effect, lavender is often used as an aromatic treatment for depression, sleep disorders, and premenstrual syndrome. This sedating effect makes lavender a popular gift item as bath and beauty products for any occasion. Most gift items are available as aroma therapy products made from the essential oil or dried lavender buds. These include sachets that can be placed in drawers or closets, bath oil beads or crystals, lotions, sea salts, and soaps. Beauty products include skin care, body spray, and hair care products.

Lavender can also be found in cleaning products and as an ingredient in recipes. Closely related to sage, thyme, and rosemary in the mint family, lavender flowers and leaves can be used to flavor food. Used sparingly, lavenders powerful aroma is best complemented by other herbs such as its mint family or savory, fennel, and oregano. This versatile herb continues to freshen our lives as it comes to us from ancient times.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Yarrow

A tonic for run-down conditions and indigestion. If taken freely at the beginning of a cold, it will break it up in 24 hours. Has soothing and healing action on mucus membranes.

Yellow Dock

Mineral rich plant, especially rich in iron. Excellent as a blood purifier and tones up the entire system.

Yucca

Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.