I KNOW it’s hard to believe with all the snow we’ve been having here stateside but spring and all her glory is just around the corner. And what do you think of when you hear the word “spring?” Flowers…which brings us to the miracle working uber-bloom that is lavender and its ass-kicking essential oil.
I BEGAN using lavender essential oil religiously with all my clients when I had my massage therapy practice in Houston and never had a single complaint…in fact they all loved how they smelled after the session, men included. Since then I always keep a bottle of lavender essential oil in my house.
Lavender is Mother Nature’s little purple miracle.
ITS USES are many and border on magical. Seriously. You’re about to fall in love with lavender essential oil. It has about a billion different uses, but since a list of a billion things would be a total bitch for me to write and for you to read I’ll just give you my top five favorites.
Five Ways to Use Lavender *
1) Bacteria Buster
Lavender is antibacterial. Yup. It kills germs. Many people have developed an allergy to topical antibacterial ointments (like Neosporin) and lavender is a natural alternative to use on minor cuts and scrapes. Apply a few dabs to the area after washing it and you’re done. Obviously this does not apply to serious injuries, so please use common sense.
Make sure the oil you’re using is pure, undiluted therapeutic grade essential oil (look for lavendula augustifolia or lavendula officinalis) and make sure to do a small patch test on healthy skin to check for irritation, sensitivities and allergies before you start applying it to any little cuts…you don’t want to find out you have an allergy by introducing it directly into your bloodstream. That would be bad. *(This is were I tell you to make sure to read the disclaimer at the bottom of the post because even though lavender is usually safe and well-tolerated by most there are still some safety issues you need to be aware of before use…so make sure you read it.)
2) Sweet Slumber
Need some rest? Lavender helps calm the central nervous system and a calm central nervous system means rest and relaxation. You can place some lavender essential oil on a tissue and place it inside your pillowcase or add a few drops to a warm bath just before bedtime. One of my favorite treats is adding a spritz of Bath & Body Works sleep pillow mist to my sheets and pillowcases just before I hit the hay. It truly smells divine and knocks me out like you wouldn’t believe. It works like a charm.
3) Headache Helper
Grab your bottle of lavender essential oil and dab a little on each temple at the first signs of a headache. Prone to headaches and know that a glass bottle of essential oil in your purse is a smelly accident waiting to happen? Grab a tin of Badger Balm’s organic headache soother and keep it in your bag for on-the-go treatments.
4) Bugs Be Gone
There are several essential oils that pesky biting bugs like mosquitoes can’t stand and lavender is one of them. You can apply it directly to your pulse points or you can make your own bug spray for better coverage and more effective protection.
5) Skin Smoother
Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with a nourishing carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed or, my favorite, extra virgin olive oil and use as a body moisturizer before bed. Not only will you smell great and have soft skin but lavender is great at healing scars and reducing stretch marks. Ba-bam! Beauty trifecta. (Using a carrier oil to dilute the lavender is also a great way to apply it if you have sensitive skin or find that applying it directly causes skin irritation)
STILL CRAVING more lavender-y goodness? A quick look through the internet and you’ll find those other billion uses I mentioned. I’m so not even kidding. From lavender infused sugar and lavender iced coffees and sodas to topical acne treatments and scented sachets for your drawer of unmentionables – lavender kicks some serious ass.
If you have any tips or tricks of your own, please share them in the comments. I’d love to hear them…the more the merrier.
Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick
* PLEASE NOTE: Pregnant and nursing women should exercise caution when using any and all essential oils…including lavender which, though one of the safest essential oils, is an emmenagogue, (which means it may encourage menstruation) which can increase the risk of a miscarriage. Talk to your doctor before using essential oils. Remember: just because something’s natural doesn’t mean it can’t harm you. Mercury and arsenic are natural but you sure as hell don’t want to consume them. Toxic elements of the periodic table not convincing enough for you? Look at bears. Bears are natural and they’ll rip your face off. So stop thinking “natural” is the same as “safe” and “non-toxic.” It’s not. And just so we’re clear, I am not a doctor and am certainly not crazy enough to diagnose or advise you on any medical issues. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions regarding your health and medications. This post is not intended to replace medical advice or treatments. If you’re seriously hurt or ill don’t rub yourself down with lavender oil and think you’ll get better. Go to the freakin’ doctor. If it’s an emergency then get off the damn internet and call 911. I know you’re all bright enough to know this, but the internet being what it is and people being what they are it’s necessary for me to state the obvious. For a really fun read check out my full legal disclaimer here. It’s a good time. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
