| Whilst recently researching a completely different | | | | of your pillow case. Lavender is effective at inducing a |
| article on essential oils, I was struck by how many | | | | relaxing sleep either on its own or when combined with |
| aromatherapy authorities and writers mention | | | | Chamomile. |
| Lavender as their favourite fragrance. While I always | | | | 7) Fragrance and freshen any room in the house by |
| enjoy the unique aroma of Lavender essential oil, and | | | | adding a few drops of Lavender oil to an aroma lamp |
| enjoy nothing better than sitting in my garden on a | | | | ring, radiator humidifier or simply in a bowl of hot water. |
| warm day, drowning in the scents of my many | | | | 8) Add a few drops of Lavender oil to a clean cotton |
| Lavender bushes, I had never really thought about just | | | | cloth and place in your tumble dryer to give a relaxing |
| how many ways Lavender essential oil can be used. | | | | scent to bed sheets, pillowcases and towels. |
| It's all too easy to be seduced by some of the more | | | | 9) Treat your feet to an essential oil footbath -carrying |
| exotic (and expensive) essential oils available, but | | | | more weight and suffering more stress than any other |
| Lavender, with its very reasonable price tag and its | | | | part of the body, they deserve it. A soothing footbath |
| almost unique status as an essential oil that can be | | | | will warm and relax the muscles, improve circulation |
| applied undiluted to the skin should take pride of place | | | | and soothe any aches and pains. Add 5-10 drops of |
| in your Aromatherapy collection. | | | | Lavender to 2 gallons (9 litres) of hot water. |
| Listed below are 12 ways I've discovered that you can | | | | Alternatively, mix Lavender with Geranium for a |
| employ the healing, calming power of Lavender | | | | relaxing footbath, or with Eucalyptus and Pine for tired, |
| essential oils on your body, face and around the home. | | | | aching feet. |
| 1) A drop or two of neat Lavender essential oil on the | | | | 10) Make a portable Lavender rescue tool by adding |
| temples and/or back of the neck can ease an aching | | | | 3-4 drops of Lavender, either on its own or with |
| head. | | | | another oil onto a clean cotton handkerchief. When |
| 2) Apply a drop of Lavender oil (on its own or with a | | | | you feel the need, simply inhale from the hankie. This is |
| drop of Tea tree oil) directly to cuts, scrapes and | | | | particularly useful for treating colds or headaches, and |
| scratches to promote healing and the growth of new | | | | for clearing your head -whether at work, just before |
| skin. (NB: These are the only oils which should be ever | | | | an interview, or prior to an exam. For the latter, |
| used neat on the skin - avoid the eye area.) | | | | Lavender is especially good combined with Clary Sage |
| 3) A lavender bath relaxes tired muscles and soothes | | | | or Rosemary. |
| the mind, and also prepares the body for sleep. As | | | | 11) Make a quick, easy and natural room spray for the |
| with most essentials, 5 to 10 drops is enough. Rather | | | | home by adding up to 15 drops of Lavender essential |
| than adding the oil directly to the bathwater (because | | | | oil to 1 fl oz (30ml) of water in a spray bottle, shake |
| essentials don't blend with water) dilute the lavender in | | | | well, and use as an air freshener - do not spray on or |
| your favourite carrier oil. For something different, you | | | | near polished surfaces. This spray is also great to use |
| could also try diluting the Lavender in a tablespoon of | | | | at bedtime to promote a good night's sleep - spray |
| milk, or even honey. | | | | around the bedroom generously just before retiring for |
| 4) Make your own natural and inexpensive bath salts | | | | the night. |
| by mixing Epsom salts, sea salt or table salt, and/or | | | | 12) To purify both the air and the carpets in your home, |
| powdered milk, and adding a liberal amount (10 - 20 | | | | place 4-5 drops of Lavender (on its own or combined |
| drops) of Lavender oil. | | | | with Bergamot and/or Pine) onto a cotton wool ball |
| 5) Five to ten drops of Lavender essential oil mixed | | | | and place inside the dust bag of your vacuum cleaner, |
| into two tablespoons (30ml) of your favourite carrier oil | | | | against the air filter (where the air blows from the |
| (Sweet Almond is recommended) makes a | | | | vacuum). Replace with a new cotton wool ball as |
| wonderfully relaxing and sleepy massage oil. | | | | required. A Lavender soaked cotton wool ball will also |
| Alternatively, substitute half of the Lavender with | | | | neutralise odours and add a pleasant aroma to |
| Geranium or Chamomile oil. | | | | wardrobes, laundry baskets, airing cupboards and shoe |
| 6) To induce restful sleep, put a drop or two (no more) | | | | racks. |
| of Lavender on a cotton ball and tuck it into the corner | | | | |