If you were limited to the choice of only ONE essential oil, what would it be? The answer, hands-down from my readers, is lavender.
But why is lavender the number one pick? What is its special claim to fame? It is with good reason that lavender essential oil is one of the favorites found in an alternative medicinal cabinet. It has many uses, and is esteemed highly because of its effectiveness when applied, or diffused.
It is safe for use with small children. Over-active children can be aided at bedtime with the application of this essential oil upon the soles of their feet. It has been documented to calm, relax and aid the children in preparation for bed, and slumber. It also has antiseptic properties that help battle cold & flu, and thus brings comfort to both parent and child.
It assists in alleviating migraines. In our experience, sensitivity to aromas is extremely heightened during severe, stressful migraines. Because of this difficulty, we kept the lavender as far away from the nose as possible and applied this precious oil to the soles of the feet. It was remarkably successful in bringing the suffering to a close. (It was applied in conjunction with 2 other essential oils, as well.)
It has a healing effect on the skin while preventing scarring. Not only does it assist in the healing of burns and the soothing of skin, it ‘prevents the build-up of excess sebum, a skin oil that bacteria feed on’.
It is well-known for its ability to combat stress and crisis. In January 2008, there was a freak accident in my kitchen. My daughter was frying bacon. Everything appeared to be in good order. Then, with a flash of light that illuminated two rooms, the burner began to melt-down. Within a moment, an electrical arc jumped from the burner, burning a hole through the stainless steel pan, and attaching itself to the fork in my daughter’s hand. She screamed, and leaped across the entire kitchen.
We were very lucky. There weren’t any obvious, outer burns, but I immediately put ice on her hand, wrist, and arm because the skin was ashen, and all the hair on her arm was gone. After a call to the electrician, and two calls to her doctor (the electrician arrived), another doctor called me (regarding a different problem entirely), I sat in a chair near Naomi who was sitting on the floor with tears streaming down her face (shock).
That was the exact moment I got another phone call (a cousin-in-law committed suicide). At this point, I grabbed for the lavender. I knew that it would soothe her arm, even if no visible sign of burning was there. Then I applied it to myself, on the neck, and my wrists. If anyone needed calming at this point, it was me. It truly lived up to its name for being able to help combat stress during crisis.
And my personal favorite, if you hang bunches of lavender in your home, it repels mice! They don’t like the aroma… I recently discovered an article that stated the terpenes found naturally in many plants and herbs are responsible for this ‘anti-pest’ action.
There are so many ways to use lavender essential oil. It truly is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, soothing, calming liquid.
Diana is a master gardener, family herbalist, and essential oil enthusiast. Learning, and implementing knowledge is a joy. Sharing knowledge brings satisfaction.
Ignorance is far more costly than preparation.
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