Thursday 26 July 2012

Lavender Blue


                                    Lavender field in Bridestowe, TAS

Lavender is a complete delight to our senses. The purplish lavender spread in gardens during summer can stop anyone in their tracks to admire its mesmerizing beauty and also to absorb the calming and rejuvenating aroma.

Me with the Lavender blues...

When I visited Tasmania last December in 2011, our Itenarary plan had " Must visit Bridestowe lavender farm" at Nabowla, which is considered one of the State's most spectacular vistas .The 265 acre site is noted for its manicured fields of lavender. Like a Child set loose in a candy shop, I jumped out of the car before my husband completely stopped in the parking lot and started running towards the lavender field oblivious to the fact that other tourists were watching my child like madness on spotting the lavender field and the shop selling exclusive lavender products.

Shop selling Lavender products & the cafe where we had Lavender ice-cream and lavender tea.Yum.

Lavender is capable of many important jobs. Every home should have a bottle of  100% pure unadulterated lavender essential oil. Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring.

Botanical name for lavender oil is "Lavandula angustifolia". Lavender oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, so is safe for all skin types. Follow caution when using Essential oils during pregnancy (better to avoid using Essential oils when pregnant as most of the EOs are potent). Use lavender essential oil only from the second trimester . Please check with your doctor before usage.

Lavender oil can be used for the following purposes: ( some tips taken from essential oil book written by Worwood and from the author Jennie Harding)

Skin care: Lavender EO is used in many skin care products as it is knowing for healing and reviving properties. It can be used in preparation of body lotions, face spritz, salves, bath salts, body oils etc.

Baby's skin: To calm dry/irritated baby skin, massage in a blend 1 drop of pure Lavender oil in 4 tsp of coconut oil/sweet almond oil/ olive oil.

Abrasions/ Grazes: Clean the area well with 5 drops of lavender diluted in a bowl of warm water. Apply one neat drop of lavender and leave to heal.

Burns: Lavender oil is very effective in treating small burns. Apply ice-cold water for at least tem minutes. Then immediately put two drops of neat lavender oil directly onto the burn. Put 5 drops of lavender on a dry, cold compress and cover the area. Repeat as needed.

Earache: My parents are visiting me here and because of severe winter this year, my father gets earache. As a first aid, I warmed a teaspoon of olive oil and to it added 1drop of lavender oil and 1 drop of eucalyptus oil and blended well. Soak a piece of cotton wool in this and use it to plug the ear.
Use the same blend to massage around the ear area, up the neck and across the cheekbone. Apply a warm compress to the cheek and ear area after massaging also eases the pain.

Preventing bed mite/bed bugs : When travelling and staying in hotels/motels, there can be microscopic bed mites/bugs on the mattress. To prevent bug bites, splatter few drops of lavender EO on the bed before sleeping. You can put few drops on a cotton ball and keep the cotton ball in linen cupboards to prevent dust mites and bugs.

Sound sleep: To promote sound sleep, put 2 drops of Lavender EO on your pillow and inhale the relaxing aroma. It will relax you and promotes sound sleep.

Culinary uses:  Lavender buds can be sprinkled on ice-creams and desserts as topping. Lavender can be boiled in hot water and filtered for Lavender tea. A dash of mint leaf or a squeeze of lemon juice will add pep to the tea. Lavender tea will have soothing and calming effect on mind and the body.

Availability of Lavender EO : In Australia, USA, Europe check with your health stores, shops selling organic products for pure Lavender EO. In India - Check with your organic health stores, or Kadhi shops for pure essential oils.

Bye for now. Until then - With love from PetalDew.

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