His Aunt Jobiska made him drink
Lavender water tinged with pink,
For she said, 'The world in general knows
There's nothing so good for a Pobble's toes!'
~

Edward Lear, Laughable Lyrics. The Pobble Who Has No Toes.



Here's flowers for you;
Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram;
The marigold, that goes to bed wi' the sun,
And with him rises weeping.
~
Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale

Lavender. . .

• Refreshes and tones the skin, and soothes the nerves
• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep quality
• Promotes relaxation
• Is a natural antiseptic and astringent
• Soothe and heals insect bites
• Soothes and protect sunburned skin
• Helps prevent infection in blisters that often accompany more severe sunburns and other burns
• Speed healing to wounds as it can be applied undiluted ("neat")
• Reduces stress headaches when rubbed on the temples or sniffed like smelling salts
• Reduces oily skin by mixing 1 to 3 drops into one cup of white vinegar
• Promotes healing of rashes, bruises, minor cuts and sores

Some Applications:

For applications as aromatherapy, add 2 to 4 drops of lavender oil to two to three cups of boiling water and inhale the steam once per day.

When used bath additive, 6 drops of lavender oil or 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers may be added to bath water.

A massage oil is made by adding a little essential oil to a carrier oil and massaging into painful muscles or the temples and nape of the neck for tension headaches or the first hint of a migraine.
Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions

Although side effects are rare, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to lavender. Excessive intake (several times more than listed above) may cause drowsiness. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills have also been reported in some individuals following inhalation or absorption of lavender through the skin. Pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid using lavender, as it is a uterine stimulant. Lavender contains limonene which can cause photo sensitivity, especially when perfumes and cosmetics are used containing lavender oil.

A July 1, 2006 article in Science News stated that "lavender oil had been implicated in abnormal development of the breasts in young boys. Boys and girls are particularly sensitive to estrogenic and androgenic compounds because their sex hormone levels are low prior to puberty.There are identified hormonally active compounds in lavender oil which may be contributing to the increase incidence of early breast development in girls and enlarged breasts in boys."

Assessing the integrative health needs of the person, for more information on lavender oil and ways to be calm and heal yourself while your treading through life visit http://www.quantumenergyworks.wordpress.com/ leave a question or suggestion for Dr. Stress-Less.

Exceprts for this article taken from: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._M._Wolken

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I found this video on using Lavender Essential oil to treat age spots and acne.

How to Use Lavender to Treat Age Spots and Acne -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

Limauge Boutique sells lavender essential oil. Click here to purchase lavender essential oil.

Lavender can be very effective on repelling moths. First you need to clean the area where moths have been to get rid of them. Lavender will not kill or remove moths.

It is not the adult moths that damage clothes, but the larvae (tiny, white worms) that is from the moth’s eggs. In fact the adults do not eat nor live long. An adult female can lay between 100 and 150 eggs. The eggs hatch in about five days and it is all down hill from there for clothes or yarn. The larvae commence eating the fabric/fibers. The larvae will continue eating until they enter the cocoon stage.

Lavender and cedar (even moth balls) do not actually kill the moths, their eggs, or the larvae. They mask the male’s ability to smell female pheromones, therefore the males can not locate the females to mate and thus the female do not lay eggs.

Before using lavender and/or cedar you need to get rid of any eggs, larvae, or cocoons in your yarn, fabric, or other fibers.

Wipe down all storage bins or drawers where the items are located with a wet cloth or sponge. Locate the eggs and/or larvae and get rid of them. Try shaking the items out. If it is the summer, try putting them outside in direct sun light, which may either kill or drive away the eggs and larvae.

Our Moth-Away Closet Sachets contain a mixture of lavender and cedar.

We suggest using one sachet every 5 feet or so to insure that the fragrance of lavender/cedar is strong enough to smell.

If the fragrance fades just give the sachet a squeeze to release the natural oil inside of the lavender buds. Replace the sachet whenever you no longer smell the fragrance of lavender even after giving it a squeeze. Lavender has a shelf live of approximately two years.

Limauge Boutique sells bulk, dried lavender buds and bunches imported from France as well as Moth Away closet sachets, regular lavender sachets, party and wedding favors, lavender soap, lavender lemonade, and much more.

What is lavender and why would I want to use it you say - well, read on. . .

Lavender or Lavandula is a flowering, annual in some cases (must be planted every year) or most likely a perennial (comes back year after year), and is part of the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean region. There are many cultivars and varieties. You can find a variety that will grow in just about any area of the country but some do better than others (more about growing lavender later).

Quoted From Wikipedia - this just about says it all

"Lavenders are widely grown in gardens. Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourris. Dried and sealed in pouches, they are placed among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance and as a deterrent to moths. The plant is also grown commercially for extraction of lavender oil from the flowers. This oil is used as an antiseptic and for aromatherapy."

Lavender flowers yield abundant nectar which yields a high quality honey for beekeepers. Lavender monofloral honey is produced primarily in the nations around the Mediterranean, and marketed worldwide as a premium product. Lavender flowers can be candied and are used as cake decoration. Lavender is also used as a herb, either alone or as an ingredient of herbes de Provence. Lavender is also used to flavour sugar, the product being called "lavender sugar", and the flowers are sometimes sold in a blend with black tea, as "lavender tea".

French chefs in and around Provence, France have been incorporating this herb into their cuisine for many centuries. Lavender lends a floral, slightly sweet and elegant flavour to most dishes. For most cooking applications it is the dried buds (also referred to as flowers) of lavender that are utilised, though some chefs experiment with the leaves as well. It is the buds however that contain the essential oil of lavender, which is where both the scent and flavour of lavender are best derived.

English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, yields a highly effective essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications.

Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors, walls and other surfaces.

An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink.

Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it is also used in the treatment of skin burns and inflammatory conditions (it is a traditional treatment for these in Iran)."

So, you see, lavender is a very versatile herb that can be used in the garden for beauty, in craft projects, ointments, soaps, cooking, for weddings in favors and as an alternative for the traditional rice toss, and just to enjoy for it intoxicating aroma.

Limauge Boutique sells lavender buds and bunches imported from France as well as eye pillows, sachets, and lavender food products made in the US from French lavender. Visit us today www.limaugeboutique.com

Essential oil of lavender is derived from the lavender flower through steam distillation and yields a very highly concentrated lavender essence, much more intense than lavender flowers. One pound of lavender oil requires distilling 120-130 pounds of “true” lavender flowers. Almost 10 acres of lavender are planted to harvest one pound of lavender oil, so it is a very valuable essence. Therefore, we use lavender oil drop by drop. Here are some ways to use lavender essential oil to scent your world.

• Diffuse the lavender oil by placing a few drops in a lamp oil ring, or other essential oil diffuser or nebulizer. The heat from a light bulb, candle, or diffuser will gradually release lavender fragrance which will fill the room.


• Refresh sachets, lavender buds, potpourri with a drop or two of oil, squeeze or stir for instant renewal.


• Scent your laundry hamper by dropping a little on a paper towel and placing it at the bottom of the hamper, to keep soiled clothing fresh until they are washed.


• Drop a few drops of oil into the final rinse of delicate hand or machine wash to give a light, clean fragrance.


• For the medicine chest, lavender oil may be used on burns, insect bites and cuts for relief and speedy healing.


• Add a few drops to a vaporizer to battle colds, coughs and infections.


• Add a drop or two to Witch Hazel and put in a spray bottle to make a cooling mist for your body or your pillow.


• Add a few drops to unscented massage oil, like Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Avocado, or Grapeseed oil for a relaxing and healing body massage.


• Put a few drops on a folded, wet wash cloth, microwave for 60 seconds for a hot compress. Use as an eye pillow to treat headaches or sinus infections.


• Add a few drops to a hot bath, close the door and inhale the vapor for the ultimate relaxation experience.


• Lavender essential oil is wonderful for crafting soaps, candles and lotions and colognes.
  
  

Guest post By Lisa Maliga

Imagine a flower being able to calm your nerves, reduce inflammation and swelling, promote faster healing for minor burns, decrease muscle pain, alleviate insomnia, and work as a natural bug repellant? That purple colored flower named lavender, which is derived from the Latin word lavera meaning “to wash”, is one of the most versatile essential oils the plant kingdom has to offer. Additionally, it’s obtained without a prescription and the price is considered quite inexpensive.

Types of Lavender:

Lavandula Angustifolia is the most common type of lavender and it hails from England It is oftentimes referred to as true lavender. Any true lavender will have the botanical name of “lavandula” as the prefix. (There are up to 50 different species, including lavandula officinalis and lavandula vera, yet they will all be simply lavender). Lavender grows all over the world, including many parts of the United States and Canada, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Russia, Croatia, China, and Australia. The reason the “true” lavandula angustifolia genus is so popular is due to the low rate of camphor, less than one percent, it retains after distillation. This lends the essential oil a strong floral aroma, but it also makes it quite effective in aromatherapy usage, especially in accelerating the healing of minor burns. Camphor is a chemical constituent that you don’t want near a burn, and other versions of lavender, such as lavandin, lavender’s cousin, which can contain up to 8% camphor - are not effective for soothing delicate skin tissue.

Lavandin (Lavandula X Intermedia) ~ According to ‘The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils’ by Julia Lawless, lavandin is: “A hybrid plant developed by crossing true lavender (lavender angustifolia) with spike lavender or aspic (lavender latifolia). Due to its hybrid nature, lavandin has a variety of forms: in general it is a larger plant than true lavender, with woody stems. Its flowers may be blue like true lavender, or grayish like aspic.” The scent of lavandin is also sharper and more penetrating. While the plant grows in parts of Eastern Europe, Hungary, and Spain, cultivation is mainly in France.

Spike Lavender (Lavandula Latifolia) ~ Spike, sometimes referred to as Spanish lavender, is native to Spain, France, Italy, the Mediterranean region, and Northern Africa. The bright purple-blue flowers commonly found in true lavender are often a grayer hue in the spike variety. The essential oil is very penetrating, more herbal than floral, and retains a higher concentration of camphor than true lavender.

Lavender 40/42 (Lavandula Officinalis) ~ The lavender is blended with other lavenders to bring the percentage of linalol to between 40% and 42%. Linalol is an active component of Lavender that contains therapeutic benefits. Some Lavender essential oils can contain 40% and 45%.

Historical Uses for Lavender:

“Lavender was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians in the sacred walled garden at Thebes. They prized the herb greatly, using it to make a soothing and healing balm that was part of the ritual of mummification. It was turned into an expensive perfume to adorn both the living and the dead. Perfume urns were sealed into tombs to provide fragrance, and when Tutankhamen’s tomb was excavated, the scent of lavender was still strong even after 3000 years.” From ‘The Book of Magical Herbs’ by Margaret Picton.

Surprisingly, lavender is found more frequently in commercial fragrances for men rather than women. “This is one of the oldest scents in the fragrance world, made from oils extracted from the lavender and lavandin plants grown in France as well as spike lavender grown in Spain.” From the book ‘Perfumes, Splashes & Colognes’ by Nancy M. Booth. Examples of men’s fragrances are: Aqua Lavanda, Cool Water, Drakkar Noir, Hai Karate, Lavanda, Le Male by Gaultier, Old English Lavender, Old Spice Fresh Scent, Pino Silvestre (conifer), Pour un Homme and Ungara Pour Homme all contain lavender and/or lavandin essential oils.

Benefits of Lavender:

This versatile essential oil is familiar to many of us. You should have a small bottle of it for your First Aid kit and/or to keep in your kitchen. Lavender is one of the best natural ingredients to help stop the pain from minor kitchen accidents such as burns from the oven/stove or knife cuts. A drop of lavender can ease the pain, and only the addition of the gel-like innards of a freshly sliced open aloe vera leaf is as good a remedy for instant relief. Combining the two is recommended, as aloe vera instantly cools a hot burn.

For sunburn pain, lavender is also recommended. Pesky mosquito or other insect bites bothering you? Try adding lavender essential oil to the problem area(s) and your skin will thank you. Headaches may disappear when you massage a tiny amount of lavender on your temples or the nape of your neck.

Lavender and relaxation are two words that are virtually synonymous with each other. However, according to author Erich Keller in his book ‘Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair and Skin Care’ he writes: “Lavender is an all-purpose oil for skin care. Its effect is antibacterial, pain-relieving, healing for wounds, soothing for skin diseases, deodorizing, antiseptic, fungicidal, insect-repelling, rejuvenating, and anti-inflammatory. It may be used to treat all types of skin and is effective for acne and oily hair (as it regulates sebum production), itchy skin, hand care, cracked skin, bruises, shock injuries (in ice-cold compresses), acne scars, blisters, abscesses, furuncles, warts, boils, eczema, athlete’s foot (tea tree is more effective here, however), wounds, and burns. A bath with lavender soothes and heals the skin after sunburn.”

Safety/Precautions:

Unlike many other essential oils, there are few safety notes to share with you. Lavender essential oil can be used neat, meaning without diluting it in a plant based carrier oil, but it must be done in small amounts and only for minor skin problems. However, it is advised to dilute lavender with a vegetable carrier oil such as olive oil, jojoba, sweet almond oil, etc., just to make certain that your skin doesn’t have an allergic reaction. Please be very careful when purchasing pure lavender essential oil to be used for minor medical burn treatment emergencies as you will need true lavender, the type containing the lowest amount of camphor, and NOT lavandin, the genus which has up to 8% camphor – a burn causing ingredient!

Please do not take lavender essential oil internally!

Uses for Lavender:

• Bath soak ~ All you need is approximately 15 drops in your bathtub of warm to hot water and you should find yourself relaxing.
  
  
• Candle ~ Add a few drops to a candle, next to the wick, not on it as essential oils are flammable. Lavender will fill the room with its soothing floral aroma and relaxation should
  follow.
  
  
• Sachet ~ Add dried lavender buds to a small muslin bag and store in your drawers/cupboards, and especially where linen is stored. This method also works well as a
  natural bug repellent if you hang a scented lavender sachet in your closet(s) on a hanger.
  
  
• Hair ~ Add two to four drops to your hairbrush and brush your hair. Not only will it smell great, doing this helps to condition it naturally. Also, lavender is believed to stimulate hair growth and its antibacterial properties can help eliminate scalp conditions.

Blending With Lavender:

The happy combination of two florals is pronounced with the intermingling of rose, jasmine or geranium (Bourbon or Rose). For more dramatic combinations, consider mixing lavender with the following essential oils: bergamot or any citrus essential oil, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, patchouli, clary sage, cedarwood, tea tree, oakmoss, vetiver, or pine.

Finding High Quality Lavender:

The most important things to look for on any glass bottle of lavender essential oil will be four categories. Naturally, you would expect to see “Lavender” on the label. However, here are the four facts that you will find on any bottle of essential oil from a reputable supplier/company:

1. Botanical/Latin name. If in search of true lavender it would be Lavandula Angustifolia.
   
   
2. Part. What part of the plant has the essential oil been extracted from? For lavender, that is the flowering tops.
   
   
3. Method ofextraction. Is it an absolute, enfleurage, carbon dioxide (CO2), or has it been steam distilled? In this case it has been steam distilled. While lavender can be found in CO2 form as it’s the most expensive, or as an absolute, the most common type is steam
   distilled.
   
   
4. Country of Origin. As noted, lavender comes from many different countries, and my personal preference is for the type from Bulgaria. Location can make a sizeable difference for many reasons such as climate, type of soil, high/low altitude, etc.

Other factors to look for are price, as too low of an amount means it has been adulterated in some way or is possibly synthetic. Essential oils should be stored in a glass bottle to protect the contents. Then you must continue to keep your lavender in the best environment and that would be in a cool, dark place.

For practical reasons, it’s better to buy a small amount. Not only is this more economical, but this way you can determine what lavender oil you like the best. You can consult with a certified aromatherapist for advice on obtaining the best quality lavender. Another way is to locate a reputable farm where lavender is grown, as this would be the best place in which to purchase your lavender essential oil. Lavender farmers will be able to answer your questions and advise you on what type of lavender is best suited for your needs. You will be advised that lavender is harvested in the summertime and that immediately after it has been distilled is not the best time to buy it—usually one to two years after distillation is when it matures. For example, I purchased a bottle of lavender in April, and the following spring I started to notice a less herbal, and more rounded floral aroma. Another benefit to lavender is that it has a fairly long shelf life (approximately five years) and, like fine wine, can improve during its bottled lifespan.

Lisa Maliga is the bath & body products designer for Everything Shea Aromatic Creations
www.everythingshea.com Everything Shea offers a variety of glycerin soaps, (including Bulgarian Lavender), lip balms, scented/unscented shea butter, Whipped Shea Butter, Shea Comfort, custom SoapCakes and Mini SoapCakes. Discover 275+ fragrances, designer duplicates and essential oils.

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Reprinted by permission www.lisamaliga.com/lavenderarticle.htm
By Lisa Maliga © 2005
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