Lavender for Healing & Relaxation

Spring is near – I know I’m starting to feel the tug toward the garden. One of the easiest herbs to grow (other than the mint family), and the most beneficial herbs to have at your disposal is lavender. Lavender is one of the best herbs for healing and relaxation. And, it looks gorgeous in your garden too.
Lavender is a versatile herb that can easily be incorporated into your life through teas, balms, oils, diffusions, and even in your baking. It has a mild inoffensive flavor that works wonders on mind and body.

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Lavender’s Healing Properties

Anxiety  
Lavender has been shown to relax an anxious mind. You can diffuse the oil, use a lavender body oil on your skin, or use a roller ball oil applicator to your wrist when you are feeling anxious.

Insomnia 
Due to lavender’s calming properties, it can help ease a person to sleep. If you have troubles falling, or staying, asleep try using an essential oil diffuser by your bed at night or have a cup of hot lavender and chamomile tea before laying down. Both of these herbs contain a mild, natural, sedative.

Restlessness
Restlessness goes along with anxiety to some extent. If you are feeling restless and unfocused, try diffusing lavender or use a roll-on to help you get your work done.

Sores/Burns/Bug Bites
Lavender works well to heal minor abrasions, burns (sunburns), sores, and bug bites. It contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Fungal Infections 
Lavender also contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which can heal some fungal infections. It’s great for using on your feet.

Digestion Issues 
Drinking a tea made from lavender and lemon balm can help ease an irritated belly. Again, lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties can have a soothing effect for mild nausea, gas or irritable bowel.

Lavender Application Methods

Oils
Oils are a great application method. You can use lavender oil for inflammations, burns, or to ease anxiety or restlessness.

Soap 
Lavender is the perfect ingredient to soaps. It’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce acne, and soothe eczema related skin irritations.
 
Tea 
Tea is an amazing method of administering lavender. Lavender tea is soothing and fragrant. It can also be combined with other herbs to gain even more benefits and taste sensations. You can make your own lavender tea by adding 4 teaspoons lavender buds to 8 ounces of hot water.
From helping you ease to sleep at night, to curbing anxiety, drinking lavender tea is the way to go.

Diffusers/Smudge Sticks
Many people use diffusers in their houses and offices. It’s a great way to get the benefits of the relaxing effects of lavender. One caution when using a diffuser is that house pets can be poisoned by breathing certain essential oils. Lavender is one that is safe to have around pets.
Alternative to a diffuser is a Lavender smudge stick.  I use them to clean the air in my house regularly and they are easy to make.  Dry a small bunch your favorite lavender, wrap in twine and hang dry.  When dry, place in a heat proof dish, light the end with a lighter or match and carry through your home. 

Food 
Adding lavender to food can be fun and beneficial. Make lavender and lemon cookies, add lavender to your favorite meat rub, add it to soups and sauces, or make a lavender syrup to add to lemonade or sun tea.

Creams
Lotions and creams are another great way to get the benefits of lavender. Use a lavender lip balm or lotion to soothe your nerves. Do the same before bed to help you fall asleep. It’s like a two-for-one – soft skin and a calm mind.
 
Not only can lavender do all of the wonderful things mentioned above, it can also attract bees. As you may know, our honey bee population is in danger. Anything you can plant in your yard to keep honey bees happy is beneficial to their population.

Can you imagine a world without honey? Or without flowers for that matter? 
That being said, if you have bee hives – planting lavender nearby can provide you with delicious lavender flavored honey. I can’t think of anything better than that!

You can find a wide array of lavender products at the MB Botanicals Online Shop! From balms to oils, we’ve got you covered.

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