Lavender has been known to man for millennia. It is used in cooking for its fresh flavor and unique taste, as well as in folk medicine, for its innate healing properties.
The history of using lavender for medicine began long ago, in the time of the Romans. Healers from that time made various pomades with the herb, which delighted not only with its aroma but with its rejuvenative effects on tissues and muscles.
It was recommended for sleep problems. Centuries later, in the 19th century in England, numerous research studies were carried out, which proved the biochemical changes that lavender caused in processes in the brain, as well as its healing effect on the nervous system.
Nowadays, modern medicine not only recognizes the properties of lavender but also uses it effectively as a component in numerous drugs. They are of all sorts - against epilepsy, depression, anxiety, hysteria, high blood pressure and others. Its beneficial effects are due to the contained therein polyphenols, which revitalize the intestines in combination with probiotics. Lavender is an irreplaceable immunostimulant.
Because of all of its properties, the herb is one of the most widely used in folk medicine. Inhalations with lavender oil (3-4 drops) are done if suffering from cold related ailments. Also it is recommended to clean the inhabited area, dropping 3-5 drops for every 6 square yards. This is also suitable against insomnia and tobacco smoke.
To get rid of tiredness in your feet after a long work day, make a foot bath with 3-5 drops of lavender oil in it. This also removes bad odors and sweating.
If suffering from stress, fatigue and you want complete relaxation, take a bath with 5-7 drops of lavender oil in it. This will get rid of anxiety and normalize hormonal function.
If suffering from muscle pains, rheumatism, neuralgia, radiculitis, osteochondrosis, massages with lavender oil have an exceptionally beneficial effect. They are recommended for direct application on burns a few times daily as well. This aids in a quicker and more painless recovery. For more serious wounds and burns, apply a compress, made from 5-10 drops dissolved in 2/3 cup (150 mL) water.
For stomatitis, periodontal disease, toothache and prevention of tooth decay, gargle with a cup of water containing 1 drop of dissolved lavender oil.
Lavender and its oil are successfully used for enriching cosmetics and shampoos, balsams, creams. To do this, add 3-5 drops of lavender oil per 2 tsp (10 g) of cosmetic product. It is a great substitute for bug sprays (against moths and mosquitoes) - apply it directly or 2-3 drops on a handkerchief.
