Lovely Lavender

The Natural Artisan
Creating Natural Aromatherapy Products for Your Body and Home
by Stephanie Barron founder of Artisan Naturals http://www.artisannaturals.com/

Featured ingredient: Lavender (Lavendula Vera )

Lavender is one of my all time favorite botanicals. I use it in many different applications from soap making, candle making, skin care formulas, and gardening. I even cook with it -I have even considered infusing vodka with it and making "healthy" martini, but decided against it because I thought the compound effects of the lavender and alcohol may be too relaxing!

Although the color of the flowers are purple, the scent is more "green", and very clean. In skin care and aromatherapy my favorite variety is Bulgarian , it has a softly rounded bouquet and not as medicinal as others.

History
The word “Lavender” is derived from the Latin word lavare meaning “to wash” Dating back to ancient Roman times, Lavender was used to scent the water in Roman baths. Lavender has also been used throughout history for medicinal purposes, and in the preparation of food dishes. Today, it is mostly used in the aromatherapy and perfume industries.
Therapeutic Value
Regarded as one of the most used essential oils, Lavender oil is useful in many different applications. The oil from the lavender flower contains certain chemical compounds that are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, calming to the senses and gentle to the skin.


Used in skin care
In skin care, Lavender is very useful in calming redness or irritation caused by burns, eczema, acne, diaper rash, cuts, bug bites and muscle pain. Lavender essential oil is one of the very few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin undiluted.

Recipes

For the skin

Lavender Oatmeal Mask

Can be used to calm dry, cracked, irritated, sunburned, chicken pox, diaper rash skin conditions

2 TBS of colloidal or finely ground oatmeal
2-1/2 TBS of liquid of choice (herbal tea, water, yogurt, aloe leaf juice, aloe gel, honey)
5 drops pure Lavender essential oil
Mix well and adjust the amount of liquid until desired consistency is reached. Apply to area of the skin to be treated and leave on for 10-20 minutes.

For the home

To insure a restful night’s sleep, simply apply 2-3 drops of Lavender on your pillow before turning in. Deeply inhale the calming aroma- and relax!