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THE PRAISEWORTHY LAVENDER
FROM DAFFODIL HILL
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Lavender, in all its forms, is truly the most versatile of herbs. Here are but a few of the wonderful uses for this stupendous, hard working sweetie....
FRESH:
Provence is excellent for fresh bouquets. It should be picked while the flower buds are closed. The stems should be trimmed slightly everyday. If the water is changed daily your bouquets should last a week or more.
Lavender flowers used for drying should be picked when no more than 2 or 3 flower buds have opened. Grosso is a great variety for drying. They should be hung in small bunches upside down in a dark warm, but not hot place. Do not make your bunches too large as this can cause mildew.
DRIED:
So many uses, where does one begin?? Okay, here goes........
Sleep pillows. Tuck lavender or lavender with any combination of other herbs with soothing properties into a fabric pouch to give you a restful night and happy dreams.
Sachets for linens and undies. Make similar pouches in beautiful fabrics, fill with lavender and hide away in between lady things for a lovely lingering scent.
Potpourri. Mix together with dried rose petals or any mixture of botanicals of your choice, adding a few drops essential oil when the scent starts to fade.
Baking. A culinary friend, toss one teaspoon to one tablespoon into your favorite shortbread or sugar cookie. A champ in cakes, jellies, vinegars and so much more. Experiment!
Bath Tea. When put into muslin bags and tied under running water, our hero becomes a soothing, sensuous friend.
OIL:
Lavender essential oil is the most versatile of oils and is fairly inexpensive in a world of high priced oils and it carries the load of many. It is also one of the very few oils that can be applied directly to the skin without dilution. It is antiseptic and anti-bacterial and is so useful that it has often been called 'first-aid in a bottle'. A true champion.
Burns. Apply lavender oil directly to burn area (severe burns should of course see a physician).
Headaches. Mix 5-6 drops with cool water. Wet facecloth, wring gently and use as a compress across forehead or around neck while lying down. Rubbing a few drops into the temples can quiet a headache, even in some cases halt a migraine if it hasn't taken too firm a hold. Massage into neck and shoulder muscles to relieve the tension of computer headache.
Painful Joints. Being analgesic (pain lessening), rub the oil in for relief from arthritis symptoms, or into muscles made sore from overexertion. You'll certainly smell better than using a pungent 'sports creme'.
Linen spray. To 1/2 cup water, add 10-15 drops oil in a small spray bottle. Before bedtime, spray pillows, sheets and bedding. Helps relax and unwind at the end of a tiring day.
Hair. A couple drops on a comb before combing out hair and you'll leave a lingering remembrance for your favorite hugger.
Insect Bites. Apply 1 drop directly to non-poisonous insect stings or bites to ease pain and discomfort. Oh, and by the way, lavender essential oil is also an insect repellent. As a scented shampoo, hair rinse or perfume, it helps keep pesky mosquitoes at bay.
Depression or Anxiety. Place 5-6 drops on cotton or linen handkerchief and inhale as needed. A wonderful little mobile trick as it can be tucked into a pocket or purse and is just a reach away. A sweet idea for children when separation if required for a small stretch of time. A great way to connect to parents - just let them know that anytime they want, they can take a little whiff of their hanky and know you are thinking of them. For the first day of school, maybe mother and child could both try this!
SLEEP WELL, HAVING ONLY THE SWEETEST OF DREAMS........
 | | Everybody loves lavender! |
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