Lavender

Therapeutic Uses

• Anxiety & Stress – Studies have found that the scent of lavender actually increases the type of brain waves associated with relaxation. Used at bath time and bedtime, lavender is helpful in soothing a fussy baby; it can also ease stress on the part of the mother. The scent of lavender is also helpful in calming those with dementia. In fact, the calming and relaxing properties of lavender can benefit anyone experiencing undue anxiety or stress.

• Insomnia – Studies have shown that the scent of lavender has a sleep-inducing effect that rivals many sleeping pills. When diffusing lavender in the air, not only do those who previously took medications sleep as long, but they sleep more soundly. Likewise, infants exposed to lavender sleep better as well. As such, lavender is an excellent choice for those seeking a more restful night’s sleep.

• Wounds – Like most aromatic herb oils, lavender oil has antimicrobial action. This means that it can protect wounds from infection and help them heal

• Digestive Problems – Like its close botanical relatives, the mints, lavender helps calm the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract. It also promotes the secretion of bile, which helps digest fats.

• Menstrual Cramps – Known to soothe the digestive tract, lavender also helps calm the smooth muscle of the uterus. When lavender oil is applied topically to the abdomen, many women experience significantly less painful cramps.

• Recovery from Childbirth – Lavender oil may reduce pain and speed recovery when used after normal, uncomplicated deliveries.

• Insect Repellent – Research has shown that some of the compounds in lavender oil repel insects.

Properties: Analgesic, anticoagulant, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antitumor, cardiotonic, regenerative, and sedative

Medicinal Uses: * Acne * Anxiety * Aromatherapy * Beauty * Burns * Candida/yeast * Children * Colds * Culinary/Kitchen * Cuts & Wounds * Depression * Ear * Facial Care * Fibromyalgia * Headache/Migraine * Herbal Steam * Hypertension * IBS * Insect Repellent * Insect/flea Bites * Lice * Lupus* Nausea * Pet * Pregnancy/Childbirth * Skin Care * Sleep/Insomnia

Lavender Side Effects & Warnings: Those with gallstones or obstructions of the biliary tract should avoid lavender, as it can stimulate the secretion of bile which cannot be released through the bile duct. The volatile oils in lavender can be very hard on the liver and kidneys of cats and dogs, so no internal use of the herb is suggested for our animal friends.

Lavender Drug Interactions: Lavender seems to increase the effects of chloral hydrate. Taking lavender along with chloral hydrate might cause too much sleepiness. Taking lavender along with sedative medications (amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), and others) might cause too much sleepiness. Taking lavender along with sedative medications (clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others) might cause too much sleepiness.