Posts tagged lavender

Knowing how to use English lavender helps to make the most of this naturally soothing herbal remedy. There is little wonder that there is a recent booming English lavender industry because this natural herb has many great uses. Following are ways to use lavender at home.

Garden Glory

One of the greatest uses for lavender is creating a lovely addition to a garden. The color of the plant is so unusual that it has its own designation, making lavender hues distinct from blue and purple. The aromatic nature of the plant makes it ideal for creating texture and balance in nearly any garden. In addition, it naturally attracts butterflies and bumblebees, brining life to the area.

Home Decoration

Once the lavender has reached its full bloom, it is ready for picking. The colorful stalks of tiny flowers blend beautifully into the stems. Allowing a bunch of the lavender to dry is a great way to prepare the blooms for other uses.

Mood Enhancer

The flowering plant is a natural mood enhancer that can elevate mood with a few small sniffs. Simply rub the flowers between fingertips in order to allow the aroma to rise. The treatment is excellent before engaging in stressful activities. It also helps to ease some mild symptoms of depression, making it a great augmentation to treatments for depression.

Induce Sleep

Lavender is naturally relaxing and people who have problems sleeping can benefit from using a sachet filled with dried lavender placed in their pillowcases. Some like to use lavender oil drops in their pillows as well.

Laundry

A sachet made of cheesecloth and dried lavender can be used in clothes dryer to freshen loads of laundry. Many add a little essential oil to add to the fragrance. One sachet can freshen more than 20 loads of laundry.

Dandruff

The flower has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for a number of home remedies. Infuse some of the flowers in hot water and allow the mixture to cool. Use the mixture as a rinse to wash dandruff away.

Bug Bites and Stings

Lavender can help alleviate the discomfort associated with stings and bites from insects. Ideally, it is best to use the essential oil rather than the flowers as a topical antiseptic. The oil works well on minor abrasions as well.

Sunburn

The essential oil mixed with water can take the sting out of sunburn, too. The best approach is to put a few drops in cool water and place in a spray bottle. Mist the lavender water over the affected area for immediate relief.

Bath and Body

The naturally lovely fragrance of the flowers and essential oil makes them ideal for bath and body. Create a home spa by adding a handful of flowers in a bath, or add essential oils to the bathwater. The essential oil can be used like a concentrated perfume. Simply dab on pulse points as you would any strong perfume.

With its many uses, English lavender is certain to make a wonderful addition, whether in a garden, bath, or home.

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