Lavender

Lavender has so many healing properties, it's our go-to oil at home. Here is a detailed list of things you may or may not know about this plant. 

***We are not doctors and are not giving medical advice

Lavender Lavandula is in the mint family. It is hard to grow as it requires very specific conditions. They do not like being confined to a pot. They like to grow freely in the ground. well-draining soil with enough but not too much light. full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day, but be careful not to let it get sunburned.  They do not like a lot of water. They do not survive in shady, damp, or cold conditions. There are about 45 different species and 450 different varieties of lavender, so when growing them, search for the specific type to get the best care instructions. English and French are the two most popular with English being the most fragrant. English is best for healing and French is best to look at in the garden. 

Lavender flowers represent purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. Its purple color is associated with the crown chakra which is the energy center associated with higher purpose and spiritual connectivity. It is also associated with the Root chakra for its grounding energy. In the Bible it is often referred to as spikenard (from the Greek name for lavender which is nardus) it appears multiple times associated with its scent and healing properties. Mary talks about using it on baby Jesus and anointing Jesus after the crucifixion.  Ancient Egyptians used it for cosmetics and embalming, and only royalty had access to it. 

Lavender has been widely associated with the gay community since the 30s when Gay people were referred to as having a streak of lavender. Then the historical "lavender scare" came in the 50's when Gay people were fired from government jobs based on their sexual orientation. Over 5,000 men and women lost their jobs. President Eisenhower signed the executive order to do so. Now today it is used in the LGBTQ flag as a symbol of empowerment. 

Healing properties- Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, wound healing (speeds up the healing process with cuts, and scrapes, and even helps with bruising,) pain relief, stress relief, anti-depressive, sleep aid, blood pressure (inhaling can reduce blood pressure and heart rate).

Lavender is used for hair loss, acne, headaches, dementia, massage, burns, eczema, arthritis, digestive issues such as gas and bloating, and bug bites.

 Put a couple of drops in your mascara; it helps your lashes to be thicker and stronger, and your mascara will last longer. It is said that Lavender also helps us produce or increase our collagen production. 

Put the oil pretty much anywhere, it's safe on the skin, to be ingested, and to be diffused and inhaled. On the kids, I put it in their belly buttons (stay tuned for a blog about that)  and on the bottom of their feet at bedtime. I notice they fall asleep very quickly with this method. I also diffuse in their rooms at night. Drinking lavender tea is also a great way to calm the body. 

Lavender is toxic to pets

*Pregnant women should use caution when drinking lavender tea as it can mimic the estrogen hormone. Other than that, there are no known side effects from the use of lavender.