by: Rachel Tallant
Dating back to the reign of Cleopatra, lavender has been used for everything from tempting lovers, to curing insomnia and depression. This herb’s powerful scents have both calming and antibacterial effects perfect for many ailments. Learn about how to take this herbal cure into the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen to use in every part of your life.
The word “lavender” comes from the Latin translation of “lavare”, meaning “to wash”. You may have heard of using lavender bath salts or lavender oil in the bath before. This can be essential to soothing muscle tension and easing skin irritations while also creating an aromatherapy sanctuary in your bathtub. Additional ways to add lavender to your at-home-spa can be using:
- Lavender shampoo and conditioner
- Lavender perfume
- Lavender lotion
- Lavender soap
- Lavender potpourri
- Lavender lip balm
- Lavender face mask
- Toothpaste made with lavender water
- An essential oil diffuser
- Lighting lavender scented candles while you soak the night away
Lavender’s main superpower is the calming and healing aromatherapy it creates. Research suggests that smell receptors can help someone’s mood and relieve headaches. In order to get a good night’s rest, many people use lavender in their nighttime routines. By stuffing your pillow with lavender, using a lavender sleep mask, or using an oil diffuser right before bed, lavender could help you fall asleep faster and have a better night’s rest.
As well as being an essential part of your homeopathic medicine cabinet, lavender can have a strong role in your spice cabinet. Adding lavender to your kitchen creations may help digestive issues, relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores. Nutritionally, lavender provides Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Using dried lavender can spice up any sweet or savory dish, when used the right way. Some ways to use lavender in your kitchen can be:
- In an herbal tea
- In a marinade
- In cocktails and other beverages
- In a fresh herb salad
- In fresh whipped cream
- As a garnish
- In homemade ice cream or sorbet
- In a salad dressing
- In baked goods
It’s important to source your lavender correctly from a local farmers market or specialty health food store. Many products that claim to have lavender, are actually using an artificial scent, so look for 100% pure lavender oil.
