Lavender is a favourite flowering herb in many gardens and yet its uses as an essential oil dates as far back as 3000 years, to the time of mummification in Egypt! Its benefits are numerous which is probably why Lavender has been used extensively for both therapeutic and cosmetic reasons, for centuries. In Bible times Lavender was used for anointing while the Romans favoured Lavender in their Bath houses, and sometimes cooking! In fact the word Lavender is derived from the Latin "lavare" meaning to wash as it was so frequently used in bathing and laundry washing. Many countries have laid a claim to Lavender, as the names will testify - English Lavender, Spanish Lavender, French Lavender to name a few. Lavender is a very hardy herb and a magnificent foliage, much loved by insects. There are thought to be between 40 and 50 species around the world!
The best known and most versatile of essential oils; Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is an essential in your home first aid kit. Lavender balances the emotional headquarters of the brain; the amygdala gland, which is why it is commonly known for its calming effects. However its healing properties are quite comprehensive. You can safely use it for skin ailments - whether cuts, burns, stings or ezcema. A drop of Lavender on an iceblock is said to relieve a nosebleed. Some who suffer from motion sickness find relief by rubbing Lavender behind the ears. This is probably due to its balancing nature. Its fragrance is relaxing and I love using Lavender for our homemade air freshener. A bottle of distilled water with a good few dashes of Lavender oil lasts for a very long time and can liberally be sprayed in the bathrooms or around the house. Far from overpowering, Lavender has a balancing and soothing affect. Another of my favourite tricks, is to add a few drops of Lavender oil to a small bottle of sweet almond oil. With this blend I rub my son's feet at bathtime. It is also wonderful to massage a newborn. Babies need the sensory stimulation, as well as the intimate touch of their parents and of course, the lavender helps calm them when they are overstimulated.
.JPG)
Essential oils are extremely powerful natural remedies. Lavender, however, is one of the few essential oils that is safe (in moderation) during pregnancy or for babies. One of my favourite goats milk soaps to make is with Lavender. The gentle scent is wonderful for bathing. Of course the rich oils and my organic goats milk make for a moisturising and healing bath experience for mama and baby! In another edition of "The Essentials of Essential Oils" I'll share my goats milk soap recipe, but for this Lavender post I am going to explain how to make a lovely Bum Balm for Baby. This is a cloth diaper friendly balm that I find very moisturising for hard working adult hands as well as cracked heels. Because we only use cloth diapers my little boy seldom requires the Bum Balm but it is handy to have.
BABY BUM BALM
50g Beeswax
150g Coconut Oil
150g Olive Oil
50ml Calendula oil
10 to 20 drops Organic Lavender oil
In a double boiler melt the beeswax and coconut oil.
Once melted but still hot stir in the olive oil and calendula oil. If too cool the oils will start to set. If this happens pop back in hot water to melt again. Once ready and still hot liquid, stir in the Lavender oil. Immediately pour into your sterilized bottles. Once cool you can screw on the lid. If you close the bottle while still hot the condensation could cause bacterial growth and the Baby Bum Balm will go racid. This Balm will last for months and months. For a softer consistency add more olive oil. For a harder consistency cocoa butter can also be added.
While not my most favourite essential oil Lavender is without doubt the one I use most extensively. The fact that it is safe for the entire family is reason enough to use this powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial essential oil. Lavender is one of very few essential oils that can also be used for pets, although it is better to spray than directly apply. Keep a bottle handy to spray on their bedding or in a room when your pets are stressed (for example during travelling). Another favourite trick of mine is picking large bunches of fresh Lavender and wormwood to add to my chickens nests. The wormwood keeps away mites and parasites and the Lavender is a calment. Lavender bushes do not like to be transplanted however they grow very easily from a cutting. While you may not need to go to a distillery to get your Lavender oil I'm not about to begin extracting the oil at home. I'll leave that challenge for another day!
My love and use of Essential Oils goes back many years. While this is the start of my series "The Essentials of Essential Oils", I am by no means an authority. This is an area that fascinates me and I still have much to learn. Essential oils are defined as a: "concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (defined as "the tendency of a substance to vaporize") aroma compounds from plants; a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which it is extracted." While not all plants produce essential oils, essential oils can be found in leaves, flowers, stems and even the fruit of certain plants. The essential oil journey is an incredible one and I never leave home without my small natural first aid kit, in my hand bag. Join me in this health adventure!
