My Top 5 Uses for Lavender

Lavender is a very versatile herb. You won’t regret having this herbal remedy on hand in your natural medicine cabinet! Read on to find out why.

IT PUTS YOU TO SLEEP

Lavender is well known as a sleep aid. You’ve probably seen commercials about it being used in pillows to help with sleep. It’s easy to find or make pillow and linen sprays with real lavender in it that you can spray on your bed before you sleep. You can also get the actual lavender herb and put a few sprigs under your pillow. Lavender essential oil is another great option. Dilute 2-3 drops in 5 mL of a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Apply the blend to your “perfume points” like the inside of your wrists and sides of your neck before bed. If you have a diffuser you can add the essential oil to that. Have it running overnight if possible.

IT HELPS WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

It makes sense that lavender soothes anxiety given that it’s so relaxing. Many people don’t know that there’s also research on it helping with depression. Smelling the herb as we discussed above is one way to use lavender for this purpose. Drinking lavender in tea form has also been studied for depression with good results. Some good quality lavender capsules have recently come into the market. Patients have been enjoying the convenience and relief that this more potent form of lavender brings.

IT REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF SCARS

Are you the type of person who gets a scar every time you get a blemish? If so, it may be worth while to add lavender to your skin care routine. Lavender has some gentle scar removal abilities. It can help the skin look more even.

IT EASES PAIN

This is a little known use of lavender. I like to combine it into my pain and inflammation recipes. I get my patients to apply it to painful joints and muscles. When applied to the forehead and temples it can also help with headaches. This is especially true for stress and tension headaches.

IT SOOTHES COUGHS

Because lavender has gentle muscle relaxing abilities it’s good for dry, spasmodic coughs. The type of annoying, tickling cough where nothing is coming out. Many people use eucalyptus during steam inhalations to help with cough and congestion. I often recommend adding lavender to the blend. You can even apply it on the chest with other oils and herbs.

Are you struggling with any of these issues? Want to know how natural medicine can help you? Book a FREE 15 minute consult or appointment today at HLHC!

If you are interested in naturopathic services please contact Holland Landing Health Centre at 905-853-7900 or via e-mail at info@HLHC.ca.