Herbal Update; Lavender

Good morning this is Rosana rich your local herbalist for healthier Maine. Well I've been completely enamored by the weather over the past week. I've been running around the farm through the meadows in fields and through the woods looking for what plants survive the winter and what plants have started to break through the ground. Last year between the house and my studio I planted in Irving's so that every time I walked from the house I would be surrounded by their beauty aroma and come presence nerving to herbs that soothe and nourish the nervous system. Some well-known Irving's are poppies. Everybody remembers that from The Wizard of Oz. Catnip. If you ever watched a cat joyfully rolling in a catnip patch and lavender the subject of today's herbal update for thousands of years Lavender has been one of the best loved scented plants. My first experience with lavender was as a child roaming through my great aunt's chest of drawers each drawer was heavy with the scent of English lavender soap.

I can remember feeling intoxicated with the lush delicious aroma that wonderfully relaxing effect on the mind and body. Make Lavender the perfect choice for anxiety nervousness and physical elements caused by stress insomnia tension headaches migraines even stress related palpitations respond well to a lavender infusion. My favorite way to infuse Lavender is in the bath tub. Consider making yourself a large tea bag for muslin filling it with fragrant lavender buds and steeping it in a deep warm bath lavender essential oil can be used the same way but only a few drops of essential oil will create the same heavenly effect. Lavender baths are excellent for pregnant women and are highly recommended during the entire pregnancy. Rosemary glad star recommends lavender sponges for those who are bedridden as a

way to refresh revitalize and invigorating. Lavender can lift the spirits balance the emotions relieve depression and balance internal disharmony. Lavender is a tonic to the nervous system while traditionally used as a relax and it can also have mild stimulating effects. Restoring vitality to people suffering from debilitating conditions historically Lavender has brought courage and strength to its user. However some folklore associates lavender with distrust because of legend citing small poisonous snakes called ASP's using lavender bushes as their safe hideaway. But the healing properties of lavender have far outweighed those tails. During the Middle Ages Lavender was a valued remedy used for hysteria during times of intense stress. I recommend sprigs of lavender and drops of lavender oil be

placed around the house. Calmness and peacefulness can be more readily achieved with the essence of lavender present. The next time you have a massage consider bringing your own lavender massage oil. Those tension ridden muscles will melt as the pungent powerful lavender penetrates the skin and the census. Lavenders properties are not limited to the nervous system the digestive system also benefits from the soothing effects of lavender where there is anxiety related colic or spasms. Lavender can a miliary tension and relief flatulence nausea and indigestion taken as a tea lavender can alleviate nausea vomiting and diarrhea caused by stomach and bowel infections. Lavender is strong in volatile oils these potent oils make Lavender a good antiseptic. Effective against bacteria as an antiseptic Lavender

has been used against diphtheria pneumonia and strep infections. As an ex Turnell disinfectant Lavender is used on cuts sores wounds and all sers. It stimulates tissue repair and can minimize scarring. Many respiratory conditions respond well to Lavender steams and vapor rubs colds coughs asthma bronchitis flu tonsilitis and laryngitis all can be eased and soothed by lavenders healing properties when fevers are present. Hot lavender tea will cause sweating and reduce body temperature. It also helps the body rid itself of toxins through the skin and urinary tract. When you think about it Lavender is like the wise and powerful old sage in a little tiny blue bud. If you would like a bibliography of today's herbal update write to me. Rosana Ridge

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