The Power Of Purple
What is it about the scent of Lavender that is so sublime, intoxicating, and instantly refreshing? Redolent of walking down a sunny path in Provence or Tuscany, the hum of bees filling the air, the sharp aroma of lavender is a familiar yet exotic sensory stimulant calling up warmth, brightness, and peacefulness. The silvery grey foliage is the perfect backdrop for the seductive purple hue of the flowers. Lavender lingers deep in the amaldagaya region of the brain, responsible for emotions and sensations related to memory. Lavender is widely uses to calm anxiety, release tension, and lessen depression.
Lavender played an essential part in an important discovery: the term ‘aromatherapy’ is attributed to a French cosmetic chemist named Rene Maurice Gattefosse. As he worked in his lab in the early 1920, he severely burned himself. In order to cool the pain, he plunged his arm into the only cold substance around, a vat of lavender essential oil. The burns healed rapidly, with little scarring and a new science was born. Gattefosse dedicated the remainder of his life to the study of aromatherapy, or the healing power of scented healing oils. Lavender is one of the most useful skin care ingredients around. Although it has excellent antiseptic properties, it is also very mild to the skin. Lavender has been used as an ingredient in cosmetics for centuries and its effect have been well tried and tested.
Here are some great, easy to manage recipes for bringing more lavender love into your daily life
Lavender Infusion
Add 1 cup of dried lavender to 6 cups of boiling, distilled water in a pot on the stove. Turn off the heat, stir a couple times to integrate the lavender with the water, then cover with a lid. Let the mixture steep for an hour, then strain, and pour into a spray bottle. Will keep refrigerated for up to one week.
Use as a refreshing face spray and pick me up on a hot day. Use as part of your face cleansing routine like you would a toner (spray on face after cleaning and before moisturizing).
Cleanser/toner for skin care: (especially dry or mature skin)
Blend 15 drops each of rose and lavender essential oils with 25 ml of witch hazel and 75 ml distilled water (or another flower water) and apply morning and night with a cotton ball before moisturizing the skin.
Moisturizing the skin:
Bland 3 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil (or a moisturizing cream). Apply twice daily.
Sunburn:
Due to its excellent healing and analgesic properties, lavender can provide instant relief from heat rash or red and sore skin. It can also prevent blistering. Make a lotion using 12 drops of lavender essential oil in 1 tablespoon of distilled water. Dab the sunburned area gently.
Insomnia:
Tie a bunch of dried lavender with a ribbon and place in a mesh bag under your pillow for a soothing insomnia remedy. As your sleep, the weight and movement of your head will crush the lavender, releasing its scent all night long.
Sachet/Potpourri:
Place a mesh bag full of dried lavender in your lingerie drawers or closet, keep an open bowl full placed strategically near the doors of your house, so it is a welcome reminder of the peacefulness of your home as you enter or leave.
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