Lavender Oil (10 page)

                               
  
Chamomile is also a very useful children’s remedy which can be used in the same way as lavender, or in combination with it.

                               
  
Note:
ALL ESSENTIAL OILS, INCLUDING LAVENDER, SHOULD BE KEPT WELL OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

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see
Infectious Illnesses

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see
Herpes

Dry, cracked skin on the feet and hands is a common problem, especially during the winter months. In severe cases it can be painful, especially in association with frostbite or skin complaints such as psoriasis.

                               
  
Mix 3 drops of lavender with 1 tsp wheatgerm oil (or a thick moisturizing cream) and massage well into the affected area night and morning. Continue until the condition improves.

                               
  
Other measures: benzoin, myrrh, tea tree and patchouli are also useful essential oils for cracked skin when used individually or in combination and applied as you would lavender oil.

See also
Skin Care

Small cuts and scratches are some of the most common household injuries, especially where young children are concerned. Lavender is an excellent first-aid remedy for all sorts of skin abrasions or wounds due to its excellent antiseptic and wound-healing properties. It is so gentle that it does not sting the exposed raw skin, and it acts as a mild anaesthetic and encourages a rich flow of blood to the damaged area. It also prevents scarring:

                              
I grabbed the lavender oil and poured it over the wound. Without pain of any description, I promise you that I stood and watched the gaping hole close before my eyes … By evening I had a small scar that looked rather like a wrinkle, and the following morning even the wrinkle had disappeared.
⁷

Even stubborn sores or wounds will often respond to lavender:

                              
Infected sore on the posterior side of the instep, dating back 18 days. All the usual methods had been tried: dry and wet dressings,
ointments and powders. One application of lavender. Twenty-four hours later, the sore was dry and healed.
⁸

                               
  
Clean the area thoroughly with water, then dab on a few drops of pure lavender oil. Apply a plaster (adhesive bandage) if required. Continue to apply the lavender oil neat several times a day until the skin has healed.

                               
  
Other measures: pure tea tree oil can be used as an alternative.

Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder, more common among women than men. It is characterized by a frequent need to urinate, a painful burning sensation while passing water (which is often cloudy) and sometimes feverishness. Many attacks of cystitis start as urethritis – an infection of the urethra.

If symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if there is blood or pus in the urine, seek professional help immediately.

                               
  
Make up a solution using 10 drops of lavender oil in half a litre of cooled boiled water. Using a piece of soaked cotton wool (a cotton ball), swab the opening of the urethra frequently (if possible, after each time you pass water).

                               
  
Add 8–10 drops to the bath water – it is beneficial to bathe frequently using bactericidal oils as a general disinfectant and preventative measure.

                               
  
Make up a massage oil using 3 drops of lavender oil in 1 tsp light carrier oil (such as jojoba or grapeseed) and rub gently into the lower abdomen and back. Repeat at least twice daily.

                               
  
Other measures: drink plenty of water or herbal teas; avoid tight fitting clothes and nylon underwear; take a course of garlic capsules; bergamot, tea tree, chamomile and sandalwood essential oils are also of benefit when used as you would lavender oil.