Lavender Oil (19 page)

                               
  
A few drops of lavender rubbed into the muscles before and immediately after strenuous sport can help prevent muscular aches and pains from developing.

                               
  
Other oils of benefit: tea tree, marjoram, rosemary, black pepper and chamomile (best used in combination with lavender).

Feelings of nausea can arise from a variety of different causes including motion or travel sickness, a viral infection, digestive problems, pregnancy or emotional anxiety or tension. Lavender is indicated specifically for sickness due to ‘nerves’ or an emotional upset, especially if the upset is accompanied by digestive symptoms.

                               
  
Inhale lavender directly from a tissue, or vaporize in the room.

                               
  
For nausea with indigestion, gently massage the solar plexus/ abdomen in a clockwise direction using 3 drops of lavender in 1 tsp carrier oil.

                               
  
Other oils: chamomile may be used in a similar way to lavender; peppermint is indicated for travel sickness.

See also
Shock

–
see
Stress

This is a general term used to describe an irregular heartbeat, either ‘missing a beat’ or a rapid ‘fluttering’ of the heart. It can be brought on by exercise but is usually associated with high blood-pressure or stress; it is especially common during the menopause.

                               
  
Inhalations of lavender can help calm a rapidly beating heart, although ylang ylang is recognized as the most useful oil for palpitations.

                               
  
Regular aromatic bathing and massage using ylang ylang, lavender, neroli, rose or chamomile also help to reduce stress levels and anxiety (which often trigger tachycardia).

See also
High Blood-pressure,
Menopause,
Stress

Caused by uterine spasm during menstruation, the frequency and severity of period pains are often also associated with diet and underlying emotional factors.

The soothing effect of lavender, combined with its excellent analgesic and antispasmodic properties, makes it an excellent remedy for period pains.

                               
  
Gently massage the abdomen and lower back with 6 drops of lavender in 2 tsps carrier oil.

                               
  
Hot compresses (or a hot water bottle) to which a few drops of lavender have been added placed on the abdomen can help relieve pain.

                               
  
Relaxing in a hot lavender bath eases pain and also soothes away stress and tension.

                               
  
Other oils of benefit: chamomile, clary sage and marjoram (best used in combination with lavender).

Lavender can be used neat as a perfume to be dabbed on the wrist or behind the ears. It can also be used to perfume linen, paper, leather, pot-pourris or any other object – applied neat, it does not leave a greasy mark. However, the most traditional way of using lavender as a perfume is in the form of an eau-de-cologne, or
blended toilet-water. ‘Lavender water’ was originally prepared by distilling freshly picked lavender flowers which had previously been immersed for a few days in alcohol. Modern lavender water, by contrast, is made by diluting the essential oil with alcohol and then blending it with other ingredients. This is different from the simple ‘lavender water’ which is produced as a by-product of the distillation process. A simple lavender water can be made as follows: