Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is probably the best known of the Essential Oils. It is also considered one of the gentlest and is safe to be applied neat, which means directly to the skin without dilution.
Lavender is anti-depressant, antiseptic, balancing, calming, relaxing and even has insect repellant properties.
One of the oldest English perfumes, Lavender has been popular for centuries.
In Elizabethan times women would sew pockets of Lavender into their dresses. Today, Lavender sachets are still commonly used to scent clothes and linens.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans prized Lavender for it's perfume and cleansing properties. They used Lavender scented soaps and enjoyed lavender baths even way back then!
During WWI and WWII soldiers carried Lavender Essential oil for disinfecting wounds.
Today, you can read through most any health magazine and there will be or has been an article about lavender and it's use to relieve migraines and tension headaches.

Lavender calms and soothes the skin. It is anti-inflammatory, making it great for acne and sunburns. It's anti-inflammatory action is also beneficial to eczema and psoriasis.

Lavender is nature's de-stressor. Something we can all benefit from in this rush around crazy world.

I am not an expert on essential oils. I am not a certified aromatherapist. But I do study and use the oils. I use them for their scents and skin care applications. I do not use them medicinally or give advice on their medicinal uses.
However, I do know more about the oils than the average person. In 2004 I took an intro to aromatherapy course. I have read many aromatherapy books and over the past few years have used many different oils.

My posts about essential oils will be for the average person. Just a little of what I’ve read and learned to help the average person be more comfortable using essential oils.
First, use common sense. When trying essential oils, always look up the warnings for the oil you want to try. Many do not have any but some do. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, you need to know the precautions. For example, you should not use Peppermint when you are pregnant. When you see foot creams/lotions for your aching feet that contain Peppermint Stay Away! Peppermint is an Emmenagogue which means that it stimulates menstruation.
For that matter, if you are pregnant, always ask your doctor before using any essential oils. And you should stay away from fragrance oils too! Who knows what chemicals they can contain!
Next, if you don’t like the scent of an oil, don’t use it. Just like you would not eat something that does not sit well with you.
And finally, if you are allergic to something, don’t try the oil that is derived from it or something similar to it. Like if you are allergic to grapefruit, don’t use grapefruit essential oil! Duh, you say. Well you would not believe the number of people who cannot grasp the fact that grapefruit essential oil comes from a grapefruit! We are so conditioned to using fake fragrances.

Essential Oils

I don’t understand why there is such a mystique around essential oils. For some reason, people think that if you use natural oils instead of synthetic ones, you are different. Essential oils are mentioned throughout the Bible. The Wise Men brought the Baby Jesus frankincense and myrrh, both essential oils. Essential oils are oils obtained by nature. Essential oils have been used for centuries for their scents and healing qualities; unlike their synthetic counterparts. If you have used Vicks vapor rub, then you have used essential oils.

Snow, snow and more snow

It has been snowing for 2 days and still snowing. At least the kids are having fun sledding down the driveway:)
I will be posting at least once a week so check back to see what's going on.