Lavender

The Botanical name Lavandula comes from Latin lavare, meaning "to wash". It has been used in Persia, Greece and Rome to disinfect hospitals and sick rooms. It was use during the Plague and ecognized in British Pharmacopceia for over 200 years. During the War the French used the oil for surgical purposes. Essential of Lavender has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. The flowers are used in cooking to flavour sugar, as tea and in vinegar.


Species



There are many species of Lavender



The non English Lavenders ( Lavendula Stoechas)



Yellow, Spanish and French



Yellow- Pineapple shaped ,lemon coloured. Yellow green leaves


Spanish- Dark Purple pineapple shaped with dark green leaves


French-- Gray leaves with serrated edges

Photo taken from http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/lavendercareandtips.htm

English Lavenders ( Lavendula Angustifolia)

Left to right - Vera, Munstead, Hidcote , Jean Davis

Large leaved and tall. Vera is thought to be the true English Lavender. Called True or Fine Lavender. Best quality comes from altitutes of2500 and 4500 feet.

Lavandin ( Lavendula x intermedia)

The Botanical name of Lavendins is Lavendula x Intermedia. It is a cross between augustifolia and latifolia. Long Gray leaves, twice or more the size of augustofolias. Much larger and faster. France produce thousand tons of this oil. Most of it to distiller in Grasse.

Spike Lavender ( Lavendula Latifolia)







Dr Rene- maurice Gattefosse reported that during a lab experiment he seriously burned his hand and immediately immersed the hand into a bowl of liquid on a table near him. The pain went quickly away and heal in a short time without scarring.


Beneficial Effects
Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, pain relieving,diuretic,healing, insect repellent.



Improve the following conditions:
Burns, wounds, eczemas, dermatitis, boils, abscesses, herpes, headache, yeast infections, athele's foot, influenza, insomia,nervousness, stress, depression, anger, irritability, anxiety, nausea, dizziness




Mind and Spirit
Balancing, Cleansing, Calming


Skin
Deodorizing, balancing, circulation stimulant, detoxifying,tonic, all skin type, acne


Hair
Hair loss, Dandruff



Lavender Hydrosol

Lavender hydrosol is gentle, balancing for all skin types, cooling , soothing sunburns, healing irritation, gently tones oily, dry and mature skin, cleanses gently and safely. Lavender has always been recommended for fragile or damaged skin. The hydrosol makes a wonderful ingredient for face masks for all skin types, a gentle toner or cleanser; and a great mister to ease sunburn or windburn.

Emotionally, Lavender Water is relaxing and revitalizing. It can ease stress and reduce mental fatigue. Lavender is an "adaptor," adapting itself to your body and your psyche's needs, soothing or revitalizing as needed. Jeanne Rose recommends it as a remedy to jet lag.

Milk

Out of cleansers, use milk. Add milk powder to water- consistency depend on your skin- you may want to put less water is your skin is dry and more if you skin is oily.

Milk, which contains natural beta hydroxy acids, Vitamins A and D, which helps to make your skin soft, yet strong not only exfoliates old skin, it also soothes it. It's a natural way to eliminate old skin. Milk conditions skin so it is soft and glowing, not flaky. Rice milk is an indulgent base for a tranquil bath, and soy milk is renowned for its strengthening proteins and amino acids, acting as a skin hydrator and promoting healthy new cells. Hey if it's good enough for Cleopatra, its good enough for me!! ( Cleopatra used camel milk)

Out of soap? Try this

Milk body scrub

Ingredients ( organic even better)

1/4 cup of organic oat

1/4 cup of organic milk/soya

2 tablespoon dried flowers- rose/lavender/cananga/pandan/jasmine/kesidang- dry blend

Mix all ingredients and keep in old jam bottle. This should last for two to three weeks. Caution please do not use hands to scoop out the scrub.Before taking a shower add 1 tablespoon of scrub to 1 tablespoon of water and apply on wet skin. For softer body use body oil after shower or add 1 tbsp sunflower oil to the scrub.

Milk Mask

3 tablespoons finely powdered oats

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons yogurt

Mix all and lather on face. After 20 minutes rinse off.

Enjoy