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Lavender
- What It Can Do For Your Sleep!
Lavender
Lavender (L. angustifolia and others) is a shrubby flowering
bush indigenous to the mountainous regions of the western Mediterranean
and is considered have been first domesticated by the Arabians,
then later spread across Europe by the Romans.
Lavender was brought to North America by the Pilgrims and was
one of the first garden plants imported to Australia in the
19th century. It can be found in abundance in the wild in many
parts of the world as well as being garden grown in a sunny,
well-drained area, preferably in mildly alkaline soil.
The
smaller species will also grow quite easily in well-drained
pots. This popular flowering herb’s essential oil has been demonstrated
to depress the central nervous system in a manner comparable
to pharmaceutical tranquilizers.
Lavender is very useful and effective in its usage as a sleep
aid. In addition to the use of lavender flowers in a brewed
tea, it may also used in the form of an essential oil distilled
from the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant.
Lavender oil can be applied topically to relax the muscles or
its aroma can be inhaled for a calming effect. Rubbing lavender
essential oil on the feet is a particularly effective method
for application, as anything on the feet is absorbed quickly.
It is widely used in aromatherapy and can be added to bathwater,
dispersed in a vaporizer or simply dabbed on a tissue and breathed
in. The essential oil leaves and flowers can also be employed
in a sachet underneath the pillow.
It should be noted that allergic contact dermatitis has been
documented in some individuals applying lavender products externally.
To safely detect an allergic reaction it is always a good idea
to do a spot test before administering a full application.
Also note that not all varieties of lavender are tranquilizing
— some, such as Spanish lavender, can have just the opposite
effect.
Lavender Mint Tea (One serving)
Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon fresh lavender flowers (or 1/2 teaspoon dried
lavender flowers)
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (or 2 teaspoons
dried mint)
• 1 cup boiling water
• Rosemary, lemon balm or lemon verbena, and rose geranium
may also be added for an interesting multi-herb herbal tea.
Preparation:
In a teapot or saucepan combine the lavender
flowers and mint (either loose or using a tea infuser). Pour
boiling water over the mixture; steep 5 minutes. The infuser
can then be taken out or the leaves removed with a strainer.
Homemade Lavender Sachet
You will need:
• Lavender plant (stems, leaves or buds)
• Lavender essential oil
• A handkerchief
• 2 needles (1 large to fit 1/4" ribbon and 1 regular
size)
• Thread
• Ribbon (1/4" wide)
It should be easy to find all the necessary
items listed above from your local craft or floral supply store.
You may use lavender harvested from your own plants or order
the lavender buds online (just enter “lavender” or “lavender
buds” into your favorite search engine to find an online retailer).
Instructions:
1. Fold handkerchief in half, and then fold it in half again.
You can iron the handkerchief for a crisper look, or simply
leave it as is.
2. Now, sew three sides together using needle and thread (or
a sewing machine).
3. Open the unsown side of the handkerchief and proceed to
fill it (like a pillow) with lavender plant pieces and/or
buds. Be sure to use a lot of plant material, but don’t stuff
it too tight. The end result will be a lot like a beanbag.
Sprinkle the pieces with lavender essential oil. 8 to 10 drops
should be more than enough.
4. Thread your large needle with 1/4" ribbon and loosely
thread to keep the plant materials inside your homemade sachet.
5. Tie the whole thing off with a knot.
6. Enjoy your new sachet
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