Calming Scents of Blue Gold

What can a day turn out differently from what you had planned… Another day on which I had a lot in planning. Only the difference with yesterday is that I have also done a lot today. Only what I did in the end ... that was not in my plan at all.

I wanted to take pictures of the lavender. I did that, and because I was so focused and really lost myself in photographing the lavender, I had to continue unexpectedly with totally different things.

Where I had no focus at all yesterday, today my focus was a little too strong. But I will tell you more about that tomorrow.

Now back to the lavender! Because there is more than enough to say about that.

We all know the lavender. That oh so fragrant plant. In the summer our planet turns a little purple / blue because of the lavender that blossoms. And a touch is enough for the plant to spread its fragrance. The name lavender comes from the word "Lavere" which means "to wash". Our ancestors gave this name to the plant centuries ago. Lavender gives your body and laundry a wonderfully fresh scent. However, the powerful herb has much more to offer than spreading a pleasant fragrance.

History of the lavender.

Lavender is an herb originally from the Mediterranean region. Around the year 1000, monks took lavender on their pilgrimage to more northern regions. In the Middle Ages, lavender was sprinkled in and around the house to keep diseases, insects and even the devil at bay. Lavender was also known as the "herb of love." Women sprinkled their necks and wrists with essential oil to attract men. Prostitutes even use the fragrance to subtly convey their profession. The French perfume industry also discovered lavender. Lavender was nicknamed "the blue gold". This is because the demand for the wonderfully smelling plant was increasing.

Medicinal Effect.

Although lavender is best known for its fragrance, the plant also has a medicinal effect. You can apply lavender in different ways. For example as an essential lavender oil. Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin without dilution.

Disinfect

What not many people know is that lavender has an antiseptic effect. A bottle of essential lavender oil should therefore not be missing in your first-aid kit. Lavender oil is effective against bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The oil works well for inflammation and is suitable for disinfecting abrasions and cuts. The oil also helps with burns. When the burn has cooled, drop 2 to 3 drops of oil on the wound and repeat after 30 minutes. You can also treat sunburn, insect bites and inflammation of the skin such as acne. I always drip a few drops of lavender oil on a plaster before masking a wound. This promotes the healing process and prevents inflammation.

Relieving and calming

Lavender oil is not only suitable for taking care of wounds. The oil relaxes cramps and gives relief if you suffer from tense muscles in your neck and shoulders. In addition, the fragrance actually has a calming effect, something that Japanese doctors discovered in a recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. Lavender contains the natural fragrance linalool. This substance stimulates the olfactory nerves in the nose. These nerves, in turn, transmit a calming signal to the brain. The findings of the Japanese researchers confirm the suspicion that the lavender extract has the same anti-anxiety properties as, for example, diazepam (valium) and sleeping pills. Only then without unpleasant side effects. So drip some lavender oil on your pillow. Or put an evaporator in your bedroom. Also nice: a relaxing foot bath! To do this, mix 3 tablespoons of lavender flowers with 3 tablespoons of sea salt or (even better!) Epsom salt with warm water. Epsom salt is packed with magnesium, which provides extra relaxation.

Relax through nutrition.

The leaves and flowers of lavender are edible. Sprinkle a few flowers or leaves through a salad or make a lavender latte! For 1 large mug, heat 300 ml organic oat drink containing one tablespoon of dried lavender flowers. Let it steep for 2 minutes, then strain the lavender. Add a pinch of vanilla powder (unsweetened), a pinch of cinnamon and 1 tsp honey or maple syrup.

More of a tea drinker?

Lavender tea has a relaxing effect on nervousness and tastes delicious. You make the tea by pouring boiling water (cool to 90 degrees) over half a teaspoon of flowers and / or leaves in a cup. Cover covered for 10 minutes before sifting the flowers out of the water.

Contraindications

Although the purple powerhouse is extremely beneficial, the herb is not suitable for people with gallstones and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Also, do not use lavender in combination with the following medications: Iodine and iron salts, medications for high blood pressure, sedative medications such as sleeping pills, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, heart or asthma medications.

If in doubt, always consult your doctor. Herbs can be more powerful than you think!