As we are in the throes of more relaxed easier days of warmth and feel good, what better way to stay in flow by growing your favourite aromatic plants. I feel priviledged and delighted to introduce you to this weeks Guest Blogger-
Ursula O’Regan – Aromatherapist & Reflexologist.

With her immense knowledge on my favourite plant and oil, Ursula has agreed to share with us the many uses and health benefits of The ‘Aromatic Lavender’ Plant.

The name Lavender is derived from the word ”Lavare” which means to wash. In the ancient world it was used in personal bathing, washing wounds and to perfume linen (the word laundry also come from here).

It is mainly produced in France, Italy, Spain, England, Tasmania and Turkey. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh flowering tops.

Lavender blends with most oils but especially citrus and floral oils. One of my favorite blends is Lavender, Bergamot and Geranium creating an extremely uplifting aroma.

It is also well known for its sedative properties and is useful for treating insomnia, depression, headaches/migraines, reducing anxiety and emotional stress. A couple of drops on a pillow or the wrists will certainly help with a goods nights sleep.

If I were to choose a single essential oil to keep in the first aid cabinet Lavender undoubtly would be my first choice. Of all essential oils it is the most versatile. Its antiseptic properties make it ideal to use for treating colds, coughs, sinus, flu as well as the treatment of wounds. It is one of the few essential oils we can apply neat (but with caution) when treating minor cuts and grazes insect bites and burns.

Another frequent use for Lavender is the treatment of muscular aches and pains. It is excellent for tired, overworked muscles, pain and spasm. As an Aromatherapist it is the one essential oil I use in treatments for any of these conditions blended with Marjoram, Rosemary, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Chamomile. Any of these combinations will help to treat rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica.

It is a very useful oil to have as part of the holiday pack. It can be used alone or blended with Lemongrass making an effective insect repellent applied to the skin. Also using it in a burner to discourage mosquitos. It helps to relieve the pain of sunburn as well as healing the skin.

Because of its low toxicity it is considered along with German and Roman Chamomile, one of the safest oils to use with children. Always dilute the oil at 1% and dilute in a teaspoonful of carrier oil before adding to the bath.

Just one drop on their nightie or pyjamas will help fretful babies and children sleep.

Lavender is used in massage, hot/cold compresses, inhalations, baths, diffusers and burners, perfumes and cosmetics, and soaps. It is also used by the food industry. (think delicious ice-cream infused with Honey and Lavender!)

I have found that growing a Lavender plant perhaps near the front/back door or on a patio allowing the fragrant aroma to waft both inside and outside the house, is both soothing, relaxing and calming.

The whole body can benefit from Lavender. It is an all-rounder, useful for treating all conditions as well as relaxing and balancing the body.

Have a truly wonderful Summer.

Ursula O’Regan
Aromatherapist & Reflexologist
Email: ursula@reflexologykent.com Twitter:- @Ursaroma
www.reflexologykent.com

Check out this wonderful article too :-Reflexology at it’s best! https://maidstone-magazine.co.uk/pregnancy-reflexology-yes-please/ … by @Ursaroma based in Loose