01-Dec-2011

Purple Pleasures

Lavender's Many Uses

The color of lavender alone can set you to dreaming. What is it about this luscious, yet common, plant that has the power to melt even the toughest tension? Take a deep inhale of lavender and your blood pressure is sure to go down and your eyelids may follow. Spray some lavender aromatherapy oil in the room before your partner arrives to inspire a romantic evening. Put a lavender-scented sachet in your dryer to imbue your clothes with a divinely uplifting fragrance.

Lavender has a long and illustrious list of household and health uses. The essential oil is helpful in healing burns and cuts, bites, bruises, digestive and respiratory problems and is known to alleviate depression. Bring along a small spray bottle of lavender water when you travel or go to yoga class to freshen the air and keep you relaxed. Put a small pillow of crushed lavender in your bed or car (or even on your desk at work) and breathe into it whenever you want to invoke a peaceful state. You gotta love that lavender!

Recommended: Lavender: How to Grow and Use the Fragrant Herb by Ellen Spector Platt and Yoga Direct Silk Eye Pillow, Purple