Simple Beauty - For the Love of Lavender

This healing essential oil is a staple for your beauty cabinet. Read on for the lowdown on Lavender...

Walking along the garden path at my parent's home in the heart of the English countryside, it's hard not to notice the beautifully unique scent of lavender wafting through the warm Summer air. The scent instantly relaxes and soothes. As a young girl I used to snap off a stem and pull away the delicate purple flowers, crushing them in my hands to release more of the wonderful aroma. Lavender is an old friend, whom we are all familiar with, and one I believe we have all grown to love in our own way.

Lavender is one of those scents that's so versatile you'd have to search far and wide to find someone unwilling to sing it's praises. You might love it for the anxiety-soothing properties, the way the scent fills your garden on a Summer's day or the way a small bunch of the blooms can freshen up your dresser drawers. All in all this wonder-herb is one to adore. Today I'm exploring why lavender and lavender oil deserve a place in our beauty cabinets?

What is it? There are approximately 32 different species of lavender, with the most common being Lavandula angustifolia, otherwise known as English Lavender, Garden Lavender or True Lavender. The herb is native to the Mediterranean and the low shrub is now grown worldwide as an ornamental plant, for botanical healing and for use in recipes. The flora may be used fresh, dried or distilled into an essential oil.

What are the benefits? A unique property of lavender essential oil is that it can be applied to the skin undiluted. When applied directly to the skin, fresh or as an oil, lavender can soothe almost all skin conditions including: acne, sunburn and eczema. The herb acts as a natural anti-bacterial, promotes healing, fights germs, infections and reduces inflammation. Lavender also has a soothing effect on the nervous system when applied topically or via aromatherapy and can ease anxiety, promote restful sleep and reduce stress.

How to use it. The beauty of lavender is its versatility and because of its aromatic qualities it can be easily incorporated into a daily beauty routine. On a stressful day try dabbing a few drops at your temples and wrists then add a few drops into your bath to soothe the nervous system. You could also make a mist from witch hazel and lavender to spritz on your pillow at night or to use as a calming facial toner. Yes, the possibilities are endless!

Try incorporating lavender into your diet with this beautiful lavender infused honey from Norfolk Lavender... two miracle workers combined. For the more adventurous try adding fresh lavender to desserts, drinks and salads.

What's your favourite way to use lavender? Please share in the comments below.

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