Time for Lavender

All About Lavender

Lavandula Officinalis, or Lavender for most folks, has been used for over 2000 years.  We know that Egyptians  used it in their mummification processes and urns of its remains were found in pyramids.  It was used by the Greeks as a perfume and began to be used medicinally. It has been used to treat headaches, burns, minor cuts to various skin ailments.  It is also used as an insect repellant. 

Lavender uses steam distillation of the Lavender flower heads to derive the essential oil.  The essential oil is a thin consistency and is dark yellow to a greenish yellow.  It is a Middle Note, that is floral with a woody undertone.

It blends well with: Cedarwood Atlas, Chamomile Roman, Grapefruit, Patchouli, Rose Geranium , Vetiver, and Ylang Ylang

Precautions:  Do not use if you are pregnant.  Always dilute before using on skin. 

In my experience with Lavender is one is all in or all out.  I have never met someone that sits the fence with lavender.  It is among my favorite essential oils to work with.  While it is said to be excellent for eczema and chapped skin, I am leery of it for those uses.  While it promotes sebum production which should aid handily in with those issues, if you have sensitive skin, like I do, I could serve to irritate more than benefit.  I would caution to start with a very small amount (1-2) drops in 2 oz of carrier oil or butter and see how it works.  If you notice no irritation you might increase to 4 drops.  I would not recommend ever putting directly on your skin and be extra careful with the skin on the face. 

My favorite use for Lavender is baths before bed.  Seriously for me, this equates to the best night sleep ever.  Depending on the state of my skin it use it to scent salts (mix of Himalayan and Epsom or to make a bath oil, and shhhh don’t tell anyone, sometimes both! 

So here are two recipes for you to enjoy.  If you make them comment with changes you suggest or how you liked them (or how well you slept!!). You can also tell me if you are a Tempranillo fan or prefer another elixir J

Bath Salts

2 cups total salt.   If you only use one  type of salt make it Epsom.  Epsom salt is a great source of magnesium and has a whole slew of benefits (I see another blog post coming!) .  Other salts have their own good properties but as a standalone none beat Epsom in my opinion.

1 cup baking soda.  This is optional but if you have it or even have a little add it in.  Baking soda  helps regulate the PH of skin and it gives the water a sumptuous silky feel.  It is totally indulgent.

4-5 drops of Lavender (or  mix of lavender and another e.o.  My favorite oils to mix with lavender are cedarwood and grapefruit.  I highly recommend cedarwood  if you want a calming grounding feeling.  Grapefruit has lavender take on a peppery aroma.  It is strangely calming and invigorating if that can be accomplished!  

Mix well and pour the entire contents in a warm bath.  Soak for as long and you stand.  I find a big old glass of wine and a decent book round out this heavenly experience.  If you are not a drinker try some chamomile tea. 

Bath Oil

¼ cup of any good carrier oil.  Olive oil is always an easy go to and an excellent choice.  If you want something more hydrating and have access to avocado oil, try that.  

 4-5 drops of lavender oil or any blend (see above)  mix well. 

I recommend adding this to your bath after you are already in it.  Many people have asked me how bath oil is beneficial other than it smells nice.  I say, “Great question!”  The reality is basic chemistry lets us know oil and water do not mix,  So how can this help hydrate skin (which is the real reason we use bath oil. The scent is really just for pleasure).  While you are sitting in your bath contemplating the meaning of life or how you lived so long without knowing the joy of a good Tempranillo, your skins pores are opening and your skin is getting nice and soft.  When you have finally had enough sitting still or perhaps have exhausted that glass of Tempranillo, you stand to get out of the bath (be careful!)  and all that lovely oil adheres to your skin as your body rises from underneath the water to out of the water.  It is made ideal by having these hydrating oils on your skin at the exact moment you skin is most ready to accept moister.  So prior to drying off, rub it in and then towel off. 

I really would recommend both the salts and oil if you can manage it.  If you do, though, only add essential oils to one, not both.    

Finally let me say this, in remaining consistent to our brand and brand philosophy of Love You let me address the real nuts and bolts of using essential oils or taking a luxurious bath.  Use of any essential oil has its benefits.  I mean they are yummy things.  But the bigger benefit comes from, I believe, taking the time for you.  It is a bold intention.  You put the love and time into making the oil or salts or both.  You give yourself the time to sit and read or contemplate quietly.  This is HUGE.   That is the biggest healing power of any of this.  The lavender oil and salts are bonus.  The time you take for yourself is primary.  Enjoy . Every. Last. Second.