Aromatherapy is a modern term for a healing art that is ages old. Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French perfume chemist, created the term in the 1920′s when he published a scientific research paper titled ‘aromatherapy.’

Lavender is thought to be one of the few items Adam and Eve carried out of the Garden of Eden.

Queen Elizabeth I drank an abundance of Lavender tea to help ease her migraines and used it as a body perfume.

Queen Victoria is most notable for making Lavender popular across England and it could be found, in one form or another, in every one of her rooms, as she used it to wash floors and furniture, freshen the air, and had it strewn among the linens.

Gattefosse encountered the healing properties of lavender when he plunged his arm into a vat of lavender oil. He had obtained a 3rd degree burn during a laboratory accident and intended to submerge his arm in water; however, he synchronistically mistook the lavender for water. The lavender not only reduced his pain – through several repeated applications his arm healed with no scarring.

It is important to note that large portions of any essential oil applied to the body directly can cause irritation. Essential oils such as lavender, are generally mixed with a carrier oil like grapeseed, olive, or almond oil to dilute the potency.

Facts from the Experts:

* Insomnia: Essential oil of lavender has a calming effect which can be helpful in treating insomnia.
* Inhaling lavender oil may be as effective as using a prescription tranquilizer, according to one study.
* It is also effective when applied topically to help relax muscles.
* Post Partum: Lavender oil can help to ease perinea discomfort after childbirth. It can be applied as a massage oil, or used in a bath.

When taken internally, lavender may help:

* insomnia
* depression
* headache, especially when caused by stress
* poor digestion
* nausea
* flatulence
* colic

When applied externally, lavender may help:

* burns
* wounds
* eczema
* acne
* fungal infections such as candidiasis or ringworm.
* rheumatism.

Caution: Do not drink oil of lavender.

Recommended Dosage for the ailments above: One cup of tea twice daily, or oil applied as needed.

Excepted from Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, Crossing Press)