www.susunweed.com
Lavender – A Delight to the Senses
by Katherine J. Turcotte
Lavender, the fragrant woody perennial herb has over twenty-eight species and an even greater multitude of varieties. Dating back as far as the first century and to ancient Rome and Greece, Lavender was even used among the ancient Egyptians in the mummification process. It has enjoyed its popularity over time for a variety of uses that still continue today.Lavender essential oil is the most popular in the United States, outselling all other essential oils. If you have never had the intense pleasure of inhaling pure lavender essential oil, you are in for quite a treat!
Traditional uses throughout history included the use of lavender in expelling parasites (worms) from children, and use against lice and insect bites Lavender was also a popular strewing herb for disinfection. More common uses are for stress relief, insomnia, depression and indigestion. Lavender is used in several pharmaceutical products including antiseptics, cosmetics and anti-inflammatory products. It was used extensively during the 19th century in the making of perfume. It is interesting to note that during World War I and II, that lavender was used when medical supplies were scarce to prevent infection and to relieve pain.
Over the centuries, lavender has been associated with powers in love, chastity, longevity, protection, purification and happiness. Just inhaling the scent of lavender is known to increase the alpha brain waves in the back of the head, aiding in relaxation and tranquility. Thus, our immune system is boosted by the benefit of lavender.
Growing lavender requires full sun, space between plants and good drainage. Lavender does not like "wet feet", so excellent drainage is essential. It is best harvested just before flowering, when the oil concentration is highest. With all the varieties available, it will not be hard to find one suited to your growing area. Flower colors range from white, to pink, blue and purple. Professionally, lavender is distilled for use in essential oils by steam.
When purchasing lavender, become familiar with each variety's botanical name. The most widely grown is the hardy Lavandula Angustifolia, also known as L. vera, L. officinalis, or English Lavender. Plants can range in height from a mere 8" to over three feet tall. Other popular varieties known for their sweet fragrance are 'Munstead' and 'Hidcote' lavender.
Other uses of lavender include dabbing it on your temples when you have a headache and is a popular ingredient in small sleep pillows to combat insomnia. It is a common ingredient in sachets and potpourri and is used to scent linens and prevent moth and bug activity. A lovely craft using lavender flowers is making lavender “wands”.
Lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be applied "neat" to the body without the addition of a carrier oil. It is useful on burns, insect bites and minor skin irritations. Mixing fifteen drops of pure lavender essential oil with common bath salts such as sea or Epsom salts will provide a bath that is pure heaven!
Lavender also has culinary uses. It is used to flavor jellies, honeys, cookies and breads. A wonderfully relaxing tea or tisane can be made using boiling water, honey and lavender flowers.
Before using any essential oil directly on the skin, it is recommended that you consult a qualified aromatherapist or herbalist. Never take any essential oil internally.Katherine J. Turcotte
Copyright 2006
Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year
Author: Susun S. Weed. Simple, safe remedies for pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and newborns. Includes herbs for fertility and birth control. Foreword by Jeannine Parvati Baker. 196 pages, index, illustrations.
Retails for $11.95
Order at: www.ashtreepublishing.com/bookshop/
Healing Wise
Author: Susun S. Weed. Superb herbal in the feminine-intuitive mode. Complete instructions for using common plants for food, beauty, medicine, and longevity. Introduction by Jean Houston. 312 pages, index, illustrations. Retails for $15.95
Order at: www.ashtreepublishing.com/bookshop/
NEW Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way
Author: Susun S. Weed. The best book on menopause is now better. Completely revised with 100 new pages. All the remedies women know and trust plus hundreds of new ones. New sections on thyroid health, fibromyalgia, hairy problems, male menopause, and herbs for women taking hormones. Recommended by Susan Love MD and Christiane Northrup MD. Introduction by Juliette de Bairacli Levy. 304 pages, index, illustrations.
Retails for $16.95
Order at: www.ashtreepublishing.com/bookshop/
For excerpts visit: www.menopause-metamorphosis.com
Breast Cancer? Breast Health!
Author: Susun S. Weed. Foods, exercises, and attitudes to keep your breasts healthy. Supportive complimentary medicines to ease side-effects of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or tamoxifen. Foreword by Christiane Northrup, M.D. 380 pages, index, illustrations. Retails for $14.95
Order at: www.ashtreepublishing.com/bookshop/
Susun Weed's Video's Include:Menopause Metamorphosis VHS Video
Susun Weed and 12 other menopausal women offer heart-felt and practical advice for women in the midst of Change. Susun explores menopause as the ultimate woman's mystery and offers simple home remedies for uncomfortable symptoms. This engaging, informative, inspiring 1 hour video - filmed at Stonehaven - by women for women is like having a menopause support group in your own home. NOW only 19.95!Order at: www.ashtreepublishing.com/bookshop/
Weeds to the Wise VHS Video
Visit Susun's farm for a weed walk. Hear her talk on the Three Traditions of Healing. Make infusion with her. Fun! (1 hour VHS video) Please note: this VHS video tape is in NTSC format which may not be compatible with video players outside of the USA and Canada. Retails for $29.95
Order at: www.ashtreepublishing.com/bookshop/
THANK YOU FOR VISITING www.susunweed.com
