From ancient Greece to modern times, lavender has been one of the most common and widely used cultivated herbs. And it's no wonder, because it's one of the most versatile, too. It can be used to treat a wide variety of traveler's complaints, from skin irritations, to sleeping problems, to nervous anxiety and headaches, and menstrual pain. Plus, it's ever-so-gentle and virtually free from side effects.
Whether your travels take you to places of leisure or to destinations strictly geared towards conducting business, the by-products of the lavender plant (dried flowers, aromatic floral water or hydrosol, and essential oil), should be ever-present in your personal-care travel bag. Try some of the following tips on your next trip and see if a little dose of lavender doesn't offer a bit comfort and solace when you're away from home.
Note: Lavender, in its many forms, can be found at any good health food store.
A Natural Relaxant
- Lavender is the perfect natural remedy for calming your nerves. Next time you're feeling stressed or anxious, dab a drop of lavender essential oil on both temples and wrists. Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
- To help relieve tension headaches, massage a few drops of undiluted essential oil into your temples and nape of your neck. Lie down and close your eyes for at least ten minutes.
- Lavender can lull you into a sound, blissful sleep. Add a few drops of essential oil into a deep, warm bath. Soak for about 20 minutes, then pat your skin dry, slather yourself in moisturizer, put on your PJ's, and jump into bed. You'll be zonked in no time!
- Lavender sleep bag: Place a small muslin bag or decorative silk sachet of dried lavender flowers under your pillow to help you drift off to sleep.
Ease Minor Skin Irritations & Menstrual Pain
- This flower is a potent antiseptic. Add 2 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon almond, olive, or hazelnut oil (any vegetable oil will do, actually), or aloe vera juice and apply the mixture directly to burns, sunburns, abrasions, or insect stings to cleanse, soothe, and disinfect. Apply an undiluted drop of essential oil directly to a pimple to help heal and remove redness.
- Lavender's anti-inflammatory, relaxing, and pain-relieving properties make it ideal for easing both mental and physical menstrual woes. Gently massage your lower abdomen and lower back with a few drops of essential oil diluted in a teaspoon of oil.
Enhance Concentration & Improve Your Mood
- Lavender's highly fragrant flowers can soothe your soul without sapping your energy. To enhance concentration and promote mental clarity, place a drop on each wrist, the palms of your hands, or the nape of your neck and breathe deeply.
- Purchase a bottle of lavender hydrosol – a watery by-product of essential oil production – and spray a fine mist onto your face and hair, and into the surrounding air. Inhale the vapors. The chemical components of the lavender plant have the ability to alter the emotions by influencing the sense of smell, which triggers the region of the brain that deals with memory and mood.
Stephanie Tourles is a licensed holistic esthetician in both Massachusetts and Maine with over 20 years experience. Trained in western-style herbalism, she specializes in the use of herbs as they pertain to skin, hair, nail, foot, and "comfort / health" care and regularly creates herbal cosmetics and treatments for her clients, family, and friends. She is also a certified aromatherapist, with extensive training in the nutritional sciences, and is the author of several books on natural body care, holistic health, nutrition, and wellness. Stephanie resides in Orland, Maine with her husband and pets, and spends her spare time hiking, organic gardening, and practicing yoga.
Web links to purchase my books:
www.amazon.com
www.herbalsoapandskincare.com
www.bookstacksmaine.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to learn more ways to make traveling relaxing, join the Relax Group today!
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 11