Page 96 - Lost Book Remedies
P. 96
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
native to North America, it cultivates easily and completely. Give it an hour to soak in and do its magic.
spreads wild in many warm, dry areas. Then wash away the oil and use your nit comb. From
this point forward, add a drop or two of lavender oil to
Edible Use: Several parts of lavender are edible in- your shampoo or rinse water to keep lice away. Laven-
cluding the leaves, flowering tips, and petals. They can der oil is also an excellent, good-smelling insect repel-
be used as a condiment in salads and make a nice tea. lent.
Fresh lavender flowers can be added to ice creams,
jams, and vinegars as a flavoring. Oil from the flowers Respiratory Problems: Lavender essential oil is
is also used as a food flavoring. an excellent treatment for respiratory problems of all
kinds. This can include simple, everyday problems like
Medicinal Use: Medicinal uses are anti-anxiety, colds, the flu, sore throats, coughs, and sinus conges-
antiseptic, antispasmodic, bile-producing, diuretic, tion. It can also be used for more difficult and chronic
nervine, reduces gas, sedative, and stimulant.
respiratory issues like asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis,
Aromatherapy: Lavender is an important relaxing whooping cough, and tonsillitis.
herb, having a soothing and relaxing effect upon the Apply it topically to the skin on the chest, neck, and
nervous system. In most cases, all that is required is to under the nose where it will be easily breathed; or add
breathe in the it to a vaporizer or a pot of steaming water. The nicely
aroma from the scented steam opens the air passages and loosens
oil. This relaxes phlegm while it kills the germs that cause the infection.
the body, relieves
stress, calms the Urinary Tract Infections, Cystitis and Re-
nervous system, tained Fluids: The diuretic effects of lavender help
and eases head- it to flush the body from excess fluids and toxins and
aches. The same relieve swellings that may be present. As the fluid is re-
effects can be moved, the oil also exerts an antibiotic influence,
achieved by add- which kills any underlying infection, and it removes
ing whole fresh or toxins that may also be causing problems.
dried flowers to
the bathwater or Lowering Blood Pressure: Removing excess flu-
ids help lower the blood pressure and reduce swellings
placing the flowers
under the pillow- of all kinds, and the relaxing effects of the lavender
help get rid of stresses that may be contributing to the
case at bedtime. I
add it to my First problem.
Aid Salve so that Harvesting: I usually go out looking for Lavender
the aroma is calm- when the weather is dry and there is no wind. The
ing to anyone injured who is using the salve. morning and evening are particularly favorable to
gathering flowers because many of the oils are dissi-
Aches and Pains: Its relaxing effects extend to the
muscular system as well. A massage with lavender oil pated during the heat of the day. Cut lavender stems
can calm throbbing muscles, relieve arthritis pain, ease are cut at the base of the plant.
and help heal sprains and strains, and relieve back- Recipes. Lavender Tea: To make lavender tea,
aches and lumbago pain. The oil also contains analge- start with one teasapoon of dried lavender flowers or
sic compounds that help ease the pain from muscle re- one tablespoon of fresh lavender flowers. Place in a tea
lated stress and injuries. pot and cover with one cup of boiling water. Cover the
Kills Lice and Their Nits and Insect Repel- tea pot to keep it warm and allow the tea steep for 10
to 15 minutes to absorb the medicinal qualities. Strain
lent: The essential oil of lavender nourishes the hair, it, and drink warm several times daily.
gives it a nice shine, and makes it smell wonderful. It
also helps keep the hair free from lice. Lavender Tincture: Ingredients: 1½ cups of
chopped lavender flowers, stems, and leaves, 1-pint
Use the essential oil, diluted with a carrier oil such as (500 ml)100 proof vodka or brandy. Place the lavender
coconut oil or olive oil, to coat the scalp and hair
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