Strengthen Your Mind and Unleash Your Creative Potential!

This week I have found myself touting the lavender plant and the many wonderful properties of this common shrub. Lavender (Lavendula officinalis), an evergreen shrub, is native to the Mediterranean region. There are several different lavender plants in the family but Lavendula officinalis is the most widely planted and the classic choice for use in perfume, oils and sachets. The leaves are gray and smooth and the flowers are a lavender blue color. The fragrant purple flowers can be used fresh or dried.

The lavender plant has amazing physical and emotional healing abilities; it is said to possess magical influences on health, love, and the conscious mind. Lavender essential oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties which balance the skin and helps heal skin wounds, irritations and blemishes. The scent is relaxing and helps to balance out emotional centers. There have been studies that have shown that odors can change brainwaves. The smell of lavender strengthens the conscious mind by relaxing us and allowing us to control unbridled or stormy emotions. If you are feeling tense, emotionally unstable, or inhibited in anyway, visualize your goals while taking in the scent of this aromatic, lovely purple evergreen and feel your body relax, your conscious mind strengthen, and goals begin to manifest.

FOLKLORE: The classical Greeks and Romans burned lavender as an incense to the gods and the scent is suppose to calm untamed lions and tigers. In North Africa, women have used this plant to prevent marital abuse. (Cunningham) The taming of tigers and abusive husbands make sense when you think about the sedative effect lavender has on the body.

To top it off, lavender is not hard to grow. All the plant needs is full sun and loose, fast-draining soil. You don’t need to use much water or fertilizer. A low maintenance plant with high-maintenance benefits -- a lavender plant is the lover we have all been searching for! In your garden, use lavender as a hedge or border plant and if you want to keep the plant compact and neat, prune immediately after bloom.

Cut the plant and put in a vase for a lovely house decoration. Or dry in a cool, shady place and cut or strip flower clusters and put in sachet to use to add a light fragrant touch to your linens, undergarments, restroom or car.
Inhale lavender deeply once a day, smile big, and let yourself glow from your divine core.

Sources:
Cunningham, Scott. Magical Aromatherapy. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota: 1996.
Green, Mindy. Natural Perfumes: Simple Aromatherapy Recipes. Interweave Press, Loveland, CO: 1999.
Hogan, Elizabeth L. Et al. Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, California: 1994.