Lavender Oil (20 page)

                                  
570 ml/1 pint fairly weak alcohol

                                  
125 ml/4 fl oz distilled water

                                  
10 drops lavender oil

                                  
5 drops rose oil

                                  
3 drops ylang ylang oil (in place of the traditional musk)

Mix well and keep in a sealed container for 2–3 weeks before using.

Lavender can be used as an excellent disinfectant and deodorant – with a fresh, pleasing scent.

                               
  
Add 5–10 drops of lavender to a bowl of warm water and soak the feet nightly for 5 minutes.

                               
  
As a quick measure, a few drops of lavender oil can be rubbed into the soles of the feet or beneath the arms in the morning. (Tea tree oil can also be used as a deodorant in the same fashion).

Essential oils are increasingly employed for the treatment of common ailments in veterinary practice and for the care of domestic pets – particularly dogs, cats and horses.

                               
  
Fleas – use lavender shampoo (see instructions
page
) on a daily basis – leave for 3–5 minutes before washing out. Afterwards or between washes wipe the coat with a moist sponge sprinkled with 10–20 drops of pure oil. This also improves the condition of the coat.

                               
  
Lice – sprinkle the coat with 10–20 drops of lavender oil and brush through. Repeat daily.

                               
  
Rashes – apply pure lavender oil or, if needed to treat a larger area, use lavender diluted to 2.5 per cent with a light carrier oil or cream (see instructions
pages
).

                               
  
Cuts/itches/scabs/insect bites/bumps – apply pure lavender oil. Repeat 2–3 times a day until healed.

                               
  
Other measures: tea tree oil may be used in a similar fashion.

Using essential oils during pregnancy and to help with childbirth can be very beneficial in a variety of ways, because they operate on both a physiological and a psychological level.

Lavender is
the
most useful oil during pregnancy, not only because it is very safe but also because of its predominantly calming/healing/balancing character.

                              
Relaxation and rest are the two very important factors during pregnancy in order that the mother and child enjoy their togetherness. Lavender oil is very useful for this purpose. It is a lovely all-rounder…
²²

Because of the sensitivity of the growing child, however, all essential oils (including lavender) should only be used at half the usual amount during pregnancy.

                               
  
An excellent oil to help prevent stretch marks can be made by blending 3 drops of lavender with 1 tbs wheatgerm oil – for light massage daily to the belly and breasts. This oil can also help to get rid of existing stretch marks. Wheatgerm oil can also be rubbed into the perineum to help prepare for the birth.

                               
  
Aromatic bathing is a great pleasure and relief, especially towards the end of pregnancy. Add 3–5 drops of lavender to the bath, and relax in the aromatic vapours.

                               
  
Gentle massage using lavender (in dilution) can be very enjoyable during pregnancy and can help with a wide variety of problems such as back pain, anxiety or fatigue.

                               
  
Haemorrhoids are common during pregnancy. To relieve itching, massage the affected area with an oily cream or a soapy solution
to which a few drops each of lavender, bergamot and geranium have been added.