Lavender Oil (22 page)

See also
Arthritis,
Muscular Aches and Pains

Scabies is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite
sarcoptes scabiei
. Scabies is common in sheepfarming areas, where it is commonly transmitted from the wool of the sheep to the farm workers. It can also be picked up in changing rooms, and even from handling coins – it does not require close contact to pass from one person to another. The female mites lay their eggs under the skin, and as the newly hatched mites burrow their way out this causes severe irritation and itching – especially at night. Small red pimples may appear and scratching can lead to sores which can then become infected. Common areas to be affected are the groin, penis, nipples and the skin between the fingers.

                               
  
Wash the skin gently, then treat the affected area with a 5 per cent lavender non-oily cream or gel (see instructions
pages
) – repeat 2 or 3 times a day.

                               
  
As a matter of routine, add 8–10 drops of lavender to the bath water as a disinfectant measure.

                               
  
During treatment, scrupulous attention to hygiene is essential. To prevent re-infection, change and wash pillowcases, towels, bedding, clothes (especially woollens), etc. using a few drops of lavender oil in the washing water – sponge the mattress down using a 10 per cent solution in alcohol.

                               
  
Other oils of benefit: tea tree, peppermint.

–
see
Chickenpox

Lavender water was at one time used as a remedy for vertigo, ‘swoonings’ or ‘faintings’ brought on by shock. Dr Valnet recommends lavender as an evening bath oil for ‘weak and delicate children’ and for ‘shock, tantrums, etc.’. It also helps allay the effects of clinical shock or of stopping a severe addiction and, as a regulating agent and anti-depressant, it helps overcome the psychological shock of injury:

                              
Lavender is both a habit-breaker and a crisis-smoother.
²⁵

                               
  
Inhale neat lavender oil from a tissue, or add 8–10 drops to the bath to help cope with the emotional after-effects of a shock.

                               
  
Other measures: take the Bach Flower Remedy ‘Rescue Remedy’ immediately.

Lavender is one of the most useful skin care oils because although it has excellent antiseptic properties it is very mild to the skin. It has been used as an ingredient in cosmetics for centuries and its effects have been well tried and tested. It is suited to all types of complexion, particularly oily and mature (wrinkled) skin.

Lavender is also an excellent cicatrizant or wound-healing oil which promotes tissue or cell regeneration and prevents scarring. It is these combined properties that make lavender a valuable oil for all types of injury to the skin and also for the treatment of a wide range of specific skin conditions.

                               
  
As a cleaner/toner for everyday skin care (especially for dry or mature skin), blend 15 drops each of rose and lavender essential oils with 25 ml of witchhazel and 75 ml distilled water (or another flower water) and apply morning and night before moisturizing the skin.

                               
  
For moisturizing the skin, blend 3 drops of lavender with 1 tsp wheatgerm oil (or a moisturizing cream); apply twice daily.

                               
  
For a reviving cosmetic vinegar to strengthen the acid mantle of the skin, mix 6 parts rosewater, 1 part spirit of lavender and 2 parts vinegar.

                               
  
There are many other essential oils that are particularly beneficial for the skin, including tea tree (for oily skin), rose (for dry/mature skin) and geranium (for combination skin).

See also
Acne,
Cracked Skin,
Dermatitis/Eczema