Lavender Oil (6 page)

Abscesses usually appear when the body is run-down or stressed, at times of hormonal upheavel or as the result of a blood disorder. Whatever the cause, the presence of an abscess or boil indicates that the system is in need of purification. Avoid stimulants, eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water or herb teas (especially those which purify the blood).

                               
  
Never wait for the boil or abscess to burst – treat as soon as it begins to appear by dabbing with neat lavender oil. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.

                               
  
If the boil/abscess has already formed, apply a warm poultice of clay containing 3–4 drops of lavender oil. Leave for half an hour to draw the liquid/pus, then bathe gently with water. Alternatively, apply a warm flannel (face-cloth) which has been soaked in a lavender solution, then dab the boil with neat lavender oil. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.

                               
  
If the boil/abscess is severe, cover with a gauze soaked in lavender oil for 12 hours. If there is still no improvement, seek medical advice.

                               
  
Add 8–10 drops of lavender oil to the bath water as a general disinfectant measure.

                               
  
Tea tree oil may be used in the same manner (or in combination with lavender).

This unsightly skin condition is caused by an overactivity of the sebaceous glands, and is especially common during adolescence, the menopause and at times of hormonal upheaval, such as before or during menstruation.

A very greasy, congested skin results in a rough surface texture, enlarged pores, spots, pimples and blackheads. The condition can be exacerbated further by a poor diet, too little exercise, lack of hygiene, stress and other emotional factors. Scrupulous attention to hygiene prevents the condition spreading.

One woman had suffered for a long time with an oily skin and blackheads, and has used all kinds of creams to no avail

                              
To treat the condition I massaged her face with a [thin, non-greasy] lotion to which I added lavender, geranium and bergamot … I was surprised at how dramatically effective this treatment was. The pores closed up within a short time … and remained closed for a whole week.
¹

                               
  
Apply neat lavender oil to individual spots night and morning using a cotton bud (cotton swab).

                               
  
Make up a lavender water using 100 ml distilled water and 25 drops of lavender oil. Shake well before use and bathe the face (and other affected areas) night and morning.

                               
  
Make up a 5 per cent non-oily lavender cream or gel (see instructions page 00) to apply as a cleansing/moisturizing ointment.

                               
  
Add 8–10 drops of lavender oil to the bath water – this also acts as a facial steam.

                               
  
Have a facial sauna 3 or 4 times a week using 3–5 drops of lavender (see
page
).

                               
  
Other oils of benefit: tea tree, geranium and bergamot (bergaptenfree) – best used in combination with lavender.