Lavender, so much more than just another pretty flower

Lavender has been used for centuries to treat and prevent a myriad of health issues. Known for it's beautiful purple color and fragrant blossoms, lavender is packed full of helpful and healthful properties.

Scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia, Lavender is part of a family of plants that also includes mint, originating in France, England, Tasmania and Yugoslavia. It has long been used for Insomnia, digestive problems, Anxiety and restlessness. As recent as WW1 Lavender was used to disinfect wounds because of it's high disinfecting and antiseptic properties. Even hospitals have used it to sterilize equipment in years past.

Today, lavender is most commonly used for anxiety, depression, mental exhaustion, insomnia, scrapes and wounds, digestive problems, headaches, skin problems and women's health problems. Lavender can also be used to treat exhaustion, heat exposure, fevers, aches and pains, over-exertion, jet lag, rashes, sprains, sunburn, sunstroke, bruises and burns. Lastly lavender is used as a disinfectant, insect repellent, antiseptic, natural antibiotic, sedative, detoxification.

Pure lavender essential oil is a powerful form and should be used sparingly, diluted in a carrier oil and then used for massage, warm baths or compresses. Even when used topically (on the skin) it should be diluted so as not to cause irritation. For wounds, skin inflammation, skin abrasions or other issues, massaging a small amount of the oil into the areas can disinfect and help heal. Massaging the oil into your temples can aid in stress, depression, insomnia and headaches.

Tinctures of lavender can be taken internally for digestive issues. Mixed with distilled water the essential oil can be used as a light room, bedding or clothing spray. Lastly, the dried or fresh flowers can be used in sachets or displayed for their healing, calming and refreshing smell.

Not just another pretty face.

Sea salt, what is it good for....

Many know that sea salt is a great salt to use for cooking and seasoning. Some individuals can taste the difference between common table salt and sea salt, this may be due to the different mineral content. Sea salt can be found in chunk, rock, coarse and even fine varieties. There are trace amounts of iodine occurring within natural sea salt, but not comparable to iodized table salt.

Sea salt has commonly been created by evaporation of seawater, this can be done on a protected coast line, man made shallow lagoons, shallow lake beds or salt marshes. Different seas, locations, collection techniques and production processes can all create differing colors and slightly different flavors of the end product. For example, The Koreans produce one variety called Bamboo Salt. Created by packing bamboo segments with sea salt and packing the ends with mud, then roasting.. the salt absorbs minerals from the mud as well as nutrients from the bamboo.

BUT why is it used topically? For the same reason swimming in the sea can relax us, cleanse away stress, improve our skin. The water from our seas and oceans is know for its purification. Sea salt scrubs and soaks can help detoxify the skin, help to reduce fluid retention and also has antiseptic properties. Using sea salt as a scrub helps in circulation and exfoliation as well. By adding all natural essential oils into sea salt scrubs and soaks you get the added benefits of those individual herbs and botanicals as well.

So what is it good for?? Absolutely everything!