I have been working with Essential oils for several years and I consider them an important aspect to good health. These oils are made from plants that are highly concentrated and have scent or taste from that which they are derived. They have so many uses in skin care products, foods and perfumes just to name a few.

Lavender is one of many essential oils but is my favorite by far. It is one of the best aromatic scents for reducing stress known to man. It not only soothes the mind, it also calms the body. In fact, no home should really be without lavender oil. It should be kept close at hand and easy to reach for those times when you need it. I keep some next to my bed and at any time I can reach for it through the night when I need to relax or if I am having trouble sleeping.

Lavender also has other uses besides just relaxing. It can be used for burns, for soothing skin irritations and it also has antibiotic properties. Lavender oil can also be used as an antidepressant, antiseptic and detoxifier. I recommend that you mix it with a vegetable or nut oil like almond, safflower or jojoba which is commonly called base oil. One of my favorite recipes is five drops of lavender oil combined with one tablespoon of almond oil. This can be used directly on the skin if need be. Just be sure to do a small patch test to insure no allergic reactions result from either oil. Another great way to use lavender oil is to take four to six drops of oil and place them randomly on a dry washcloth. Now take your washcloth and put it in between your pillowcase and the pillow so you can enjoy the wonder of this marvelous essential oil throughout the night.

Lavender can also be used for babies. I do not recommend using this mixture directly on their skin, but you can place a washcloth near the crib to give them a gentle aroma throughout the night for better sleep. Babies have a very good sense of smell so make sure you use a very small amount a little goes a long way.

Lavender is so versatile that you can mix it with your shampoo, crème rinse and even put a few drops into your bath to soothe your nerves and give yourself some relaxing and peaceful quiet time. I have even used a couple of drops of lavender in my hot tea to help sooth a headache.

A word of advice on any essential oil, it is always a good idea do a patch test to insure there is no allergic reaction to the oil. To do this, take a small amount of the essential oil and mix it with a base oil. Then put a very small amount on the inside of your wrist or upper arm and wait for at least 24 hours to see if there is any reaction. Never use essential oils straight out of the bottle, always dilute them with a base oil. Always be careful of what you are using during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. With these simple steps, you will ensure a very pleasant and rewarding time when using essential oils.