5 Ways to Heal with Lavender

More than just a gorgeous hit of purple in the garden, lavender has been a natural remedy for centuries. Here’s how to use lavender to relieve headaches, settle upset stomachs and treat general aches and pains.

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Lavender field in Provence, France
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5 Ways to Put Lavender’s Healing Power to Work

A perennial shrub with spikes of purple or light blue flowers, lavender has a long history of healing. Having trouble sleeping? The dried flowers can be sewn into a pouch and tucked under your pillow to promote rest and relaxation. Feeling anxious or tense? Lavender can help with that, too. Here are five more handy-and healthy-uses for lavender that can make a difference in your life.

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Crippling headache
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1. Use Lavender to Ease Headaches

Not relief from a crippling headache? Apply a little lavender oil to each temple and massage it in.

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Upset stomach
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2. Soothe an Upset Stomach with Lavender

German doctors often recommend lavender tea as a digestive aid. The oils relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and soothe after-meal cramps in the stomach and intestine. Lavender also helps to ease intestinal wind. To make an infusion, steep a heaped teaspoon of lavender flowers in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain.

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Scraped knee bandaged
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3. Fight Infection with Lavender

The tannins in lavender kill bacteria and help to prevent minor cuts and scrapes from becoming infected. Soak a clean cloth in a lavender infusion and apply the compress to the wound.

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Woman with back ache
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4. Relieve Aches and Pains with Lavender

Lavender oil has minor pain-killing properties. It appears to reduce the transmission of nerve impulses that carry pain signals. Mix a few drops of the oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil and rub it in. Lavender also relieves itching, thanks to its anti-inflammatory action. It’s the perfect remedy for insect bites and stings.

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Healing lavender
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5. Use Lavender to Soothe Swimmer’s Ear

The same chemical compound in lavender that fights skin infections will knock out the itch and irritation of swimmer’s ear.

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