ThePigAndThePeacock

Lavender-The Most Versatile Essential Oil

It is with good reason why lavender essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils, as it has wonderful qualities and also smells great. 

Lavender essential oil has been traditionally used in making perfumes due to its aroma. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations are made using lavender oil.

Lavender is produced mainly in France, bud does grow wild throughout the Mediterranean. Its name is derived from the Latin word “lavera” which means ‘to wash’ and the Romans used it frequently in their bath routine.

Lavender essential oil has a calming, relaxing effect which is thought to relieve stress. Since it is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin, it is particularly beneficial for its antiseptic properties. Lavender essential oil can be applied to the skin to treat burns, sunburns, cuts, insect bites and stings, and also works well as an insect repellent. Lavender is also thought to tone and revitalize the skin.

Keep some around the house for an all natural antiseptic, or burn a lavender candle at night to help you relax before bedtime.

Basil- The King of Herbs

Basil originates from tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, but is now cultivated throughout Europe and the USA.

Consiered the "King of Herbs" by cooks, Basil is a much favored herb in India. It is held sacred to Krishna and Vishnu, and the leaves are even chewed before taking part in religious ceremonies. Basil has been widely used by ancient cultures such as India for medicinal purposes (called Ayurvea).

Leaves and seeds are the important medicinal parts of this herb, which has gained prominence in recipes all over the world. Basil essential oil has been popular in Europe, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia. The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and the flowering tops.

Recently, there has been much research into the health benefits conferred by the essential oils found in basil. Scientific studies have established that compounds in basil oil have potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties. This crisp smelling essential oil is often used in aromatherapy for the treatment of nervous disorders and stress related headaches, migraines, asthma and allergies. It is believed to clear the mind and relieve intellectual fatigue, while giving clarity and mental strength. 

In bath and body products you can benefit from basil essential oils that are applied to your skin, like lotion and body mists. And while soap is a wash off product, you can still be able to get some of the aromatherapy benefits from breathing in the lingering scent. Basil essential oil can be used topically to massage the skin when mixed with base oils. It is thought to improve the luster of dull looking skin as well as hair. As a result it is extensively used in many skin care supplements that claim to improve the tone of your skin.

Basil essential oil is also a good treatment for itching from bites and stings from honey bees, insects and even snakes.

Basil essential oil and basil in any other form has emmenagogue properties and should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding or nursing women.