Are you in love with lavender? If so, you're not alone, as lavender has become the most popular aromatic herb. In fact, in 1999, the "queen of herbs" was named as the "year of lavender!"
As one of the most loved aromatic herbs, lavender has been cultivated and used throughout the centuries. In ancient times, the Egyptians used lavender in incense and perfume and it was even used in the mummification process. The Arabs, Greeks and Romans used lavender as an offering to their gods.
Because of its tendency to render a better quality essential oil, true lavender -- which is found in the French and Mediterranean Alps, growing in altitudes of 6,000 feet -- is considered to be the most effective of these aromatic herbs.
Common Uses Of Lavender
As an essential oil in today's society, lavender is used, both internally and topically, for a number of conditions:
- Aromatic (a most popular fragrance)
- carminative (to relieve flatulence)
- antibacterial
- antiseptic
- nervine (to calm the nerves)
- expectorant
- stimulant
- cosmetic
- antispasmodic.
It has also been used to prevent some childhood infections and to soothe temper tantrums in children. The most common uses of lavender are to: treat burns (from minor to scalding), eczema, grazes, cuts, inflammation, dermatitis, headaches, migraines, fainting, nausea, insomnia, bacterial infections, boils, acne, arthritis and rheumatism. As a germicidal agent, lavender oil is non-toxic.
It contains linalool and linalool acetate which play important roles in the healing process.
Calming Effect Of Lavender
Both humans and animals, when inhaling lavender, experience a sedative effect that closely favors the calming effect of the geranium and peppermint plants. This is probably the reason why these aromatic herbs are favored for a variety of uses from treating depression and sleep disorders to treating premenstrual syndrome.
Lavender beauty and bath products, to be used for external purposes only, are often available in gift baskets. A wonderful gift for any occasion, lavender is sure to be appreciated by all who receive it. In addition to its use in aromatherapy products and treatments, lavender may be used to specifically treat depression.
The Gift Of Lavender
Lavender is a popular gift item that can be purchased separately or in a gift basket. Most of the aromatherapy gifts are made with essential oil and dried lavender buds. Examples of these are bar soap, bath bomb fizzers, bath crystals, bath oil beads, closet or drawer sachets, hand and body lotions, sleep pillows and soothing herbal sea salts. Beauty products that contain lavender range from body sprays and hair care products to a variety of skin care products. All of the above products mentioned are used for the sole purpose of creating a sense of peace and to promote relaxation.
Lavender Trivia
Did you know that lavender is also used in home cleaning products?
Throughout history, lavender has found its way into the homes of many historical figures. Queen Victoria insisted that her furniture and floors be cleaned with lavender to freshen up the rooms in her castle. Queen Elizabeth I of England enjoyed drinking lavender tea as a way to relieve her migraines and other maladies. During World War I, nurses treated injured soldiers by washing their wounds with an antiseptic wash that contained lavender.
Cooking With Lavender
Lavender is an amazingly versatile herb that is also used for cooking -- not only at home, but also in many upscale restaurants. A member of the mint family, lavender flowers are wonderful flavor enhancers that can also add to the appearance of the food. Lavender flowers and leaves can be used freshly cut; their buds and stems can be dried before use.
It is best to use lavender with other herbs, such as fennel, oregano and savory, and it can also be used with its other mint cousins (rosemary, sage and thyme). Lavender has an extremely powerful aroma, so it must be used sparingly or the recipe will have a bitter taste, and you'll feel like you are eating perfume. The next time you're cooking up a storm, add a sprig of lavender to the pot and enjoy!
Visit Aromatherapy to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at Articles for authors
Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.


Lasik Eye Surgery Aftercare: The Dos and the Don'ts
Lasik surgery is becoming increasingly popular among individuals struggling with vision problems. Providing people with a way to toss out glasses and contacts, lasik surgery offers complete vision to those who have lived their whole lives on those mechanisms. Still, there are things to consider, including how the surgery works and the dos and don'ts of lasik eye surgery aftercare.
How the Surgery Works
Lasik eye surgery is not a long process. In fact the FTC explains the procedure only takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye. During the procedure, a small flap is cut and lifted away from the eye. The tissue of the cornea is then reshaped by the laser and then protected by a plastic or metal shield.
What You Should Do After
Another important element is taking your medication as described by the prescription. If you need help with drops, ask for it. Wait the appropriate length of time as described by your doctor before you continue with your regular activities such as work. Lomas Eye Care adds that you should wear eye protection during the nighttime to keep anything from bumping or scraping the eye. Drink adequate water to keep hydrated.
What You Should Avoid After
There are many, many things you will want to avoid after your surgery. The first of these is rubbing your eyes. Do not, under any circumstances rub your eyes. In addition, avoid driving until your vision is completely clear and focused. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission also recommends that you keep away from hot tubs and swimming.
Keep away from strenuous physical activities, especially one that could cause eye injury. Also do not exercise for a week after the operation. In addition to these things, you should keep away from smoky, dusty areas and refrain from wearing eye makeup.
Conclusion
Lasik eye surgery can change a person's life, and in most cases healing time is relatively quick. But this time can be made easier if individuals follow the dos and don'ts listed above. If you follow your doctor's instructions, you are much more likely to heal without complications.


Making that smile look new again with dental veneers!
Making that smile look new again with dental veneers!
Many people are plagued with unsightly stains, chips or imperfections of their teeth. Nowadays, there is a way to take care of this problem without extensive dental repair. Veneers can be placed over these imperfections by your dentist and "Voila" you have a smile that anyone can be proud of. This can be done for far less money than placing a crown over that same imperfection.
After the initial consultation, your dental professional will need two more visits lasting about 1 1/2 hours each. The cost can range from $900 to $2,500 per tooth and this will depend on the size and complexity of each veneer. These veneers last from 10 to 15 years if they are made of porcelain and 5 to 7 years if they are made of a composite. The composite is far less costly at about $250 per tooth.
The first visit is where the dentist removes a layer of enamel and then fits a mold to prepare your permanent veneers. This process of preparing the veneer can take up to 2 weeks and so a temporary veneer is placed over the tooth until your second visit. Your second visit is when the dentist chemically cleans your teeth and any final changes to the color are done. Then dental cement is applied and the veneers are placed permanently over your natural teeth.
Complications are the abnormal feel which is because the shape of your mouth has been changed. This is something that goes away with time. Also, this change can produce problems with speech. This can be dealt with by adjustments that your dentist can do. Sometimes there is sensitivity while the final bonding is occurring.One other potential problem is that, veneers can be damaged by those who suffer from bruxism, the grinding of teeth during sleep.
An alternative treatment for teeth that are stained, damaged or have small alignment problems are crowns. A crown is far more costly and probably should be reserved for teeth that are too damaged for
dental veneer treatment As for discoloration, there is a bleaching process than can restore the whiteness that is desired.
Whatever treatment which is best suited for your particular situation can be determined by speaking with your dental professional so that you may know all your options. It is nice to know that the veneer option can produce the desired affect with far less cost than crowns and a far more permanent affect than bleaching.
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