The effects that lavender has had on the culinary industry are indisputable.  Its soft perfume intensifies crme brulee, custards, ice creams, and compliments biscuits and fruit salads.  It is almost second to saffron, but lavender has more uses than just in the kitchen.  Medically speaking lavender has a value that is incalculable.

Among all of the essential oils, lavender is one of the most versatile.  Individuals who use essential oils probably have lavender in their cabinets for its versatility. Because lavender is one of the most versatile among the essential oils, its consumers are just as diverse.  The consumers can range from the elderly with aches and pains to athletes, pregnant women, or anyone that is stressed.  Lavender is great for skin, sedating nervous, relaxing muscles, helping digestion, and reducing inflammation.

Lavender is great for acute problems with skin.  Lavender heals skin through tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and is an antiseptic.  For these reasons lavender is great for acne, stretch marks, blotches, burns, scars, eczema, insect bites, and itching.  Lavender can even eradicate lice.  For use just put two to three drops on the infected, irritated, or injured area.

Stress comes in many forms and is caused by many reasons.  Lavender can help reduce stress by promoting better sleep, so it is great for individuals with insomnia.  Another way lavender can reduce stress is by calming anxieties and nervousness.  It is also great at reducing irritability and depressive moods.  It also relieves migraines because it reduces the blood pressure.  To use lavender for these uses massage area, use in aromatic bath, or in a diffuser.

If an individual has digestive difficulties, then lavender is great for them.  Lavender is an antispasmodic, so it increases gastric juices and intestinal mobility.  It is great for reducing flatulence, nausea, and digestive spasms.  Mix two drops of lavender with a half spoonful of sugar or one spoonful of vegetable oil or honey.  Drink this concoction three times a day and enjoy the relief.

Lavender is great for athletes because it relieves muscle, tendon, and joint pain.  It relaxes muscles, reduces inflammation, and soothes pain.  It can also be used for cramps or rheumatism.  The best way to apply lavender in these situations is to massage two to four drops with one spoonful of vegetable oil on the pain.  Another less effective way would be to take an aromatic bath of lavender.

Infections are no match against lavender.  Because lavender is an anti-bacterial and antiviral essential oil, it is great against urinary infections.  It is also used against respiratory infections like bronchitis, coughing, laryngitis, and on some tonsillitis.  To fight against infections drink two drops of lavender three times a day.

Although lavender is so versatile, just like anything else too much of a good thing can be bad.  When taking lavender prolonged use or large doses is not recommended.  Women in the first quarter of their pregnancies are prohibited from using it.  Children younger than three months are not allowed to take lavender.