The Benefits of Lavender

 

Lavender, it's not just for sachets. In fact, Lavender has been used to soothe and heal people for a long time. Lavender aromatherapy is not only soothing for us but for animals too. A word of caution here. Some essential oils can be toxic to cats. Certain essential oils naturally contain phenols and should never be used with cats. Their liver does not produce the enzymes to digest these compounds allowing them to build up to toxic levels in their systems.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to the Mediterranean. The leaves, stems and flowers may be used, but flowers are the typical choice for therapeutic and medicinal use on pets. The most common forms are dry, (heavily diluted) essential oil, ‘tea’, or Bach Flower Remedies.

• Just some of the benefits are: Antibacterial / Antibiotic Anti-fungal Astringent Anti-inflammatory Antispasmodic Analgesic (pain killer) Antipruritic (reduces itching) Regenerative Calming and antidepressive Tick repellent

Lavender is wonderful as an insect repellent, it is very useful to have in the kitchen because it effectively deters houseflies from hanging around. Planting lavender bushes close to the entryways of your home, can also keep many pesky bugs from entering.

Super Strong Insect Repellent Recipe~ (from https://skyaboveus.com/camping/Lavender-Insect-Repellent-Recipe) This bug zapper is seriously strong smelling when first applied but will disappear once dry on the skin. It is both antiviral and antibacterial. Ideal for walking in large infested woods or near water, it is also great for Morris mosquito attacks!

Ingredients:1 large clean glass jar with lid

32 oz apple cider vinegar

2-3 tbsp of dried lavender, mint, rosemary, thyme and sage (12-15 tbsp total)

Method:Pour the apple cider vinegar into the glass jar. Add the dried herbs and give a good stir. Screw on lid tightly and leave in the kitchen where you will see it. Leave for 3 weeks, shaking the mixture daily to get the herbs infusing with the vinegar. After 3 weeks, strain out the herbs. You will need another jar or a mixing bowl will work fine. Pour your infused repellent into the glass jar and pop into the fridge until you need it.

To use the repellent take a clean spray bottle (easily purchased in drug stores, pharmacies and dollar stores) and have half water half vinegar. Give a good shake and your set! Keep the main jar in the fridge until you need to make it up. Every time you need to replenish, add half vinegar with half water.