Archive for the 'Lavender' Category
Cosmetic Chemist Alida Stevens has announced that “smelling lavender steadies breathing, regulates bo
dy temperature and lowers blood pressure!” And research on all of this proves that all of these improved body functions produces a better quality of sleep. Below is a recipe for making your own lavender bath soaks. They are loaded with skin-softening oils, so your body feels velvety soft from the moment you get our of the tub until you step out of the house or into your bed,(whatever you so choose to do).
It is fun to make your own bath cubes, and, of course, lavender is the central ingredient. You will also need the following other materials:
- one-half cup light oil, such as sunflower, canola or almond oil
- 3-6 drops of lavender essential oil
- one cup baking soda
- one cup citric acid (as found in health food stores)
- three-fourths cup cornstarch
- 4 drops blue food coloring (optional)
- one muffin tin or an ice cube tray (such as Wilton Mimi Star Cake Pan for $10 at amazon.com)
Next, mix all the oils and set them aside. Combine all dry ingredients, then stir in oil mixture until it forms a crumbly dough. If you want it to be a pretty color of blue, then knead in the food coloring. Pack this mixture into the molds and let is set overnight. Gently remove from the molds the next day and let the cubes air dry. Drop one of the cubes into your bath water, get in and relax!
There is nothing more pleasant than the odor of fresh lavender and peppermint – to me. I use lavender and peppermint oil in my bath to help me relax. I started spraying lavender oil onto my pillow and bedding immediately before bedtime. The sensual and serene aroma of the scented herbs helps me to fall asleep faster and I am able to sleep soundly and tranquilly through the night.
I also found out that another great quality about lavender 
is that it is one of those flowering herbs which attract butterflies into my yard. In the springtime, I planted several lavender plants (on the sunny side of the house), and I have found that the butterflies do visit me often.
I had planted a large butterfly bush in my front yard, however, it grew so fast and got so big that I had to pull it out a couple of years ago. It was covering the azaleas and other flowers. Other favorite flowers of the butterflies are aster and goldenrod.
In order to attract these beautiful bright winged creatures to your home, pick a sunny spot in which to plant them and be sure to plant them near a fence, hedge or a larger bush. This creates a sheltered, butterfly-friendly place away from the wind and rain.
I especially like the yellow and the monarch butterflies. The butterflies give me a serene, peaceful feeling. Yellow is my favorite color so that is why it feels so good to surround myself with yellow butterflies. By the way, do you know that the butterfly is the universal symbol of hope?