Sleep Scents: Lavender

Lavender hails from the Mediterranean region, then spread to Europe. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it was cultivated extensively for both its visually pleasing appearance and medicinal properties. Today it’s grown all over the world.

The healing effects of lavender

Lavender’s essential oils contain many healing properties. A study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil could be very effective in combating the incidence of antifungal-resistant infections. In another study from Celal Bayar University, Turkey, researchers found lavender oil to be effective in wound healing. It’s also effective in the treatment of alopecia areata, a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body. Read more at MedicalNewsToday.com

In addition to helping with wounds and alopecia, lavender has been shown to help fight acne and heal acne scars. Lastly, lavender aids in digestion, pain relief (sore muscles) and circulation issues. We told you it was a lot!

Aromatherapy benefits

Feeling a little jittery? Or maybe you suffer from depression? Need to relax so you can get a good night’s sleep? Lavender can help with that – not to mention it’s a great mosquito repellent too. Talk about a powerful scent! The gentle scent of lavender calms nervous exhaustion and restlessness while also increasing mental activity. It has a well-researched impact on the autonomic nervous system, which is why it’s frequently used as a treatment for insomnia. Read more at OrganicFacts.net

Lavender is one of the most common scents used for laundry detergent for these reasons. We’ve become big DIY fans so here’s a recipe to make your own lavender scented laundry detergent. It’s easy and lasts for 200 loads!

Lavender laundry soap recipe

• Detergent Ingredients:
• 4 cups of Borax
• 4 cups of washing soda
• 2 cups of baking soda
• 2 bars of Lavender Castille soap
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil

Tools and Storage:

• food processor with grater attachment and S-blade, or a grater
• large container for mixing
• measuring cup
• gloves
• mask
• large spoon for mixing
• container for holding finished detergent
• scoop for measuring out detergent

Steps:

1. Chop your soap. This will help you feed the soap into the food processor. If you’re grating by hand, skip this step.
2. Grate the soap. Use the grater attachment first. Going straight to the S-blade with the chunks causes the blade to catch on the soap.
3. Process the grated soap. Dump the grated soap into the bowl and switch to the S-blade. Pulse until soap is as fine as you can get it.
4. Measure out Borax, washing soda, and baking soda into bowl. Add processed soap and stir. I thought a whisk did the job well. Use a mask and gloves so you don’t breathe in the dust or irritate your skin by touching the ingredients at full strength.
5. Mix in essential oil. Use 20 drops. The scent is strong in the detergent, but not so much in the laundry once it’s done. Add more or less to suit your preference. Or use a different essential oil altogether! None is also fine.
6. Store in an airtight container.
7. Enjoy! Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. HE machine-safe. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften clothes. Shake container periodically to redistribute contents.

For step by step instructions with pictures, visit ApartmentTherapy.com

This blog was originally published on Mattressdepotusa.com and does not provide medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on mattressdepotusa.com. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.