Vintage Infused

This week I will dedicate my blog to inform you of the benefits of organic herbs and spa items in your day to day life.

Today is about the benefits of Lavender!

 

Skin Conditions...

Use this soothing purple herb to calm your stomach, mind and skin.

"Lavender oil can help scalp conditions," says Francesca Fusco, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. To make Dr. Fusco's gentle dandruff remedy: Wet hair with warm water and towel dry. Next, grab a mug and mix 15 drops of lavender essential oil in 2 tablespoons olive or almond oil. Microwave for about 10 seconds or until it feels warm. Massage the oil into your scalp, pop on a shower cap, let set for an hour, then shampoo out. "It may take several treatments to see benefits," Dr. Fusco notes.

Bust Bloating...

Bloating and poor digestion can result from an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria (which can happen when you take antibiotics). "The polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in lavender can help reduce the 'bad' bacteria in your gut," says Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., author of "Doctor's Detox Diet" and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

For its de-puff perks, sprinkle dried culinary lavender onto Greek yogurt (also gut friendly).

It HELPS you RELAX...

You may have heard that breathing in the smell of lavender makes you drowsy; turns out, it's true. Research shows the scent lowers heart rate and blood pressure, putting you in a relaxed state. To set yourself up for zzz's, put a handful of dried lavender in a vase on your nightstand -- or use a diffuser with lavender oil.

But note: "Lavender isn't a game-changer unless you practice other sleep-promoting habits," says Joseph Ojile, M.D., founder of Clayton Sleep Institute in St. Louis. Start to avoid caffeine 10 hours before bed, keep gadgets silent and turn in at the same time every night.

Calm Itchy Skin....

So you're a mosquito magnet? Get the itch out with lavender essential oil. "It's a natural anti-inflammatory, so it helps reduce itching, swelling, and redness," explains Naila Malik, M.D., a Texas-based dermatologist. Dab a drop or two on the area and wait about 15 minutes for it to seep in

(but stop if skin becomes more irritated).

Apply as needed every six to eight hours for the next 24 hours.

Healthy up your meals....

Add lavender's phytonutrients (good-for-you plant compounds) to any meal by using herbes de Provence (available at grocery stores). Sprinkle the lavender-based spice blend onto sauteed or grilled meats, poultry, vegetables and even whole-grain pilafs (barley, couscous, brown rice),

Dr. Gerbstadt suggests. Voila!

 

Oprah's favorite! Line your pillow with French lavender for sweet scented dreams or lightly scent a drawer or suitcase.

100% Linen, silk band, French lavender. Made in the USA.

16 x 22 / $32.00

Find items like these HERE from VintageInfused.com

 

Tomorrow we will discuss Cedar for Fall...

 

Vanessa