Lavender can ease pain

Detroit Free Press

Lavender is an herb used to treat everything from depression and stress to burns and bug bites.

For first-aid or other medicinal purposes, you can use lavender one of two ways: Steep dried flowers in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and drink the resulting liquid, or use lavender essential oil products and rub them on the skin or drop them into a bath.

Does it really work?

The August 2003 Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource said:

"Among the claims made for lavender oil are that it's antibacterial, antifungal, a muscle relaxant, sedative, antidepressive and effective for burns and insect bites. Although many of these claims remain unsubstantiated, there are both scientific and clinical data that support the use of lavender to calm and relax."

Other uses:

• Burns. Apply lavender oil to burn.

• Insomnia. Apply a drop of oil to the edge of a pillowcase.

• Stress and fatigue. Put 20 drops of oil in a bath or put 10 drops into a hot footbath and soak for 30 minutes. You also can add oils to a car diffuser to reduce stress during long commutes.

• Sunburn. Mix 15 drops of oil to 1 tablespoon of distilled water and apply.

• Bruises. Add five drops of oil to a bowl of cold water. Apply with a washcloth.

• Insect bites and bee stings. Put one drop of oil on the bite or sting.

Source: "The Medical Adviser, Second Edition, The Complete Guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments" (Time Life, $39.95).