Lavender

Lavender (L. angustifolia and others) is a shrubby flowering bush indigenous to mountainous regions of western Mediterranean and is considered have been first domesticated by Arabians, then later spread across Europe by Romans. Lavender was brought to North America by Pilgrims and was one of first garden plants imported to Australia in 19th century. It can be found in abundance in wild in many parts of world as well as being garden grown in a sunny, well-drained area, preferably in mildly alkaline soil. The smaller species will also grow quite easily in well-drained pots. This popular flowering herb’s essential oil has been demonstrated to depress central nervous system in a manner comparable to pharmaceutical tranquilizers.

Lavender is very useful and effective in its usage as a sleep aid. In addition to use of lavender flowers in a brewed tea, it may also used in form of an essential oil distilled from leaves, flowers and stems of plant. Lavender oil can be applied topically to relax muscles or its aroma can be inhaled for a calming effect. Rubbing lavender essential oil on feet is a particularly effective method for application, as anything on feet is absorbed quickly.

It is widely used in aromatherapy and can be added to bathwater, dispersed in a vaporizer or simply dabbed on a tissue and breathed in. The essential oil leaves and flowers can also be employed in a sachet underneath pillow. It should be noted that allergic contact dermatitis has been documented in some individuals applying lavender products externally.

To safely detect an allergic reaction it is always a good idea to do a spot test before administering a full application. Also note that not all varieties of lavender are tranquilizing — some, such as Spanish lavender, can have just opposite effect. Lavender Mint Tea (One serving) Ingredients: * 1 teaspoon fresh lavender flowers (or 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender flowers) * 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried mint) * 1 cup boiling water * Rosemary, lemon balm or lemon verbena, and rose geranium may also be added for an interesting multi-herb herbal tea.

If you’ve ever experienced kidney stones, or you are experiencing them for first time, you know how excruciating they can be. Perhaps you’re not sure if you’ve had them before but recall experiencing some mild or even serious discomfort during urination, a dull ache or sharp pain in your lower back, side or groin area. Maybe you’ve gone to bathroom and were shocked, even scared to see blood in your urine, especially when you’re in so much pain. What’s wrong? These are all common symptoms and signs of kidney stones, also known as renal stone disease. The US National Institute of Health estimates that 1 in 10 people develop kidney stones at some point in their life. Researchers at USNIH have found that those who live near large bodies of water (the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, etc.) are more likely to develop kidney stones, as well as those who live in “soft” water areas (where water contains low levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals). Also, people who come from a family with a history of renal stone disease are more likely to develop stones because certain genetic conditions that promote stone development can be inherited from parents.