Traditional medicines understood the Benefit of Sleep Synching.Chinese Traditional Medicine and the Ayurvedic Medicine of India both have a body clock that recognizes the ebb and flow of nautures energy thoughout the day. Both systems and Alchemy of the ancient Greeks considered nature and ourselves to be composed of five elements. As with any system that breaks things down into parts to understand the whole these Traditional Medicines used these five elements throughout their health care and medicinal knowledge to work in harmony with nature and promote vitality. In Ayurveda the five elements were condensed to three Doshas - the Tridoshas and the Ayurveda (Science of Life) is a vast understanding of plants, foods, bodily functions and natural timings that permeate the earth and us. TridoshasAyurvedic Body ClockHarmonising our sleep, wake, action and eating with the vital energies of the earth and sun allow our body the best opportunity for optimal function. Varieties:
Origin: Middle EastDescription:A perennial evergreen sub-shrub belonging to the Labiatae family, lavender boasts narrow grey/green leaves and elongated stems adorned with mauve, purple, pink, or white flowers. Plant Parts Used: Flower heads.Properties:Lavender is a versatile herb with a myriad of properties including soothing, relaxant, carminative, sedative, local anaesthetic, antiseptic, disinfectant, analgesic, antidepressant, insecticide, deodorant, stimulant, tonic, skin rejuvenating, and stress relief. Metaphysical Associations:Embracing metaphysical realms, lavender is linked to Yin, Moon, Blue, throat, Mercury (clears and relaxes the mind), Jupiter (emotional benefactor), creativity, devotion, chastity, and male aphrodisiac. Spiritual Qualities:Beyond the physical, lavender embodies spiritual qualities, signifying caring and nurturing. It serves as a protective force for the Earth mother, a relaxant in psychic work, drawing spiritual energy into the physical realm and gently dispelling negativity. Medicinal Uses:Lavender finds its place in various medicinal applications such as steeping as tea (drink no more than 2 cups per day), bathing/hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and topical use for burns, minor skin abrasions, respiratory ailments, and muscular aches and pains. Body Care:Lavender extends its aromatic touch to body care, featuring in perfumery, face/hand creams, body lotions, soaps, bath bombs/oils/salts/vinegars/bubbles, shower gel, shampoos, and talcum. Home Crafts:For crafting enthusiasts, lavender offers a canvas for creativity. Fresh or dried flowers, pot-pourri, closet/moth repellent sachets, sleep pillows, heat pillows, scented bags/paper, incense, and even furniture polish and varnishes are just a few of the possibilities. Note: English and Lavandin varieties dry best. Culinary Delights:Lavender transcends its aromatic allure into culinary realms, enhancing delights such as lavender butter, biscuits, sugar, flavored honey, and ice-cream with its sweet and fragrant notes. Cautionary Note:Cautionary Note: Exercise caution with broader-leaved varieties, as they tend to have a high camphor oil content, making them unsuitable for internal use. True English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has less than 1% camphor oil content, ensuring safety for internal consumption. When in doubt, seek organically certified products to avoid chemical residue and consult a Naturopath, especially during pregnancy or lactation/breastfeeding. In the GardenLavender, known for its ease of cultivation, thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Versatile across varieties, most lavenders are frost-hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making them a delightful addition to any garden. Lukas and Lavender:Shairin©7/2005. |
AuthorShairin - Naturopath and Usui Reiki Master/Teacher Ba. Health Science (Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Medical Systems - Naturopathy) is passionate about accurate natural medicine advice and teaching people how to enhance their natural health care in daily life. Categories
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March 2025
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