Most people are familiar with lavender because it is hard to find a neighbourhood that doesn't have a lavender bush somewhere amongst it.
Here are five handy uses for this common medicinal herb:
Use a cooled infusion of lavender on sunburn to soothe and reduce the redness and prevent peeling.
It is also great for burns, as Rene-Maurice Gattefosse discovered in the early 1900's, when he burnt his hand badly and immediately plunged it into the nearest liquid that happened to be a tub of lavender essential oil and was subsequently amazed by the healing effect this had on the burn. The good thing is, you don't need a whole tub, just put 1 drop of essential oil on to a burn or bathe the burn with a cooled infusion of lavender buds.
Use lavender buds or a few drops of organic lavender essential oil in the bath to help alleviate headaches or anxiety, or to promote calmness and relaxation.
Place a bunch of lavender inside your pillow or a drop of lavender essential oil on to your pillow at night to relieve insomnia and to promote a deeper more restful night's sleep.
Drink lavender herb tea to help with digestive upsets, nausea or vomiting, and stress or anxiety. Use 1 tsp. of dried lavender or 2 tsps. of fresh lavender steeped in a cup of boiling water.