The many benefits of growing lavender

We always hear about vitamins we should be taking and remedies we should be consuming to help us get the most from our health, but sometimes it’s simply inhaling or submerging ourselves in something that can help us reap benefits instead. Lavender has been known for thousands of years as being a relaxant and stress reliever. But did you also know it helps us sleep better and can assist in giving us some relief from PMS? Here are three more uses for lavender that you may not have known before.

Insomnia Remedy

Some believe that lavender is an excellent insomnia remedy, when a few drops are placed on your pillow or you relax in a lavender bath before sleep. Sprinkle 5 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil under the water in the bath as the tub fills to allow the oils to disperse.

Easy and Effective Insect Repellent

Add 10 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil to your favorite unscented cream and apply before heading outdoors and it is believed to be a great insect repellent.

PMS Relief

Research has shown that inhaling the scent of lavender for ten minutes can have a significant effect on the nervous system of women suffering from premenstrual symptoms. It works to decrease the feelings of depression and confusion. You can place a few drops of lavender essential oil on a handkerchief and inhale periodically or breathe deeply from a lavender plant growing indoors or outdoors to alleviate mood-related PMS symptoms.