Happy Equinox! Mabon, or the Fall Equinox, heralds my favorite season…Autumn. The air gets crispy, the trees become a riot of color, and snuggling up with a warm mug of tea and bowl of soup just seem right. (Ok, in all honesty tea and soup are always right for me regardless of season, ha!)
I love the idea that if the whole entire planet can be in balance today then certainly I can too. Few herbs help cultivate balance better than Lavender.
While there are many delightful aromatic and ornamental varieties of Lavender, therapeutically we use Lavandula angustifolia. Energetically Lavender is warming and its taste is pungent and bitter. It is aromatic, strongly antimicrobial, pain relieving, helps to ease the nervous system, and aids digestion. I’ve witnessed Lavender do wonders at soothing tension or stress-related headaches, calm anxiety, and promote relaxation and sleep. There’s ample research showing that simply smelling Lavender can decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol (stress hormone) levels. I like to include Lavender in nearly all my first-aid herbal preparations due to its antimicrobial and analgesic qualities. History is rife with examples of lavender washes being used to aid healing in issues from burns to episiotomy.
Magically, Lavender invites love, protection, sleep, peace, and happiness. It was believed that the plant was so powerful that if gazed upon when sad the heart would become light and happiness would be restored.
It is generally considered safe and when properly used can be of aid to babies, the elderly, and everyone in-between. It is important to remember that Lavender essential oil is incredibly powerful and should be used properly. I recommend diluting it into a carrier oil for topical application and only consumed under the guidance of a well-trained aromatherapist. Unfortunately, most Lavender found in garden shops or commercial florists is likely sprayed with chemicals so please know your sources!
I wish you all a sense of balance and peace this equinox. If you feel a tad ‘wobbly’ perhaps Lavender can be of aid!
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