Lavender Oil (17 page)

                               
  
After arriving, if possible, take a long bath using 8–10 drops of lavender – this helps readjust the physiological and psychological rhythms.

                               
  
To help revive body and mind, use a stimulating oil such as rosemary (5–10 drops) in the bath.

See also
Fatigue

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see
Pregnancy and Childbirth

Laryngitis is characterized by a sore throat, hoarseness or a temporary loss of voice brought on by an infection such as bronchitis or flu, or due to overstraining the vocal chords.

                               
  
Add 5–10 drops of lavender to a glass of warm water, mix well and gargle. Repeat at least 2 or 3 times a day.

                               
  
For a dry cough, make up a concentrated chest rub by mixing 5 drops of lavender with 5 drops of sandalwood in 1 dessertspoon of carrier oil and apply to the chest and throat. Repeat at least twice a day.

                               
  
Other oils of benefit: tea tree, eucalyptus and benzoin.

See also
Infectious Illnesses

Leucorrhoea is an inflammation of the vagina caused by a proliferation of unwanted bacteria or fungi, which can have a variety of causes. Symptoms often include a thick white or yellow discharge and severe itching of the vaginal area.

Pruritis or itching is an irritating condition which generally accompanies any type of mild vaginal infection.

                               
  
As a sitz bath, add 8–10 drops of lavender oil to a bowl or shallow bath of warm water and soak for 5–10 minutes.

                               
  
Bathe daily, adding 8–10 drops of lavender to the bath water as a general antiseptic measure.

                               
  
Make up a 1 per cent lavender ointment – using a hypo-allergenic bland cream base (see instructions
pages
). Apply to the affected area as required.

                               
  
In addition, avoid tight clothing, nylon underwear and harsh bubble baths; take garlic capsules and keep tea, coffee, alcohol and spices to a minimum. Bergamot, sandalwood and especially tea tree may also be used to treat mild vaginal infections in the same manner as lavender.

See also
Cystitis

Lice are small blood-sucking insects which cause the scalp to become itchy and uncomfortable; they are a common and recurrent problem among schoolchildren. Most establishments suffer from outbreaks from time to time since lice can pass very quickly from one head of hair to the next irrespective of hair type. The lice also lay tiny greyish-white eggs (nits) which attach themselves firmly to the hair, usually near to the scalp.

Both lice and eggs are quite hard to see and can be difficult to remove. Lavender oil kills lice, but not their eggs, so it must be used regularly until all the eggs have either hatched or been removed. Although the tea tree remedy requires more persistence than commercial chemical treatments, it actually improves the quality of the hair rather than damaging it.

                               
  
At the start of an outbreak use a 2–3 per cent lavender oil shampoo on a daily basis to prevent contamination (see instructions
page
).

                               
  
Another tip for lice prevention is eating a garlic pearl once a day.