Lavender Oil (8 page)

                               
  
Put a few drops of lavender on a tissue for inhalation throughout the day, especially at the onset of an attack.

                               
  
Use lavender in vaporizers and in the bath at home as a general precautionary measure.

                               
  
Other oils of benefit: frankincense, rose, geranium and chamomile.

– see
Children’s Ailments

– see
Infectious Illnesses

A bruise indicates that the tissue is damaged beneath the skin’s surface as a result of a bump or pressure to that area. Applying lavender oil reduces inflammation, heals cell tissues and speeds up the healing process.

                               
  
Apply a cold compress to ease inflammation, then dab a drop or two of neat lavender oil onto the affected area.

                               
  
Arnica ointment and tea tree are also very useful bruise remedies.

Burns can be caused by dry heat or moist heat (scalds), and are often very painful. Minor burns respond extremely well to treatment with essential oils as they reduce the pain, prevent blistering or infection and promote healing.

Severe burns, especially if accompanied by shock, require immediate medical attention.

Used by the French in wartime; lavender oil is increasingly being employed for treating burns in hospitals within the UK.

                              
Wide superficial burn on the outside of the left thigh caused by mustard gas. Burned 8th September in the Aisne. Since 2nd December, small, ulcerated, excoriated, bloody spots have appeared. Application of lavender from day one and normal dressing. Healed 31st December.
⁶

                               
  
Immediately put the affected area under the cold tap for 5 minutes, then apply neat lavender oil to the site of the burn. Continue to apply neat at least 3 times a day until the skin has healed.

                               
  
Alternatively, apply a water-based gel to which 5–10 per cent lavender oil has been added.

                               
  
Other measures: tea tree essential oil is also a very effective burn remedy when used in the same manner as recommended for lavender oil.

A carbuncle is a collection of boils caused by
staphyloccus aureaus
– characterized by a painful node and covered with tight red skin that later becomes thick and discharges pus. Carbuncles are commonly found on the upper back, nape of the neck or the buttocks.

                               
  
Keep the area clean and apply neat lavender oil to the site of the problem 3 times a day.

                               
  
Add 8–10 drops of lavender to the bath water as a disinfectant measure.

                               
  
Tea tree oil can be used in this same manner, or in combination with lavender oil.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection – common during childhood – which is caused by the
herpes zoster
virus. A fever develops and itchy spots
appear in crops, progressing to blisters and then to crusts. Zona (shingles) is another condition caused by this virus.