Out of all the plants in Mother Nature's garden, lavender is the crown jewel. It is one of the safest and most widely used of them all – a modern day multi-tasker. It is fragrant, colorful, edible while at the same time both stimulating and soothing. Its therapeutic benefits are well documented. Every home and spa should keep a bottle of lavender within reach. 

Lavender oil's treasure chest of antiseptic and therapeutic properties comes from its natural alcohol linalool, ketones, esters, and aldehydes content; which exceptionally complement one another. Linalool kills bacteria and viruses as well as helps to heal skin irritations including burns, wounds, acne, and sores. The aldehydes in lavender are responsible for its distinct aroma and soothing properties. The ketones in lavender effectively reduce pain and inflammation and help induce sleep. The esters in lavender reduce soreness and swelling, fight fungal infections, and prevent scarring.

Medicinal Uses: Lavender is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring while it also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly. Almost all parts of the plant have a medicinal value which makes it a truly indispensable oil.

Some Quick Home Remedies:

Insomnia
Mix ten drops of lavender oil to four ounces of water into a spray bottle, lightly spray your pillow and let dry.

Minor skin irritations
Mix three drops of lavender oil with one quart of distilled water and dab on affected area daily.

Cosmetic Uses:
Its versatility makes it suitable for all skin types, including a couperose complexion. Lavender oil is a cell regenerator that helps prevent scarring and stretch marks, it has a reputation for slowing down the appearance of wrinkles. It can be used on sun-damaged skin, wounds, rashes, skin infections, varicose veins, and anything swollen. There is no better remedy for burns than lavender. This is one of the few oils that can be used undiluted to stop the itching of insect bites and on small, first-degree burns several times during the day for treatment.

Emotional Benefits:
Lavender has a balancing effect on the emotions, it both relaxes and stimulates, depending on the dosage. Quite a few studies on lavender have shown that the scent alone helps counter insomnia, depression, mental stress, anger, anxiety, improves concentration levels, one's mood, and memory.

Quick tip
Anytime you are feeling a little overwhelmed or stressed simply add a few drops of lavender oil to a cotton square or piece of gauze and hold it close to your nose and take several deep inhalations. Store it in a plastic bag to use again later.

Culinary Uses:
Using lavender in foods may seem odd when one first thinks about it, but it is not much different than adding mint or rosemary to other recipes. Lavender adds a little delicate surprise that makes your palate sit up and pay attention. All lavenders are edible, though the nuances of flavor vary widely.

As you can see there is no limit to the myriad uses of lavender. Okay, maybe it cannot do everything on your wish list, but it can do quite a bit. From medicine cabinet to the kitchen cabinet the power of lavender truly makes it a "miracle herb." There are few plants in the world that are as naturally powerful and beneficial as the lavender plant. These plants and their wonderful blossoms have healed many for centuries. Its popularity continues to grow and likely will for generations to come.