Lavender has been shown to decrease cortisol, which in turn decreases anxiety and increases calm. An example of this is a study reported in "Early Human Development Magazine" on mothers and infants. The mothers and infants took baths in either lavender oil water or just water. The ones in lavender oil had decreased cortisol. The babies even fell asleep with significantly less difficulty than the ones who did not use the oil. The good news about this is that making an infused lavender oil yourself is easy and inexpensive. You, too, can reap the benefits of lavender.
Things You'll Need:
Lavender buds
High-quality almond or olive oil
Two jars
Strainer
Rock or something to weight down the lavender
Instructions
STEP1. Fill a jar with lavender buds. Pour the high-quality oil over the buds. Fill it full enough to cover the buds completely. If any lavender meets the air, it will become moldy. Put some sort of weight on the lavender to ensure it does not rise above the oil.
STEP2. Let the jar sit for at least a week, though even up to a month is will work. The longer it sits, the more the lavender will infuse into the oil. Shake the jar at least once a week to make sure they remain mixed well. Always remember to make sure the lavender is completely covered by the oil.
STEP3. After the time has passed that you have allotted for the infusion to occur, use the strainer to strain all the lavender and sediment from the oil. Put the oil in the clean jar. You now have your own infused lavender oil to use for baths or massages.
This is one of my all time favorite's.
ENJOY!!!
