Ingredient Spotlight: Lavender

As you probably already know, lavender is a beautiful, aromatic plant which scent is used in a variety of products. In aromatherapy, lavender is very calming and known to reduce anxiety and stress. It's also quite a popular ingredient in skincare for a variety of reasons.

In the early 1900s, a French chemist by the name of Rene-Maurice Gattefosse discovered the virtues of Lavender by accident, more specifically, a lab accident. After burning his hand badly, he plunged it into the nearest vat of liquid, which happened to be extracted lavender oil. The pain of the burn went away almost immediately, and later he was quite amazed how quickly it had healed. Thus began Gattefosse's fascination with the healing power of herbs and to this day he is said to be the father of Aromatherapy.

Aside from soothing and healing burns, Lavender also helps heal Eczema, acne, cuts, scrapes, blisters, bowls, even abscesses. It is also great in the reduction of redness and inflammation.

If you were only to purchase a few essential oils, Lavender should be in the top 3. I will mention my other 2 on a later entry.