I'm going to talk about my very special oil – Lavender Oil .

Now some of you might think of grandma and her lavender oil. Grandma was clever. Lavender oil is one of the most perfectly balanced oils there is. It can be very uplifting or it can calm you down when you are feeling upset or can't sleep.

The only contraindications are NOT to use it if you are pregnant or if you have LOW blood pressure. Studies are still going on regarding the safety during pregnancy and there are contradictions in this area so I always err on the safe side.

If you have HIGH blood pressure it can help to lower it. If you rub it on your neck and shoulders it can relax them and also take away pain. It can help you to sleep.

It is a very powerful oil. During the Black Death in the 14 th and 16 th Centuries in Europe the only people who weren't affected were those in the perfume industry who were working with Lavender Oil.

It is also great for insect bites.

The one I recommend, and it is well priced, is the brand “The Oil Garden”. This can be purchased from your health food store or sometimes the chemist also carries stock. This particular brand does not have to be mixed with a carrier oil so is safe to use directly on the skin.

If you have pain or just need to relax give it a try.

I also put some drops in my oil burner. I have an electric one so I don't have to dilute the oil.

Another way to use it is to put 6 drops into a tiny amount of milk and put it into a lovely relaxing bath.

Why the milk – If you don't, the drops just sit on the top of the water, but mixed with a tiny bit of milk it disperses throughout the bath. Light some candles and lay back and relax. Some quiet music would be nice also.

Perhaps some rose petals.... Hmmm.