Lavender, it’s not just a pretty face, here are 5 ways to use Lavender oil as a natural remedy that you probably didn't know about.
In Croatia, you can find Lavender in abundance in many regions, particularly in central Dalmatia due to its combination of hills, rich soil and rocky slopes. Hvar in particular is famous for its Lavender fields and production there is rated among the highest quality throughout Europe. It is ecologically produced – planted and harvested by hand, so it gets our green thumb of approval.
Lavender begins blooming at the end of June into July, something we highly recommend seeing if you are fortunate enough to be on the island of Hvar at the time. It is also a great sustainable holiday idea, rent some bikes and head up to the stunning sight of the Lavender fields in all their glorious hues of blues and purples, high atop the island of Hvar.
As well as making for a wonderful day excursion, when you buy Lavender oil as a souvenir, not only are you supporting the local economy, you walk away with an extremely versatile natural remedy – with its soothing, rejuvenating and antiseptic properties.
So, we thought you should know a little more about it
5 ways to use Lavender Oil as a Natural Remedy
- Bee sting or insect bites
While you won’t find Croatia swarming with mosquitos, they do appear from time to time, or, particularly around the island Mljet, you may come across bees – the island Mljet actually derives its name from the Greek word ‘Melita’, which means honey. So, if you do happen to get a bite or sting, simply put a drop of Lavender oil on the area to reduce itching, irritation or swelling.
2. Minor burns or cuts
Have a slight accident while you are outside on the “gradela” (grill) or showing off your filleting skills on local fish? No problem, add 2- 3 drops of Lavender oil on minor burns to decrease pain, reduce redness and swelling; adding it to small cuts also helps to stop bleeding and kill bacteria.
3. Helps to calm and aids sleep
With the beautiful scent of Lavender filling the air in Hvar, it is no wonder I always feel extremely relaxed and inspired whenever I visit. To help calm or aid with sleep, place a few drops in your hand and inhale deeply; rub on wrists, feet or temples, or add a few drops of the essential oil on your pillow in the evening to help lull you to sleep.
4.Nausea or motion sickness
The Adriatic Sea is generally calm and flat, but, every now and then “Bura” (strong local North East wind) can blow and pick up the sea. So, if you plan on getting around by boat or ferry, place a drop of Lavender oil on the end of your tongue or behind your ears to help reduce nausea or motion sickness.
5. Dry skin or sunburnt lips
Croatia has an incredible amount of sunshine and Hvar island takes the cake, averaging around 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. So, if the sun gets the best of you, rub some Lavender oil on your skin; you can do the same with sunburnt lips.
Croatia has many charms and offers so much more than meets the eye. We encourage you to always buy natural and local products and to choose sustainable holiday ideas whenever possible.
