Note from the editor -My how time flys! The holidays are already here. Although I'm sure you are busy as everyone is, take the time to enjoy this month's issue of Lavender Essentials. You'll find easy aromatherapy recipes and don't miss the coupon good for lavender products near the end of the newsletter. For more lavender information, visit us at what-about-lavender.com. Enjoy. - Jimmie

Lavender Tip of the Month - Mulch all around your lavender plant to prevent winter kill.

Feature Article - Here are 6 easy aromatherapy recipes for minor first aid and household use that you can mix for your family or yourself.

First, you'll need the "essence" of aromatherapy, essential oils. Some of the most common and versatile essential oils include:

• Lavender - A favorite due to its sweet smell and many healing properties
• Tea Tree Oil- A very common and versatile oil
• Peppermint Oil - It's not just for flavoring in candy and chewing gum
• Chamomile Oil - Many healing properties and safe for children too
• Eucalyptus Oil - Commonly used with coughs and colds

Disclaimer: The information and recipes in this article are intended to be used for common minor ailments and should never replace the advice of a physician.

First Aid - There are many easy aromatherapy recipes that can be used in common first aid situations.

1 Minor Cuts and Wounds - mix 5-6 drops of Lavender Oil and 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil in 2 cups of warm water. Bathe the wound twice daily until it scabs over.

2 Burns - After soaking in cold water for several minutes, apply 1-2 drops of lavender oil directly to the burn. Put 5-6 drops of lavender oil on a gauze pad and apply as a compress.

3 Dry Chapped Skin - Mix the following in 2 teaspoons of a base oil:

• 10 drops Chamomile Oil
• 10 drops Geranium Oil
• 5 drops Lavender Oil
• 5 drops Lemon Oil

Apply the mixture to your skin. It works great on your face and for chapped lips too.

4 Headache - Mix 1 drop of a base oil with 3 drops lavender oil and 1 drop peppermint or chamomile. Rub the combination on your temples and your neck at the base of the skull.

Household Recipes - While you might think of aromatherapy as only intended to treat ailments, it can also be used for household chores for effective cleaning and freshening. Try these easy aromatherapy recipes for creating a pleasant atmosphere while completing your housework.

5 Laundry - Here are a couple of ways you can get fresh smelling laundry. Add 4-5 drops of lavender oil to the fabric softener dispenser on your washing machine. Another alternative would be to apply 4-5 drops of lavender oil to a small rag and put it in your dryer as you are drying your clothes. Try the same method with your other favorite smelling essential oils.

6 Insect Repellent - Citronella is very effective at repelling most insects. Combining with some other essential oils makes it work even better while at the same time creating a wonderful air freshener. Try mixing 3 drops of peppermint oil with 10 drops of citronella, or as an alternative combine 5 drops of lavender oil with 5 drops of citronella. Place your mixture on a strip of cotton material or paper towel and hang in front of the window or place on the window sill to prevent insects from entering. You can also use cotton balls with the mixture and put them in the small crevices around the edge of the floor or cabinets where insects tend to hide. Essential oils for flea control can also be very effective on dogs.

Lavender Fun Fact - Lavender is the most popular oil used in aromatherapy.

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