Day One Hundred and Ten -Lavender Girl

Dear all,

Today I went back to nature on a blisteringly hot day and harvested our Lavender Field. I have already invested two summers worth of loving care in our lavender plants so feel deeply connected with it (I constantly fantasize about rolling around in the lavender with my beautiful man, a picnic hamper of papaya and raspberries and a flask full of Margarita)

We harvest the lavender for a number of reasons but aside from being the herbal equivalent of valium, we use it for the production of 'apple-lavender jelly'. Linda and I have had a constant battle with this recipe which is fairly arduous and involves 'sieving' the jelly over-night and allsorts of very complicated things like that [not good for me]. The first try saw me mistaking the infused jelly for spent meat fat and pouring it nonchalantly into the compost. The second try saw Linda accidently combining the lavender infusion with a boiling chicken carcus whilst chatting with me over a glass of shiraz

Yep, we have been through the mill with our lavender jelly. But I am determined to make it work this year. It is important to cut the lavender when it is in bud, not when in bloom, to retain the beneficial effects of the plant. We had almost missed the boat ( inn=busy) but I managed to snatch 20 minutes today and snip away at a couple of thousand lavender stalks and bring home 7 baskets full.

Lavender has such a wealth of health. Check out this joyous website, they pop in all the major benefits of La Lavande, it's wonderful: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil.html

I also love the nice lady in a robe

Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.

good for trivia night

Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.

good for Mac

Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. A regularmassage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.

good for Skyla ( pregnant horse)

Urine Flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders as it stimulates urine production. It helps in restoring hormonal balance and reduces cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces any associated cramps.

good for the entire female population

Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapour or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.

good for Chris ( The all-seeing-eye of the inn and working today despite having quite severe bronchitis)

Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.

good for the entire male and female population

Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.

good for children under the age of 6

Blood Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation. It lowers blood pressure and is used for hypertension.

good for everyone with a job that involves deadlines

Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic,flatulence, vomiting and diarrhoea.

good for those that have to fart a lot

Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

good for everyone

Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhoea. It is also effective against insect bites. The oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.

As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.

Its magical. Use Lavender everyone, it will bring balance to the force.

And in other news:

1. Mac Update

After he 'single-handedly' managed to 'chew' through his metal cage, Linda found Mac replacement head gear due to the deep rooted and very valid concern for the Guinea Hens' safety. We have 3/4 guineas currently pottering around the inn and are hoping the forth is nestled away safe somewhere sitting on a batch of eggs. Mac must not get wind of this or everyone will die.