Essential oils have different base scents. You'd expect the herbaceous/camphoraceous "medicine-y" smelling ones to have therapeutic benefits. Yet, there are also some beautiful floral scents that have medicinal purposes, chief among them: Lavender.

Lavender is extremely versatile from its amazing regenerative healing capacity to use as a safe home cleaning option, making it the quintessential essential oil to keep on hand. 

Lavender is a very soft scent that also packs great value in its beautiful aroma. Lavender has become common, and its soothing properties are becoming familiar to most people. Although commercial room fresheners tout it, that doesn't mean they have the actual oil in their products. Be sure to read the labels to see if you are getting nature's product or a chemical imitation which does not have the properties listed below.

There are several types of lavender: French, Bulgarian and Exotic, each with subtle differences in the "notes" or aspects of fragrance.

Here are some of the things it's good for and reasons why it's one of my top go-to oils:

•  Great on burns - it immediately takes out the sting and prevents/reduces blistering. Apply directly to burn
•  For skin - acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, cuts
• For scalp, hair
• Aid for sleeping/insomnia, and depression (add 10 drops in 2 oz of water and mist on your pillow)
• Headaches/migraines

Here are some of it's properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-bacterial (can be diluted and used as a non-toxic spray cleaner too - great for counter tops)
• Mood balancing

In lavender, Mother Nature packages good medicine in a heavenly fragrance. Enjoy it. Let me know, what is your favorite use for lavender?

Remember, If you're going to use essential oils, do your research about how much and what dilution is best for the intend use, and be sure to buy only 100% essential oil. There are many books and classes on the subject. Jeanne Rose is a master aromatherapist and national author/teacher.
For local classes and high-quality oils, Aroma Terra in Phoenix, http://www.aromaterra.com is a great source.