Lavender
Lavendula angustifolia

It has a pleasant fragrance. Lavender has been much cultivated since very early times and used for scenting bath water. Long used as a nerve tonic, cough cure and anti-paralytic, lavender is also renowned when used as a gargle or mouthwash. The essential oil of lavender, on external application, soothes headaches, reduces inflammation and calms angry joints and muscles.

The aromatic lavender flower has natural antiseptic and astringent properties that folk healers recognized centuries ago. Applied topically, lavender can soothe and protect sunburned skin and possibly prevent infection in blisters that often accompany more severe sunburns. Cool compresses soaked in strong lavender tea promote healing for sunburns as well as other minor skin problems. The lavender tea fights germs and tightens the skin, protecting it from further damage and encouraging healing.

In Germany, a tea made from dried lavender flowers is an officially recognized remedy for restlessness and difficulty sleeping. In aromatherapy, the distilled essential oil of lavender is widely recommended as a remedy for depressed mood, fatigue, stress, nervous tension, and anxiety.

For sunburn: Twice a day, apply cool compresses soaked in lavender tea, and then gently rub in a few drops of lavender oil that you have mixed with 1/2 ounce of almond oil (or another neutral oil). Alternatively, add a few drops of the oil to a cool bath.
For cuts, scrapes, and other minor skin wounds: When treating a cut or scrape, dab 1 or 2 drops of lavender oil on the wound two or three times a day, but only after thoroughly cleaning the wound and waiting for the bleeding to stop. You can also apply lavender tea compresses or add a few drops of lavender oil to a cool bath.

To make a tea, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers to 1 cup (8 ounces) of hot (but not boiling) water. Steep for five to 10 minutes, then strain. Drink as needed.

Alternatively, try eating a sugar cube laced with a maximum of four drops of the essential lavender oil.