Lavender is one of my favorite essential oils.  It is a lovely fragrance and it has a wide variety of healing benefits.  It is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, decongestant, sedative, nurturing for the skin and more.  Its uses include;

• reducing anxiety and fear
• Relieving headache
• Healing bug bites, bee stings, and burns
• Promoting sleep
• Easing menstrual cramps

Most essential oils need to be blended with a carrier oil because used alone they are too harsh on the skin.  Lavender can be used by itself. However, I like to use it with a number of oils as it blends nicely and adds a calming effect; something most of us can use.