I remember years ago when I did yoga in the basement of a Methodist Church in Wallingford with Bill Mitchel. Maybe some of you Lavender Seattle WAuse to go there too. It was magical. Bill was one of the founders of Bastyr. I never met John Bastyr but I met the other founder and author Joe Pizzorno many times. He was the school president when I was there. Bill was much cooler. Picture a healthy, balding, pretty fit grandpa. He believed in nature as healer and was truly gifted as a teacher.

I’d come to class and he’d be in his work clothes then strip down to his undershirt and boxers.  He’d cue some awesome, inspiring hippy music while we all settled in. We waited in relaxed anticipation when it was finally quiet and he’d close his eyes and start to grunt, sigh and talk. “Grandmothers, grandfathers……..”grunt, pause. “Moon and Sun…” Sitting cross-legged and gently but erratically swaying. This is how it always started and he went “somewhere else.” Opening to another world and taking us with him. After the yoga was done he’s always pass around an herbal tincture, tell us about its function, and invite us to taste then meditate on the spirit of the plant.

I’ve used Lavender Essential Oil clinically for many years. Heck, I even used it during the birth of my son! I’ve been amazed at the effects I’ve seen it have to relieve stress, reduce pain, soothe skin and just bring us into the moment. Powerful but gentle. When I journeyed to the plant myself she came as a Grandmother. I really like that image because we are often disconnected from our extended family but Lavender can deliver a big grandmotherly hug whenever you need one. I bought a bottle on a whim to pack for my birth. My doula mentioned that many laboring women find Lavender or Orange essential oils helpful. I thought “oh what the heck.” I swear every contraction I had I was huffing that stuff. It really made a difference for me.

I combined Lavender with Eucalyptus in our bath salts to soften the energizing quality of the Eucolyptus and add more stress relieving effects. Simple but effective and smells oh so good. Eucalyptus on its own is pain relieving, immune boosting and energizing. Adding the Lavender it calms down a bit, but leaves you feeling refreshed and relaxed.