We all know that lavender has many benefits, like relieving stress and making a home smell fragrantly nice. But, this little herb packs a healthy punch as well and can be added to your daily routine. Lavender can be used in a soothing warm bath, as a flavorful herbal tea, or applied topically in the form of lavender oil to alleviate headaches, back pain, and even muscular tension. Additionally, lavender has also been known to reduce allergic reactions and inflammation of the throat.

Since lavender has the ability to relieve stress and enhance a calming state-of-mind, this herb can help people get a better night’s sleep. Simply add a scented candle, potpourri or essential oil to your pillow to help you fall asleep.

To help with chest congestion, you can make a lavender compress, which is then placed on the chest. For best results, be sure to inhale the steam of the lavender, or you can cover your head with a regular towel and hang your head over a bowl of hot lavender tea and breathe in the vapors to improve breathing.

How to make your own lavender tea:

•    Two tablespoons of dried lavender
•    Add to a cup of hot water
•    Cover for about 10 minutes
•    Rinse and then serve

It is important to know that lavender oil should never be placed on the skin without being diluted in water first.

We all have them laying around the house – in our cabinets, drawers and shoe boxes. But, what do you do with your nail polish that just sits there? Well, I found a great article about just that! You don’t want to wait for your nail polish to fall over and leak everywhere, and you don’t want to trash it. So what do you do with the colors that are past their prime?

Instead of just throwing away good polish and money – try some of these suggestions. I found that some where very helpful, like:

• Use to stop runs on your stockings. Use clear nail polish for anything that will be showing; darker colors for runs hidden under clothes.
• Dab on to the end of frayed shoelaces or string to keep from unraveling.
• Use to mark work levels on measuring cups or buckets.
• Use as a carpenter’s mark on wood or other projects.
• Give to kids for art projects.
• Use to hide chips in ceramics and pottery.
• Use to mark your desired water temperature on the thermostat.
• Dab on warts. Disclaimer: I read several instances where this is said to work – I don’t know that for sure.
• Use to touch up worn spots on leather furniture, clothing or shoes.
• Paint over screws, especially those on sinks, tubs, toilets and outside fixtures, to prevent rusting.

And that is only half the list! And just think if you are a nail technician – the amount of bottles you might have could be endless! You could even donate some to friends and family so they can enjoy the features of nail polish!