Sunburn

Due to its excellent healing and analgesic properties, lavender can provide instant relief from heat rash or red and sore skin – it can also prevent blistering.

For large areas, make up a lotion using 12 drops of lavender oil in 1 tbsp of distilled water (or a water-based gel to which 5-10 per cent lavender oil has been added) and dab the area gently.

For severe patches of sunburn apply lavender oil neat. Other measures: soaking in a lukewarm bath containing 6-8 drops of lavender or chamomile roman is very soothing; tea tree is also a very effective sunburn remedy when used in the same manner as lavender.