Over the years lavender essential oil has become my cures-all-miracle-product whether it’s a few drops in my bath, dotted on my pillow at night to help me nod off or applied directly to blemishes as a spot treatment.

You can apply lavender oil undiluted to the skin; I often use it as a natural perfume or I rub some into my scalp and hair to freshen it up in between washes. As well as being anti-bacterial it’s also a powerful anti-fungal so it’s great for treating bites and fungal conditions such as athlete’s foot.

To read more on the gazillions of other benefits lavender oil has to offer visit the Organic Facts website:

• The health benefits of lavender essential oil

Please note that lavender oil is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding ladies.

Miaroma pure lavender oil, £4.99 for 10ml

Natural credentials: 100% natural pure lavender oil

Available from: I buy Miaroma from my local Holland & Barrett. They also stock an organic version by Dr Organic and base oils such as almond oil, in case you want to dilute the lavender into a soothing massage oil. Alternatively, Essential Care’s lavender oil is certified organic by the Soil Association and costs £4.50 for 10ml, plus £2.95 p&p.