Soothe & satisfy.

Called "blue gold" by the French, lavender matches its preciousness with a remarkable versatility. This delicately scented herb can relieve stress, treat burns and bug bites, clear up blemishes, promote sleep and of course, it makes a subtle, elegant perfume. "When you inhale lavender essential oil, it affects you on a psychological level and works as an antidepressant and calming agent," says Leyla Bringas, spokeswoman for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Bringas suggests simple, lavender-redolent home remedies for treating bug bites, burns, cuts or pimples, for tension-easing bath and for sleeping problems.