"I do use lavendar oil alot - sometimes in the bath, and sometimes directly on the skin. I have heard it is wonderful for burns and insect bites as well."
It does work well on burns; I've used it a lot. My favorite combo is lavender an geranium/rose geranium with a carrier oil.
The key with essential oils are to use high quality brands like Oshadhi that aren't adulterated. Wild Oats use to carry this brand - they are one of the better ones on the market for EOs.