Lavender essential oil is extracted from the fresh lavender flowers through steam distillation. It has been used in making perfumes in the ancient age. Now a day, It is frequently used in various forms such as aromatherapy oil, Beauty and hair care products etc. The market has a lot of beauty products infused with lavender oil. It has antioxidants, antimicrobial, sedative, calming and antidepressive properties. I love using this oil on my face, hair, as a migraine relief, as sleep promoter etc. which makes it a must-have essential oil for me. ♥
If you are a beginner and don’t know much about lavender essential oil then you must read this article to discover how this small bottle of magical oil can help you to improve your overall physical and mental health.
The benefits of lavender essential oil include the following:
Improves Mood and Reduces Stress:
It works wonders to treat issues like migraines, stress, anxiety, and depression because of its calming scent. A study published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice in 2013 found that supplementing with 80 mg capsules of lavender essential oil alleviates anxiety, sleep disturbance, and depression and there were no adverse side effects, drug interactions or withdrawal symptoms from using lavender oil.
To relieve stress and improve sleep, put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse oils while you sleep. You can also apply lavender oil topically behind your ears for the same benefits.
Heals Burns and Cuts:
Research shows that lavender oil speeds the healing of burns, cuts, scrapes, and wounds because of its antimicrobial compounds. When it is blended with other essential oils, like clove, cinnamon, and tea tree oil, its ability is enhanced.
For burn relief and to heal cuts, scrapes or wounds, mix 3–5 drops of lavender oil with ½ teaspoon of coconut oil and apply the mixture to the area of concern.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair:
Using lavender essential oil topically can help to improve a number of skin conditions, from canker sores to allergic reactions, acne and age spots. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to ease skin conditions and reverse signs of aging.
To use lavender oil for skin health, combine 3–4 drops with a ½ teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil and massage the mixture into the area of concern. You can also add few drops of lavender oil to your face or body wash.
I mix equal amount of lavender oil and grapeseed oil and apply it on skin twice a day, in the morning, right after you shower and in the night right before bed. This will help to reduce inflammation, acne, and signs of aging, like dark spots.
Studies also show that lavender essential oil, along with other essential oils like thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood, can significantly improve alopecia areata and hair loss when massaged into the scalp daily. It is useful for hair care because it has been shown to be very effective on lice, lice eggs, and nits.
Treats Acne:
Lavender essential oil inhibits the bacteria that cause the initial infection, helps to regulate some of the over-excretion of sebum by hormonal manipulation and can reduce the signs of scarring after the acne has begun to heal. Adding a small amount of lavender essential oil to other skin creams or ointments can greatly increase the potential for relief and healing.
Relieves Headaches:
If you are struggling with tension or migraine headaches, lavender oil is the best natural remedy for you because it induces relaxation and relieves tension. It works as a sedative, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant and calming agent.
According to a study published in European Neurology, people struggling with migraine headaches saw a significant reduction in pain when they inhaled lavender oil for 15 minutes. The difference between the control group and lavender oil treatment group was statistically significant. Of the 129 headache attack cases, 92 responded to lavender oil.
Simply rubbing the Lavender Essential Oil into the back of the neck and the temples or Diffusing lavender or inhaling it directly from the bottle can help to relieve headaches.
Improves Sleep and Insomnia:
Because of lavender oil’s sedative and calming properties, it works to improve sleep and treat insomnia.Inhaling lavender has shown to reduce sleep disturbance, improve quality and duration of sleep, fight insomnia and improve overall well-being. Plus, unlike most sedative drugs, lavender does not cause any unwanted side effects. It actually promotes general mental and physical health.
To improve your quality of sleep, diffuse lavender oil in your bedroom before or during sleep. Also, you can rub 3–5 drops directly on your neck, chest, and temples. Taking a healing bath by adding 15 drops of lavender oil and 1 cup of Epsom salts to the bathtub is another effective way to use lavender oil to improve sleep and relax the body.
Relieves Pain:
Several studies have found that lavender oil helps as a natural painkiller. Simply rubbing lavender into the area of concern can reduce inflammation and pain intensity, helping to alleviate the symptoms of many health conditions. A study proved that lavender oil can help to relieve dysmenorrheal when massaged into the skin, which is associated with menstrual pain and cramping in the lower abdomen. The results of this study suggest that lavender oil can be used as a natural remedy for PMS and menstrual cramps.
Treats Respiratory Disorders:
Lavender oil is widely used for various respiratory problems including throat infection, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or is applied to the skin of neck, chest, and back. It is also added to many vaporizers and inhalers that are commonly used for cold and cough. The vapor of lavender essential oil also has antibacterial qualities which can battle respiratory tract infections.
A remedy for Stomach Discomfort:
Many people find the scent of lavender to be soothing to the stomach. If you are feeling nauseous, or know that you are going to be traveling in a car or plane and are prone to motion sickness, spray some lavender oil on your skin and clothes, or rub it into your temples and palms.
Bug Repellent:
The smell of lavender essential oil is potent for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges, and moths. Apply some lavender oil on the exposed skin when outside to prevent these irritating bites. Furthermore, if you do happen to be bitten by one of those bugs, lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that will reduce the irritation and the pain associated with bug bites.
Side Effects Of Lavender Essential Oil
Following are the common side effects some people witness:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
There are some more risks to this potent oil. They are:
- pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil.
- It is also recommended that patients with diabetes stay away from lavender oil.
- It may also cause allergic reactions like skin irritation to people who have unusually sensitive skin.
- Ingestion of lavender oil can cause serious health complications, characterized by blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, burning eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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