Lavender essential oil has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy due to its soothing, calming, and relaxing properties. It is used in aromatherapy, massage therapy, and other holistic treatments, as well as in many beauty products. In addition to the calming properties of lavender essential oil, there are many health benefits that can be derived from its use.
Lavender essential oil has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an effective treatment for minor cuts and scrapes. It can also help to reduce the pain and swelling of insect bites and stings. Lavender essential oil is known to be especially useful in treating skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is believed to help speed the healing process and reduce scarring.
Lavender essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and stress. Its calming and soothing aroma can help to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being, helping to reduce feelings of stress and tension. Unlike other oils, lavender essential oil can be used around children, as it is known to be a milder scent.
Lavender essential oil can be used to treat respiratory problems such as colds, coughs, and the flu. It can help to loosen phlegm and reduce congestion. Inhaling the vapours of lavender essential oil can help to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms.
Lavender for Anxiety and Depression
Lavender essential oil has been studied extensively for its effects on anxiety and depression. Research discovered it has significant benefits by:
- Activating brain receptors that regulate mood and emotion
- Increasing serotonin levels to lift mood
- Reducing activity in the amygdala responsible for the “fight or flight” stress response
Multiple clinical trials found lavender essential oil aromatherapy reduced symptoms of anxiety disorder, with similar efficacy to prescription medications like lorazepam.
Inhaling lavender oil was also shown to rapidly alleviate acute anxiety and panic attacks. Just 10 minutes of breathing lavender vapours measurably lowered stress hormone levels and heart rate.
Lavender for Insomnia
Lavender is one of the most well-researched essential oils for improving sleep quality and treating insomnia. Lavender essential oil is known to promote restful sleep.
Human studies discovered lavender:
- Increases amount of deep sleep
- Lessens number of night time awakenings
- Reduces time taken to fall asleep
Its sedative action is thought to come from interaction with GABA receptors involved in promoting calmness and sleep.
Using lavender oil 2 hours before bed led to increased slow-wave deep sleep with fewer disturbances. Applying diluted oil on the skin, using a room diffuser or spraying on pillows and bedsheets were all effective.
Lavender for Headaches
Lavender essential oil has many healing properties, and it can even be used to treat headaches and insomnia. It can help to relieve tension and stress headaches by helping to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation. Applying lavender essential oil has been proven to relieve migraine and tension headaches.
Rubbing oil on the temples, neck and back of head brought pain relief equivalent to common medications like acetaminophen.
Lavender is believed to work by:
- Calming muscle tension causing pressure pain
- Blocking pain signals to the brain
- Improving blood flow to relieve vascular headache triggers
Using lavender along with salts in a warm bath can provide soothing full body relaxation to prevent stress-related headaches.
Lavender for Skin Healing
The antimicrobial action of lavender makes it beneficial for treating common skin disorders like acne, eczema and psoriasis:
- Kills bacteria responsible for infection and inflammation
- Accelerates skin cell turnover to heal lesions
- Reduces swelling, redness and itching
Lavender also regenerates connective tissues and forms scar tissue more rapidly to diminish scarring from wounds and burns.
Diluting in coconut or jojoba oil and applying to affected skin aids healing.
Blending with Other Oils
As a top middle note, lavender blends well with citrus, herbaceous and wooded scents:
- Fresh and floral – mix with neroli, geranium, ylang ylang
- Lemony lavender – combine with lemon, bergamot, grapefruit
- Herbal lavender – partner with clary sage, rosemary, basil
- Woodsy lavender – blend with cedarwood, sandalwood, pine
Experiment with lavender oil combinations in your diffuser, massage oils, room and linen sprays.
Overall, lavender essential oil is an excellent natural remedy for many health issues, due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Its pleasant aroma helps to promote relaxation and serenity, and can help to reduce stress. Its versatile uses make it an invaluable addition to any home medicine cabinet.
Photo by Claire Gray on Unsplash
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