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During times of stress, we may suffer from anxiety, migraine headaches, or find it difficult to relax. I’ll share what you need to know about essential oils lavender benefits and how this aromatic plant can help rejuvenate and feel zen.
Let’s get to know more about this aromatic plant’s essential oils benefits.
Table of Contents
ESSENTIAL OILS LAVENDER BENEFITS
Highlighted below are 6 essential oils lavender benefits as discovered through research-based studies.
Anti-Microbial & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Lavender oil has been used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema after flare-ups.
It inhibits the growth of E. coli.
This study showed animals treated with lavender oil showed a significant reduction in the size of ulcers.
Wound-Healing Properties
In a test using lavender oil topically helped to close up minor wounds more quickly than saline or iodine.
When applied with baking soda, you might even feel some relief with bug bites after applying.
Anxiety Relief
Tested against participants using the medication Lorazepam, an oral dose of lavender oil saw the same decrease in anxiety.
Lavender aromatherapy showed to also decrease anxiety among patients about to undergo a surgical operation.
Migraine Relief
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, participants exposed to 15-minute lavender aromatherapy sessions reported less severity of migraine attacks compared to the other participants who inhaled a placebo.
Hair Growth
In a study with mice, applying lavender oil to the backs of mice helped to promote hair growth over the course of 4 weeks. The oil increased active hair follicles and created thicker hair!
Better Sleep
Inhaling lavender oil for 20 minutes, twice a week, soothed the nervous system for women with insomnia in this study.
LAVENDER PLANT FACTS
The most common lavender plant used for essential oils is the English hybrid (Lavandula angustifolia).
A mix between a flower and an herb, lavender is a perennial plant. This means the top part of the plant dies in the winter and regrows the next spring. It requires very little maintenance.
The lavender plant is a phenomenal pollinator plant attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. Additionally, the plant keeps at bay unwanted bugs like fleas, mosquitos, and flies.
WHERE DID LAVENDER ORIGINATE?
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, Russia, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Lavender derives from the Latin word lavare, which means washing and bathing.
If the Romans used it way back then, shouldn’t we consider it?
HOW IS THE ESSENTIAL OIL LAVENDER CREATED?
The fresh scent of lavender comes from the plant’s flowers.
Through a steam distillation process, the flowers are steamed, the steam is captured, and then the oil is separated from the water collected.
It takes 3.5 lavender bushes that were originally 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide to make a ½ ounce bottle of English lavender essential oil.
That’s a lot of lavender!
ESSENTIAL OILS LAVENDER BENEFITS & HOW TO USE
From diffusing lavender oil into the air to applying directly on the skin, there are many ways you can use this floral oil.
Diffuse Lavender Essential Oil
Use a diffuser with lavender essential oil to create a calming sleep environment.
Apply Lavender Essential Oil To Skin
Dab a drop of oil on your wrists, neck, or temples before you sleep.
Diluting lavender in coconut oil and then using it as a lotion or moisturizer can be helpful.
Apply Lavender Essential Oil To Hair
Massage a few drops of the oil into your scalp or add to your shampoo or conditioner you already use.
Recipe: Deep Hair Conditioner
Add Lavender Essential Oil To Baths
You can add a few drops of lavender oil to your bath. The oil mixed with the hot bath steam will act as a diffuser on its own calming you from head to toe.
Recipe: Fizzing Bath Bombs
Clean With Lavender Essential Oil
The antimicrobial properties of lavender help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing. Clean with it and even wipe down your yoga mat!
Recipe: Yoga Mat Spray
Make sure to use a dark glass bottle like this amber one for your homemade sprays.
MAKE YOUR OWN LAVENDER OIL
While this DIY process won’t make lavender essential oil, it can be a quick way to get some of the benefits of the plant without making a purchase. This all assumes you have access to the lavender plant.
FIND HIGH-QUALITY LAVENDER OIL TO BUY
To get the full benefits of lavender as listed above, your best and the easiest bet is to purchase high-quality essential lavender oil.
Here’s what to look for when purchasing:
- Does the bottle list the common name Lavender and the scientific name Lavandula angustifolia?
- Does the oil come in a dark bottle that prevents light from coming in? Light penetration can reduce any essential oil’s effectiveness and change its properties.
- Does the bottle contain 100% lavender oil? It should not be diluted with other oils like coconut, jojoba, or almond.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Lavender oil is not approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Consult your doctor before using and do not use the essential oil in place of prescribed medications.
Taking lavender while pregnant or breastfeeding has not been proven safe.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There are many uses for lavender essential oil. It’s used in skincare, medicine, and cleaning products for its antibacterial properties and relaxing effects in aromatherapy.
If you suffer from things like anxiety, headaches, or itchy skin, give lavender essential oil a try.
Add a few drops to your favorite lotion, shampoo, or ointments.
Use in moderation and talk to your doctor if you have specific concerns.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve used lavender essential oil in your daily routine.
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