LAVENDER OIL IS MORE THAN JUST AROMATHERAPY.
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When I think of lavender, my mind immediately evokes images of a lavender farm with stunning rows of fragrant flowers that range in color from faint to deep hues of purple, somewhere in Provence (France).
Possessing a heavenly aroma that is as equally alluring as its physical beauty, it is no wonder that lavender is one of the most revered plants around the world.
In addition to its whimsical character, the essential oil that is steam-distilled from the lavender flower is also famous for its many uses, ranging from beauty to health.
Let’s take a look at some of the lavender oil benefits.
1.) HEALS SKIN BURNS AND SCALDS
Lavender essential oil makes an excellent topical treatment for skin burns and scalds (1). It generates a faster turnover of new cells and helps to stop the burning sensation fairly quickly.
In fact, if you faithfully apply lavender essential oil to a skin burn DAILY during its healing process, it will heal the burn area so thoroughly that you will barely be able to identify the burn site.
Lavender essential oil is one of a very few essential oils that you can apply to the skin full strength.
Due to the extreme concentrated nature of most other essential oils, they require dilution (in a carrier oil base, like olive oil) to safely apply them to the skin.
2.) CALMS ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
If you are feeling a bit on edge, open a bottle of lavender and inhale its aroma for a few minutes.
Lavender, a relaxing essential oil, has a sedative effect on the nervous system and is a natural antidepressant (2).
Be careful not to place the bottle too close to your nose as you don’t want to burn your mucous membranes.
Adding a few drops to your bath water is a wonderful way to relax and release tension.
3.) NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT
Lavender makes a great natural, non-toxic insect repellent (3).
If you’re going camping or plan to participate in outdoor activities during the warmer months, take a bottle of lavender essential oil with you.
Just place one or two drops on your arms and legs, and massage the oil to spread over a broader surface of skin.
You will not only enjoy a pest-free outing, but you will also smell wonderful!
4.) TAMES ACNE
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil is an effective aid in taming oily skin .
It also helps heal the scarring left behind once the acne dries up (4).
Because essential oils are super concentrated, a little goes a long way!
For two weeks, try adding just one drop onto your wash cloth, mixed into your facial cleanser each time you cleanse your face.
You should see a noticeable improvement and enjoy a fresher, clearer complexion.
5.) RELIEVES ARTHRITIS DISCOMFORT
Another lavender oil benefit is that it is one of the most effective essential oils for pain.
Amongst its soothing and healing benefits, lavender essential oil provides relief from arthritis (5).
Just add 2 to 3 drops into a teaspoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil.
Massage the oils between the palms of your hands to blend. Then massage the oil blend into the arthritic area to experience its ease.
6.) INSOMNIA AID
If you are having trouble falling asleep at night and want to try a natural sleeping aid, try using lavender oil. It is one of the most effective essential oils for sleep.
Just place one drop of lavender essential oil onto your pillow case.
As you inhale the aroma of this delightful oil, its sedative effects should relax you and create a spa-like atmosphere to help you drift off to a good night’s sleep (6).
Here’s a great tip: If you own an essential oil diffuser, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water, plug it in and sit it on your night stand prior to retiring to bed at night.
Shut the door to your bedroom to create a “cocoon” of its heavenly aroma, and sleep like a baby!
7.) QUELLS HEADACHES AND NAUSEA
Oh, the wonders of the multi-faceted lavender aromatherapy oil! In addition to providing relief from insomnia, lavender essential oil also helps to relieve migraine headaches and feeling of nausea (7).
For headache relief, dilute 1 or 2 drops into a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub onto your temples, and across your forehead, and massage onto your shoulders to provide extra relaxation.
Inhaling this same concoction can also help to relieve feelings of nausea.
8.) SOOTHES ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS
Earlier I discussed how lavender oil benefits oily skin by moderating its oil secretion. However, its aid on distressed skin doesn’t stop there.
Lavender’s healing properties also help soothe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis (8).
When blended into a mixture of skin-nurturing plant-based oils, you’ll not only benefit from lavender’s remedial effects on the psoriasis and eczema, but your skin will also become softer, supple, and more radiant.
SAFETY OF USE
Lavender essential oil has no known toxicities and is therefore considered safe to use.
However, some individuals can develop sensitivities to lavender that can result in nausea, headaches and vomiting (9).
Always consult with your physician prior to trying new remedies.
BLENDS WELL WITH…..
Alone, lavender smells absolutely wonderful. However, there are some essential oils that blend well with lavender.
One of my favorite combinations is lavender and patchouli! Other essential oils that create intoxicating blends with lavender are bergamot, sage, and rosemary. You will have to experiment to discover just the right amount of drops of each oil to create a blend that suits your liking.
Given its delightful aroma and its myriad of health benefits, you cannot go wrong by keeping lavender essential in your arsenal of health and beauty aids.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any ailments. Consult with your physician prior to incorporating the use of essential oils or regarding any health issues you may have.
