So What’s the Big Deal About Lavender Essential Oil?
The Benefits May Surprise You
I read somewhere that flowers are stars of the earth.
If this is true, then lavender is the leading lady … or it’s Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky — depending on which star you choose to envision.
This lovely botanical you see in open fields, creating a beautiful purple display and giving off an intoxicating aroma is packed with several benefits to give your overall health a boost.
Its vivid purple petals draw you in with a stellar performance, capturing the attention of your brain and body.
Origin
Lavender is native to Northern Africa and the mountainous areas of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. It usually grows 20–24 inches tall and wide. Today, you can see it blooming throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. And almost everywhere it grows, it grows abundantly.
A Beloved Plant of Antiquity
The Greek naturalist, Dioscorides applauded the attributes of this wonderful species in the first century A.D. Along that time it was used by the Egyptians as a perfume and as a key element for incense. Not only that, it was a favorite ingredient in herbal baths by the Greeks and Romans.
Lavender was also used in ancient Egypt for mummification, and the Romans scented their public bathhouses with it.
Lavender is derived from the latin word “lavare,” which means to wash. An interesting fact about lavender is that washerwomen in Renaissance Europe were known as lavenders because they spread their laundry over the fragrant plants to dry for the scent it gave.
It is reported that royalty, most notably King Louis XIV, used this well-loved plant in their baths.
Furthermore, a biblical reference to lavender is found in the book of Luke. The name used during that time was spikenard.
Multiple Benefits
Of all the essential oils, lavender has the most wide-range of benefits.
The trademark smell of this natural wonder is in almost every kind of personal care product.
You’ll find it in lotions… body sprays… pillow mists… roller balls for when you’re on the go… bar soaps… liquid hand soaps…body washes… massage oils, antibacterial sprays and wipes, candles — and in tea… and the list goes on.
This beautiful botanical is nourishing all the way around, and the essential oil is extraordinary, as it heightens the senses to help put you in a blissful state.
And to extract the oil, steam distillation is the meticulous and delicate process where plant oil is carefully collected from the plant. The plant is placed inside a container called a still, usually stainless steel or maybe copper. The container is then covered with water and heated by fire to transform water into a vapor.
The vapor condenses down, separating the essential oil from the aromatic water called hydrosol. And the creation of a pleasant and potent fragrant elixir for your health is the end result.
Use the essential oil in a roller ball to easily apply to the sides of your neck or dab a little in the middle of the wrists to help you relax in the midst of a hectic day.
You can also spray a few mists on your pillow about 30 minutes before crawling into bed … or rub three or four drops of this captivating oil between the palms of your hands and run your hands directly across your pillow to help carry you off to sleep.
Massage a few drops (combined with a carrier oil such as almond or fractionated coconut oil) on your shoulders, legs and arms or rub the mixture all over your body to help you unwind.
Or add some drops to your favorite “clean” lotion … and a few minutes before bed, lotion yourself down and smell and feel the effects. The scent and power of lavender will lull you to a relaxing and restful sleep.
But this fragrant and versatile oil is generous in other ways…
The stunning mix of benefits can also help…
- Fight bacteria
- Fight fungus
- Reduce inflammation
- Experience better sleep
- Improve skin appearance
- Relax you
- Fight dandruff and itchy scalp
- Fight coughs and colds
- Ease migraines
- Loosen tight and sore muscles
- Wound healing
- And more…
Liquid plant power is what it is and it’ll have you experiencing its gentle yet mighty effects in hardly no time.
Skin Benefits
Have you ever had a sunburn and didn’t know how to get relief?
Well, the lovely lavender can give your red and inflamed skin some soothing relief.
It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the components linalyl acetate and linalool that’s responsible for the gentle acceleration of healing.
Just mix 2–3 drops of lavender with a tablespoon of a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, or almond oil on the inflamed areas and feel it go to work for you. It becomes a soothing balm.
It also aids in wound healing. According to a 2016 study, if you have a burn, cut, or scrape, lavender oil can help speed up the healing of skin tissue.
Just mix 3–4 drops of the “gentle giant” with a few drops of coconut or tamanu oil and apply it on your wound with a cotton ball. If your wound is already healing, it will help reduce scarring, says the same research.
Another role that lavender plays is minimizing skin breakouts, fighting the acne -causing bacteria that clogs your pores, eczema, and psoriasis. The desired outcome — beautiful, radiant healthier looking skin.
Mood, Anxiety, and Depression
Do you have an upcoming test or job interview?
Don’t worry. Lavender can “take you by the hand,” so you can relax, calm down, focus, and do well.
Apply a dab of two on the bone behind each ear and put a dab or two behind your head at the base of your neck in the center.
And if you’re not feeling your best, lavender aromatherapy may be your answer.
In one scientific study, it showed substantial effect in reducing anxiety and depression.
The participants were given lavender, a placebo, or nothing at all.
The results?
“Lavender was superior to placebo or no treatment in reducing anxiety,” research showed. The research also concluded, “Lavender aromatherapy showed substantial effect in reducing anxiety and depression, and sessions of administration increased the anxiolytic effects,” which means it loosens anxiety’s hold on you.
A survey in a long-stay neurology in-patient department was conducted using lavender. It showed that aromatherapy with lavender, combined with tea tree and rosemary, boosted mood scores and reduced feelings of emotional unhappiness.
Lavender, as aromatherapy diluted to 2% concentration (12 drops to 1 oz. of carrier oil) , was used for depression in the high risk postpartum woman. The results showed a significant improvement of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Generalized Disorder Scale after four consecutive weeks of administering lavender.
Olfactory Benefits
Lavender also has olfactory qualities, which means it has a positive effect on you just by smelling it.
One study was reported by the Cleveland Clinic of women who were having menstrual pain. The ladies smelled lavender for 30 minutes for the first three days of their period and had less pain after two months.
In another study titled, Effect of Inhalation of Lavender Essential Oil on Vital Signs in Open Heart Surgery ICU byArmaiti Salamati,a,* Soheyla Mashouf,a and Faraz Mojabb , it was noted that applying a few drops of lavender essential oil to a handkerchief and inhaling it is useful for treating insomnia, fatigue, stress, and fear.
Try grabbing a cotton ball before bedtime and add four or five drops of lavender oil to it. Slowly sniff the cotton ball about three times to help relax you, so you can fall asleep with ease.
Place the cotton ball on your nightstand to get an occasional whiff of the nourishing scent before dozing off.
Try this too: Put three to four drops of lavender essential oil in the palm of one hand. Rub both hands together. Cup your hands over your nose and sniff slowly about three times, to help you relax and be restored as you debrief the day.
Sleep Benefits
Based on a scientific study, lavender oil can improve your sleep and increase time in deep, slow-wave sleep. This seems to play a critical role in growth, memory, and immune function and waking up feeling energized and recharged. Another study mentions that lavender may work as effective as prescribed anti-anxiety medications.
This dynamic oil is beneficial when it comes to combating sleep and extending relief to you if you suffer from insomnia. It calms down your mind and body and gently prepares you for a calming slumber. And — -your memory gets better because your sleep is better.
Using this amazing oil in a diffuser is a quick and simple way to reap the benefits of better sleep. Just add a few drops to your diffuser and turn it on. You’ll sleep like a baby with the pleasant scent wafting through the room.
Scalp and Hair Growth
In hair care, lavender essential oil can slow down hair loss because it addresses sleep and relaxation, which is a common cause of hair loss.
Use it as a hot oil treatment by combining it with a carrier oil and then massage it into your scalp along with applying a “healthy” conditioner. This will lead to better circulation in the scalp that helps stimulate hair growth.
Dandruff and dry and itchy scalp are less of a problem when you use lavender essential oil as part of your hair care regimen. Since lavender is antimicrobial, it will help minimize the chances of dandruff and its anti-inflammatory properties will give TLC to your dry scalp.
Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant
Lavender is known for having anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Because this powerhouse essential oil is antifungal, it can fight athlete’s foot and ringworms and cold sores. You’ll be surprised at how effective lavender can be at helping stop these sometimes painful and uncomfortable conditions.
And it also helps bring relief when you have a pesky cough and are dealing with respiratory issues.
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities also help you achieve a youthful glow by going to work minimizing wrinkles, diminishing age spots and blemishes. Plus, it brings much needed relief to premenstrual (PMS) struggles.
The Bottom Line
This well-known plant oil since ancient civilization has been nurturing the earth’s population for thousands of years. And it’s 100% pure and natural, coming straight from nature. No synthetic anything.
No wonder it’s in the annals of greatness when it comes to plants and essential oils. It is, indeed, a leading star.
Anti-stress, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anxiety and stress reducing, skin, hair and scalp enhancer, sleep and more — — qualities that reflect the greatness of this age-old helpful beauty. Plant oil qualities that are high performing and also life-changing.
Why wouldn’t you always have it on hand to help you look better and feel better, so you can live a better life?
To a healthier, happier you.
Quick and Simple Self-Care Items Using Lavender Essential Oil
A Two-Ingredient Lavender Mist:
Recycle a travel size hand sanitizer bottle (or buy a new one)
Wash with soap and water
Rinse thoroughly
Spray with rubbing alcohol of 70% proof and let air dry
Fill bottle almost full with filtered (or bottle water), stopping right below the curve
Add 8–10 drops of lavender oil
Shake and mist on your pillow.
*Easy-to-Apply Roller Ball with Lavender:
Spray a clean roller ball with rubbing alcohol and let air dry. Add 30 drops of lavender oil
Top bottle with carrier oil (eg. almond, fractionated coconut oil, jojoba)
*A Simple Lavender Mix to Fight Athlete’s Foot:
12 drops of lavender essential oil
1 oz. of carrier oil
½ cup of apple cider vinegar
Soak your feet for 20 minutes every day until infection clears up.
Or apply only to infected area and put on socks before wearing shoes
. . . .. .
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. If you need medical attention, talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider about any medical concerns you may have.
Keep away from pets
Just like chocolate is toxic to pets, so is lavender. So make sure you keep this amazing essential oil out of your pet’s sight.
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I write articles to help inspire and motivate you to live your best life. Remember, you have everything you need within you to be successful.
I am a freelance writer for healthy living and personal development. Visit my website at: http://smloftonwrites.com/ Connect with me on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherondamlofton/
Sources:
https://www.highcountrygardens.com/content/gardening/lavender-history
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/73/table-of-contents/article3096/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15144499/
https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-sunburn#roman-chamomile
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7376415/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922#benefits