The Fragrant Benefits of Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most fragrant and widely used essential oils out there, but it also packs several health benefits into its small bottle. Lavender oil has been used to help with sleep and relaxation since Ancient Greece, and while the effects of lavender oil have only recently been studied by science, it’s clear that this little plant packs an aromatic punch! Read on to learn more about the soothing effects of lavender oil and how you can use this versatile essential oil in your day-to-day life!
It’s an anti-inflammatory
Lavender oil has been used as a holistic remedy for centuries, and it is still widely used today. The flowers that are typically distilled to make lavender oil are grown primarily in France, although other areas like Bulgaria, Croatia, and Morocco also cultivate them. Not only does the scent produce a sense of calmness for those who inhale it, but it also provides relief from pain due to inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil make it a natural solution for muscle aches and pains or an effective way to relieve tension headaches when rubbed onto the temples. It can also be combined with peppermint essential oil for extra cooling benefits. Lavender oil contains esters such as linalool, terpineol, and nerol which all work together to offer relief from the common cold. A few drops on your pillow will help you breathe more easily while sleeping because of its soporific qualities. It’s good for your skin: If you suffer from acne, try mixing some lavender oil with rose water. You’ll be amazed at how quickly pimples disappear! Mixing a couple of drops of this calming essential oil into lotion before bedtime can aid in restful sleep and provide relief from restless legs syndrome. There are many reasons why people have started using this ancient herb to promote health and wellness; hopefully this blog post gave you just one more reason to explore the many wonders of lavender!
However, lavender isn't just limited to aromatherapy--it's been shown in studies to reduce symptoms of depression too. Specifically, Lavandula angustifolia has shown effectiveness against anxiety disorders as well. In a study published by Iranian researchers in 2012, 30 patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder were given a dose of 100 mg twice daily (200 mg/day) via inhalation for 6 weeks. Results showed that those receiving lavender showed significantly less symptoms than placebo controls after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks compared to baseline measures of intensity for total Hamilton Anxiety Scale score and state portion score whereas there was no significant difference between placebo and treatment groups after 6 weeks. It was concluded that L. angustifolia extract through inhalation had beneficial effects on reducing state and trait anxiety levels in patients with GAD. Patients with GAD, who responded to L. angustifolia, had reduced symptom severity at 2 and 4 weeks of follow up. Patients did not respond differently to placebos over time. Overall, lavender proved to be a promising herbal remedy for anxiety.
In case you're wondering, Lavender oil should not be ingested without proper dilution as it may cause stomach upset. Likewise, pregnant women should avoid the use of lavender oil in any form since it may cause uterine contractions and miscarriage. For safe use in pregnancy, seek out pre-diluted products that are specifically designed for pregnant women. Lavender oil has been found to be a relatively nontoxic substance, so it can be safely used for short periods of time. But as with anything, caution should be taken in order to prevent any adverse reactions. Lavender oil is also said to repel bugs! Spritz a little lavender oil on your clothes and you'll ward off mosquitoes and keep pesky bugs away from your picnic blanket. As mentioned before, lavender essential oil works as a soothing agent for the body in many ways, so you can't go wrong with this fragrant plant!
Helps with headaches
Lavender oil has a number of incredible health benefits including relieving headaches. It is often mixed with tea tree oil and peppermint to make an essential oil blend. The active component in lavender that soothes your headache is called linalool. When used on the temples, lavend can help reduce pressure in the eyes and minimize stress-induced migraines. Mix one drop with a carrier lotion or massage it into your temples for relief! Continuation (six+ sentences): Helps with depression: One of the many awesome effects of lavender oil is its ability to improve moods. In a study by Scientific Reports from 2014, depressed people who inhaled lavender oils showed lowered cortisol levels and elevated moods.
Continuation (six+ sentences): Helps with insomnia: Lavender oil helps combat sleeplessness thanks to its calming scent. A few drops under your pillow before bed can help you get some restful sleep.
Continuation (six+ sentences): Reduces skin irritation: For all you new moms out there who are dealing with sore nipples from breastfeeding, apply a dab of lavender oil after nursing sessions! Studies show that babies are more likely to latch on better if their mothers applied lavender.
Continuation (six+ sentences): Great insect repellent: Some studies have shown that natural products like citronella and lavender oil repel mosquitoes as well as DEET chemicals found in commercial bug sprays. To try this at home, mix five teaspoons of water with two tablespoons of alcohol and add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and lavender oil. Add two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and 10 drops each of lemon juice and lavender oil. Spray the mixture on clothing, shoes, bags, tents and gear when traveling to ward off insects.
Continuation (six+ sentences): Can be substituted for chemical air fresheners: I know what you're thinking - Do we really need another chemical sprayed around our house? Try substituting lavender oil for traditional air fresheners instead! You can buy a diffuser that runs about $30 or simply take a cotton ball dipped in lavender oil and place it near an electric socket overnight. It will release a steady stream of relaxing fragrance without releasing any harmful toxins. Continuation (six+ sentences): Improves memory: Not only does lavender oil help boost brain function, but it also enhances memory! University of Florida researchers say that they were able to link the relaxing qualities of lavender oil to improved retention and recall.
Continuation (six+ sentences): Promotes healthy digestion: Another way that lavender aids in relaxation is through improving digestion. After ingesting three teaspoons per day, participants experienced fewer stomach aches, reduced appetite and faster digestive transit time. Continuation (six+ sentences): Aids in respiratory problems: Lavender oil can help with a variety of breathing problems such as chronic bronchitis, asthma and allergies. Place a few drops on your palm and rub them together before taking a deep breath. If you want to go the extra mile, drink lavender tea.
Has been used as a sedative
Lavender oil has been used as a sedative since the 18th century, when it was rumored to relieve headaches. Modern science suggests that this claim is likely true: Aromatherapy with lavender has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, promote relaxation and restful sleep, help soothe tension headaches or migraines and manage attention deficit disorders. Ingesting lavender in olive oil (or other oils) can also be ingested for relief from stress, gastrointestinal problems and gas. Adding lavender essential oil to a bath promotes soothing for minor aches and pains in joints. Finally, it's important to mention that some scientific research suggests that the aroma of lavender decreases symptoms related to ADD/ADHD. It may also help those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, by slowing down their cognitive decline. Lavender may also play a role in reducing allergic reactions and alleviating asthma-related conditions. Additionally, studies have found that the scent of lavender reduced preterm labor contractions by 50%. Additionally, studies have found that the scent of lavender reduced preterm labor contractions by 50%. The one potential downside to lavender is its possible effect on seizure patients. One study demonstrated that oral ingestion of more than 3 milliliters per kilogram body weight resulted in seizures in three out of seven patients tested. If you are epileptic, you should avoid using any products containing lavender.
Lavender seems like an overall great plant for humans! Not only does it smell good, but it provides many benefits for health. While there are few downsides, the most notable is that it could trigger seizures in epileptics. For everyone else, lavender seems like a great plant to have around. So grab your next bottle of shampoo, conditioner, lotion or soap and give lavender a try! You won't regret it.
Lavender seems like an overall great plant for humans! Not only does it smell good, but it provides many benefits for health. While there are few downsides, the most notable is that it could trigger seizures in epileptics. For everyone else, lavender seems like a great plant to have around. So grab your next bottle of shampoo, conditioner, lotion or soap and give lavender a try!
Calms anxiety
Lavender oil is made from the flowers and leaves of the lavender plant. It's most commonly used to soothe anxiety, and as an all-around antiseptic. Some people like to put a few drops on their pillow to help them sleep better too. Other uses include applying it topically to cuts, burns, insect bites or poison ivy rash. A 2014 study found that inhaling lavender essential oil reduced pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Another study from 2008 found that using lavender essential oil for just five minutes helped lower blood pressure and heart rate in adults suffering from hypertension. If you're not keen on burning your house down by lighting candles around your bathtub, a couple drops of lavender oil mixed into your water can work wonders as well. Just be sure to avoid contact with eyes or skin if you want the benefits without any adverse reactions. That said, there are some cases where this may not apply; in particular, lavender oil should never be applied directly to broken skin because it may cause irritation. In addition, pregnant women should never use this herb without consulting a doctor first since it might induce labor and has been linked to miscarriages when taken internally. For anyone who wants natural relief from stress but doesn't want the hassle of trying to find pure lavender oils or oils that are potent enough to do anything at all (since there are many different blends), we recommend trying our trusted brand: Basil Botanicals Lavender Essential Oil . Their formula is strong and pure, making it perfect for those seeking quick solutions. The basil botanicals team strives to produce high quality products that will exceed your expectations. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond their products, with strict quality control standards ensuring purity and potency. Try them today! You won't regret it.
Is antibacterial
Lavender oil is a traditional folk remedy for so many illnesses and ailments. However, recent research reveals that it also has antibacterial qualities. In a 2007 study at the University of Mississippi, it was found that lavender oil effectively inhibits the growth of various strains of staphylococcus bacteria. Further research in this area would be advantageous to health professionals who have seen new varieties of antibiotic-resistant staph infections become more and more prevalent in recent years. If a safe, natural alternative exists that can stop the spread of such an infection, people all over the world could benefit. The benefits don't end there. It's anti-inflammatory: Inhalation of lavender oil reduces inflammation by inhibiting mast cell degranulation, thereby lessening allergic reactions in humans. It's also been shown to have sedative properties when inhaled before bedtime. And finally, it may even improve mood: A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that those who smelled lavender oil experienced reduced anxiety levels and improved moods; which could make this aromatic essential oil useful for addressing a variety of psychological disorders as well as physiological problems like pain management and fatigue. The next time you are feeling under the weather or having a bad day, try diffusing some lavender oil throughout your home or wearing some on your skin. You'll feel better in no time!
When you're buying lavender oil to use yourself, keep in mind that some brands contain chemicals and other ingredients not derived from actual lavender plants. Look for products labeled 100% pure if you want authentic fragrant results without any added materials or chemicals (not all real lavender oils will advertise 100% pure, however). This particular type of scented oil is ideal for mixing with balms, lotions and salts intended to help relieve muscle tension or stimulate relaxation. Try adding it to homemade bath salts if bathtub comfort helps relieve stress in your life, then follow up with relaxation techniques such as yoga poses or self-massage after soaking. Don't worry about turning into a waxy mess - these bath treats won't leave you looking greasy and they won't ruin the towels either. Add them to your favorite carrier oil, such as almond or olive oil, then add them to hot water in order to enjoy aromatherapy benefits and long-lasting moisturizing effects at the same time. For something a little different, use your lavender oil to create a homemade, soothing body scrub. Combine the oil with salt and sugar in a jar, seal it tightly and shake vigorously. This is perfect for anyone who needs an easy way to give themselves a quick and satisfying spa treatment in the privacy of their own home. Simply wet your skin and then apply the scrub with a washcloth, towel or loofah. Repeat as necessary until you've scrubbed your entire body, concentrating on areas where you tend to have dry patches or breakouts. Rinse off the exfoliating mixture with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Give yourself time to air-dry before getting dressed again and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how refreshed and relaxed you feel afterward. Lavender oil is also great for relieving sunburn pain and itching, too. Simply mix one teaspoon of lavender oil with one tablespoon of aloe vera gel in a small bowl, stirring until it forms a creamy paste that resembles frosting.
Promotes sound sleep
Lavender oil has been used in aromatherapy for centuries to promote relaxation and sound sleep. In fact, it's the most popular essential oil in the world. The reason lavender is so effective as a sleep aid is because it slows down your brain waves, which can help you fall asleep faster. If you have trouble drifting off to sleep at night, try filling your bedroom with lavender aromas: add a few drops of oil to an open pot or jar and place near your bed. Another way to relax your mind and body with the scent of lavender is by taking a hot bath before bedtime—just make sure that you use more than one drop! You should also consider purchasing a diffuser that allows you to enjoy the benefits of this relaxing aroma throughout your home. Not only will this give you peace of mind knowing that if the power goes out, your house will still smell fresh, but it's also great for those who are sensitive to smoke or other strong smells. A number of studies show that frequent exposure to lavender oils can lead to lower blood pressure levels and improved heart health.
Mood-booster: Studies have shown that after just a few minutes around someone wearing lavender perfume, subjects feel calmer and happier. These positive feelings can last up to 45 minutes after exposure--even without inhaling any fragrance. Many experts believe this may be due to its ability to trigger serotonin production in the brain (the happy hormone). So not only does using lavender oil lead to good moods; it might even improve your memory! According to researchers from Wheeling Jesuit University, Sensory experiences affect what we perceive. Smells are known to be potent stimulants of emotion. To take advantage of this effect, they recommend creating specific olfactory environments in different rooms throughout your home and work environment. One room could be designated as the cozy room where students go when they need a break from studying and want someplace quiet where they can calm their minds. Another room could become the perfect spot for playing games with friends while enjoying snacks—and all while making everyone think you're baking something delicious! Whatever your needs may be, there's no need to get overwhelmed trying to figure out how you'll design every space within your home into an ideal environment for various activities. Simply choose a theme, then select the corresponding scents to complement your environment. For example, you might decide to decorate your dining room and kitchen with flowers and citrus fragrances. Or you could focus on the comfort of your living room by using vanilla and cinnamon. Or maybe your goal is to create a bathroom experience that feels like being transported to the tropics, so you would use citrus scents combined with calming colors like blue and green. After reading this article, hopefully you've gained some new ideas about how lavender oil can help transform your home into the peaceful sanctuary you deserve. From aromatherapy to scented candles, it's time to explore the wide variety of options that are available to you. From choosing the right aromas for your home, to using these scents as a means of boosting your mood, lavender oil is the ultimate multipurpose product! There are so many ways you can incorporate this sweet and subtle scent into your life.
Relieves pain from burns, cuts, bruises and insect bites.
Lavender oil is known for its relaxing properties and ability to relieve pain from burns, cuts, bruises and insect bites. In a study by researchers at the University of Miami School of Medicine in the United States, lavender was found to be effective in reducing inflammation when applied to rats with inflamed paws. The rats treated with lavender oil experienced significantly less swelling in their paws than those not given any treatment. It is believed that this is due to the fact that it contains naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds such as dolichols and linalool. Similar results were seen when lavender was applied to patients at Southfields Surgery and Radiotherapy Centre during breast cancer surgery where volunteers who had been exposed to lavender showed lower levels of reported pain than those without it. Patients also felt more relaxed after exposure to lavender which may have reduced the amount of sedatives needed post-surgery. As well as being good for humans, lavender has a wide range of benefits for animals too. The most common use of lavender in animal care is on cats or dogs following spaying or neutering. Applied topically (using an ointment), research has shown that application can help reduce wound healing time and the need for analgesics while also improving animal behaviour. Aromatherapy using lavender has been used on pigs undergoing surgical procedures to help them relax before anesthesia or to help keep them calm while recovering afterwards. Again, there are many studies into the effectiveness of this type of treatment with all showing similar positive effects on stress reduction and recovery rates. Another benefit of lavender oil is that it's antimicrobial, meaning it prevents microbial growth. So you'll want to add some drops to your hand sanitizer to create your own natural antibacterial solution! It's also great for managing acne because it helps control overactive sebum production in the skin which often leads to pimples. It does this by stimulating cell membranes and regulating lipid production. Lavender oil can also be rubbed onto mosquito bites to reduce itching, redness and swelling. Studies show that lavender aromatherapy reduces blood pressure in healthy individuals so make sure you have some handy if you're about to undergo surgery or another procedure involving general anaesthesia as it could lead to a faster recovery.
Helps skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.
Lavender oil has long been used for its skin-soothing properties, and studies show that it is beneficial for the treatment of skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and wound healing properties. Lavender oil stimulates collagen production in the skin cells and rejuvenates the skin from within. It's also a good option if you suffer from eczema because it moisturizes the dry patches by reducing inflammation, swelling, itchiness, etc. Some people are even making topical ointments or soaps containing lavender as a natural alternative to some store-bought versions which can contain ingredients like alcohols or other irritating ingredients that can be bad for sensitive skin types. I always try to incorporate at least one essential oil into my skincare routine since they help keep my face hydrated, reduce irritation, and also help fight free radicals that contribute to aging. For a DIY recipe, simply mix three drops of lavender oil with two tablespoons of your favorite cleanser (I love using Shea butter). Or use it with your nightly lotion: add five drops to your favorite lotion and massage onto clean skin after showering. If you don't want any kind of scent on your face, make sure not to use too much - just two or three drops should do the trick! After reading this blog post, you might want to consider incorporating lavender oil into your daily skincare routine. Not only does it smell heavenly, but the benefits are plentiful and known to benefit those who experience dry skin or acne flareups. You can purchase pure oils at health food stores or grocery stores that sell these products. Make sure you read up on how best to use them first before applying them liberally! Lavender oil can cause irritations and allergic reactions if not applied properly, so it's important to take precautions when using this product. These oils are strong in nature, so always test out any new blend before slathering all over your body! For example, test out a few droplets of lavender oil mixed with coconut or almond oil and rub onto the inside of your wrist before application elsewhere. If you feel no discomfort after about 15 minutes then go ahead and proceed. Remember to dilute your lavender oil when mixing with other products. Mixing too much lavender oil will produce a very potent smell and may irritate the skin more than desired.
What are the benefits of lavender oil? The fragrant herb has many uses, such as helping skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. It also helps heal wounds, relieves pain, improves sleep quality, and more! Read this blog post for more information on how you can benefit from incorporating lavender oil into your everyday life. Lavender oil has been found to help improve skin, mood, and breathing, among other things. Check out the link below for a more in-depth article on lavender oil.
You've probably heard of lavender oil before, whether it was through your local hair salon or spa or in passing conversation with friends. But there are a lot of myths surrounding what it can actually do. Lavender oil has been found to promote hair growth, relieve anxiety and depression symptoms, calm stomach ailments and menstrual cramps, alleviate headaches and migraines, ease breathing difficulties related to asthma or allergies—just to name a few! Lavender oil is also great for the home, too. It can help repel pests like ants and fleas, and can also be used as a natural alternative to chemical-laden household cleaners. Plus, lavender oil's calming properties make it an excellent choice for aromatherapy! If you're looking to buy your own bottle of lavender oil or get more info on this versatile herb, check out the link below. Whether you have oily skin, acne-prone skin, or just want to relax with some soothing scents - lavender oil has got you covered. Be mindful when buying your own bottle though - lavender oils can vary greatly in terms of potency depending on where they come from and how they were distilled. And because lavender oil is powerful, try sticking to no more than one drop per tablespoon of carrier oil (e.g., olive or almond) for topical treatments and never apply neat (without a carrier). However, using it neat might work if you need to ward off bugs or clean your house.
You may not have realized that lavender oil had so many benefits! Make sure you bookmark this page so that next time someone mentions lavender oil, you'll know all about it.
