Lavender Essential Oil: Soothing and Versatile

Posted by Yesenia
11/02/2016

One of the most-used and most versatile of all essential oils is lavender essential oil. This mild oil has a light, refreshing fragrance, is easy to use, and is one of the most affordable oils on the market. Read on and you’ll agree that every bathroom cabinet should include a bottle of lavender oil! Many studies have been conducted on the use and effectiveness of lavender oil. It has been shown to be helpful in fighting free radicals, supporting mental and emotional help, and healing wounds.

Fighting Free Radicals

Free radicals are the variety of toxins, pollutants, and chemicals that weaken your immune system. Your body produces antioxidants as a natural defense against free radicals. Because of the high amount of pollutants and toxins in our day-to-day life, our bodies may not be able to keep up with antioxidant enzymes. Lavender essential oil is just one of the ways you can fortify your body to create more antioxidants. Studies have shown that using lavender essential oil can, in a short period, boost antioxidant production.

Mental and Emotional Support

Most people who apply lavender oil topically or who diffuse it know that it has a calming effect. But when put to the test in a scientific study, can lavender essential oil hold its own as a support for depression, anxiety, and sleep issues? In short, the answer is yes. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice published a study in 2013 about this very subject. The study showed that using 80mg supplements of lavender essential oil benefited test subjects who dealt with anxiety, sleep issues, and depression — with no adverse side effects. Still another study found that, in women with postpartum depression, diffusing lavender oil at home brought them a significant reduction of depression and anxiety after 4 weeks.

The Healing Power of Lavender

Likely the most well-established benefit of lavender oil is its ability to heal. Almost 100 studies have been conducted on the subject! Because of its anti-microbial properties, lavender oil is helpful in many applications: burns, cuts, scrapes, blisters, canker sores and rashes.

Lavender Oil: Everyday Use

There are so many ways you can incorporate lavender oil into day-to-day living. Try one or two, and we’re sure you’ll agree!

For minor burns, apply a drop of lavender oil directly to the affected area. Most report immediate relief of pain and rapid healing.
Ten drops of lavender in a carrier of 1 ounce aloe vera will soothe a sunburn or bring relief to other burns.
Many report headache relief with a 1:1 ratio of lavender oil and peppermint oil applied to the back of the neck, temples, and/or forehead. Try 2 drops of each in your palm, then apply.
You may experience improved sleep by diffusing lavender before you go to bed. If you have an ultrasonic diffuser, you can even sleep with the diffuser running. Or apply lavender to your neck, chest, and temples for effective sleep support.
For a relaxing bath, to ease muscle pain, headache, and prepare for a good night of sleep, add 15 drops of lavender oil and 1 cup Epsom salts to a warm bath.
Lavender oil makes a wonderful perfume. Add a drop or two to your palms, rub together, then apply to your hair and skin.
Add a few drops of lavender oil to a spray bottle of water for a natural linen spray. Try a spray on bedding, curtains, and freshly laundered towels.
A drop of lavender oil mixed with shea butter or coconut oil is a wonderful treat for chapped or cracked lips.
Some report relief of nausea due to motion sickness by applying lavender oil to their temples and palms.

Lavender Essential Oil Considerations

Lavender oil is healing and very mild, and for most people, is perfectly safe. However, each person must decide for him or herself, and we do not claim that any essential oil can treat or cure disease. Please consult your health professional before using lavender oil if: