More than a Sleeping Aid: Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is one of the most well-know essential oils in the world. When the word is mentioned, images of relaxation, deep breaths, long baths and sleep quickly come to mind. And while lavender is most well known for its relaxation properties, there are also other uses for the herb and the oil it produces.

Yes, lavender is actually an herb. Not known as a common kitchen herb, it is in fact a great flavor to add to dishes and drinks. Utilizing lavender (the herb) to your kitchen will help in your kitchen, but also adding its oil to your essential oils collection will provide a laundry list of home remedies. Below are just a few of the ways lavender helps your health and well being. Respiratory Disorders Lavender oil is a great solution for many of the respiratory disorders ailing people today. From sinus congestion and asthma to bronchitis, laryngitis and even whooping cough, lavender oil can help soothe the symptoms naturally and effectively. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your vaporizer will help aid in the reduction of phlegm and relieve chest and sinus congestion. The oil can also be rubbed directly onto the skin, preferably the neck, back, and chest. For those with sensitive skin, diluting the oil in some water, or a carrier oil, can help reduce the risk of inflammation. Skin and Hair Care A little known fact about lavender essential oil is its ability to promote hair growth. When patients with alopecia—the autoimmune disease that causes hair loss over the entire body—rubbed lavender essential oil on their scalps, 40% noticed an increase in hair growth. This may be the next preventative technique for those men losing their hair due to male pattern baldness! Lavender oil is also great for the skin. It has natural antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that help with acne, skin wounds, cuts and scars, and works well in reducing the presence of wrinkles. Applying the oil directly to the skin will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne. If the oil is too harsh for the skin, diluting it in a few ounces of warm water or even mixing it into a carrier oil, will help keep the oil’s beneficial properties while keeping it safe for sensitive skin. Digestion Lavender oil actually helps with a variety of digestive ailments as well. Whether suffering from flatulence, diarrhea, colic, indigestion or stomach pain (or a combination of these!), lavender oil’s compounds help stimulate the intestinal lining and help the stomach create bile. While it doesn’t sounds appetizing or appealing, a healthy stomach lining and a sufficient production of stomach bile are essential for the properly functioning digestive system. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil into your tea, or a cup of boiling water, and your stomach (and intestinal lining!) will thank you. Lavender oil has many uses beyond massage and relaxation. It’s therapeutic properties help the body inside and oil. Try to expand your uses of the oil and see how your body and well being improve.