The Stress Relieving Qualities of Lavender Essential Oils

Meaning to wash in Latin, lavender has been used to wash and purify the mind and body for centuries. In fact, it was frequently used in ancient bathhouses to soothe and relax the bodies of the bathers. Today, both the herb and its oil continue to be used for a variety of aromatherapy and medicinal purposes. Lavender essential oil has long been seen as a natural remedy for stress. Here are some ways in which lavender essential oil can help soothe and relax the mind, body and soul.

Calm the Nervous System

Scientific studies have shown that lavender slows down the activity of the nervous system and can help slow down brain waves, thus increasing the feeling of relaxation. Lavender oil is often mixed with a carrier oil in massages to help relax the client’s muscles and mind during the massage. In fact, in Germany, lavender flowers are used as a tea to help calm a nervous stomach as well as fight restlessness.

Improve Sleep Quality

Patients who put lavender flowers in their pillow, or who massaged lavender oil into their skin prior to sleep, found they slept more soundly and woke up feeling more rested and alert than without the usage of lavender. Due to its relaxation properties, lavender has also shown to help those suffering from insomnia by reducing agitation and feelings of exhaustion.

Increase the Feelings of Relaxation

Similar to calming the nervous system, lavender helps people feel more relaxed during the day and can help relieve the feeling of stress throughout their workday. It’s suggested that people who are feeling anxious or stressed about an upcoming project or meeting, add a drop of lavender oil in their hand lotion and rub it into the skin. Just that small amount can help them relax and calm their nerves for their meeting.

Help Lower Pulse Rates

Researchers in Florida realized that nursing students, feeling nervous about a stressful test, experienced a reduction in anxiety as well as lower heart rates after smelling lavender oil. Diffusing lavender oil in a hospital setting also showed to decrease the stress of surgery among patients.

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil as a Stress Reliever

Those who are currently feeling stressed, or want to prevent the feelings of anxiety or pressure, can easily add lavender oil into their daily routine. Here are a few examples lavender essential oil can be used on a daily basis:

• A dozen drops of Lavender oil can be diffused in an aromatherapy diffuser to release the aroma into a home or office. The soothing scent will help bring feelings of relaxation.
• A drop or two of lavender oil can be added to hand lotion. This can help skin stay supple while also allowing wearers to breathe their way to stress relief.
• Five to six drops of lavender essential oil can be added to bath water for a relaxing, stress relieving, especially useful prior to bedtime. Lavender essential oil serves the dual purpose of adding relaxation qualities as well as a skin moisturizer, to your bath.

Lavender essential oil is a fantastic way to bring natural stress relief into daily life. Med Lab Supply carries pure lavender essential oil by Vale of Eden. This top quality oil will help enhance any home or office with all of its relaxing properties.