Essential oils have the power to heal the mind and help you feel relaxed and calm. Oils such as lavender oil have been used for many years due to their culinary and medicinal value.
What Is Lavender Oil?
Lavender is a flowering plant that has been used as a perfume and for mummification since ancient times. The flowers of the plant are also commonly used in aromatherapy.
The essential oil of lavender is used in aromatherapy, perfumes, medicinal purposes and for culinary purposes, including baked dishes, teas and aromatic beverages.
Lavender essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant through the process of steam distillation.
Uses of Lavender Oil
Lavender oil blends well with other essential oils like nutmeg, pine, cedarwood and clary sage oil. Keeping a bottle of lavender oil at home and using it for the right purposes will help you reap all its benefits.
Lavender oil is used in the following ways:
- In aromatherapy
- In candles
- In baby products
- In lotions and soaps
- In perfumes
- In fruit juices and beverages
- To make room fresheners
Benefits of Lavender Oil
The health benefits of lavender oil can be attributed to its stimulant, expectorant, disinfectant, nervine and analgesic properties.
The main health benefits of lavender oil include:
1. Relieves stress and anxiety
Lavender oil has a beautiful aroma that makes an excellent remedy for stressed nerves. It helps reduce depression, anxiety, migraines and nervous tension.
Some research shows that lavender oil has a positive impact on the autonomic nervous system. The refreshing scent of lavender also removes exhaustion and increases mental alertness.
2. Treats acne
If you are suffering from acne, lavender oil can help treat it naturally and effectively. Lavender oil contains disinfectant properties that regulate the over excretion of sebum, inhibit the bacteria causing acne and reduces the appearance of scars after the acne heals.
3. Stimulates urine flow
Lavender oil is considered one of the best remedies to treat urinary disorders. It has a stimulating effect that helps to increase urine output and eliminates harmful toxins from the body.
Lavender oil also reduces inflammation of the urinary bladder and helps restore hormonal balance.
4. Treats respiratory infections
Lavender oil contains decongestant and expectorant properties that make it an excellent remedy for respiratory infections. The stimulating property of lavender oil loosens up the phlegm deposits and expels it from the respiratory tract.
Additionally, the oil effectively helps in treating whooping cough, sinusitis, asthma, cough, cold and bronchitis. Lavender oil can be applied topically or inhaled in the vapor form.
5. Improves blood circulation
The aromatic properties of lavender oil have beneficial effects on blood circulation. It improves blood circulation and reduces blood pressure.
Hence, lavender oil is also commonly used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.
6. Aids digestion
Lavender oil stimulates the secretion of bile and gastric juices, which are useful to promote and improve digestion. Lavender oil is commonly used to treat indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea, colic and stomach pain.
7. Promotes hair growth
Lavender oil is used extensively in hair care. It is particularly effective against, dandruff, lice and ticks. The oil nourishes the scalp and hair follicles from root to tip. It also reduces hair loss and promotes healthy growth of new hair.
8. Boosts immunity
Lavender oil contains anti-microbial properties that can protect against several diseases. By helping the body fight infection, it also increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the immune system.
Side Effects of Lavender Oil
It is important to use lavender oil with caution and make sure to consult your doctor to know the right dosage and quantities to use. Additionally, a patch test must be performed to check skin sensitivity before use.
- In some instances, taking lavender oil regularly can make it function as a hormone disruptor. It can cause abnormal breast growth in males.
- Ingesting lavender oil can cause severe health complications like burning eyes, vomiting, difficulty in breathing and blurred vision.
- Although lavender oil has a soothing nature, it can cause skin irritations and allergies in those having sensitive skin.
- Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and diabetics are recommended to stay away from lavender oil.
