Lavender essential oil is often known as the universal oil in aromatherapy. Throughout history it was prized for its calming effects on the body and mind. .One study which was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, which consisted of participants who were exposed to a stressor prior to completing a memory task.1 Those who inhaled a lavender aroma prior to being stressed performed better than those who inhaled a placebo aroma.
In another study published in the International Journal of Nursing Practice, showed that aromatherapy using a 3% lavender oil spray on clothing was found to be effective in reducing work-related stress for three to four days. 1
Whenever you need a little help relaxing your body or helping your busy mind to wind down, lavender essential oil can be a helpful solution. The beneficial calming qualities can have a positive impact on both the body and the mind. Overall, lavender oil has a calming effect of the body and is extremely useful in reducing stress.
A variety of studies have shown the effects of lavender on both animals and humans for addressing issues with the nervous system, stress, insomnia, pain and more. (2)
This pretty, purple plant has some powerful benefits. Some studies have shown it’s even an effective treatment for medical conditions dealing with neurological disorders of the nervous system, while others have shown that lavender essential oil can help with insomnia, hair loss, anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain.
Pain and Lavender
Lavender reported to be useful in the treatment of acute as well as chronic or intractable pain [82]. It has been shown that foot massage using lavender essential oil in 100 ICU patients of whom 50% were receiving artificial ventilation was effective in lowering blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, wakefulness, and pain. (2)
There’s a definite difference between lavender oil and lavender essential oil. If the label does not clearly state that it is an ‘essential oil,’ then it is not an essential oil and should not be used. Lavender oils are perfume oils that are unlikely to contain any beneficial properties that are found in lavender essential oils.
Here are just a few benefits of using a lavender essential oil:
- Soothe the nervous system
Studies show the inhalation of lavender has a soothing and calming effect on the nervous system, making it a great alternative for alleviating stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
- Ease Headaches
Current research says that inhaling lavender scent or massaging the oil into the temples, forehead, and neck (specifically behind your ears) can treat headaches.
- Relieve Nausea
Studies have demonstrated that inhaling lavender scent can relieve feelings of nausea or motion sickness.
- Improve Sleep
Adding a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow or to a diffuser in your bedroom at night can help relax the mind and the body and improve your overall sleep.
- Heal Minor Wounds
Applying a dilution of lavender oil and distilled water to a wound can help stimulate cell regeneration and heal the wound faster.
- Alleviate Menstrual Cramps
Applying lavender oil to the abdomen during your menstrual cycle can help alleviate cramping.
- Nourish Skin
Lavender is packed with antioxidants that protect and nourish your skin, making it a perfect addition to any skincare formula.
- Minimize Sunspots
Consistently using an oil with lavender in the formula has been said that it can minimize the appearance of sunspots.
If you’re just starting to build your aromatherapy collection, lavender is an excellent starter oil. We utilize pure essential oils at the Health Studio which have been quality tested. You can learn more and order by visiting our store tab. Start incorporating this natural product into your life today and both your body and mind will thank you.
1-Chen MC, Fang SH, Fang L. The effects of aromatherapy in relieving symptoms related to job stress among nurses. Int J Nurs Pract. 2015;21(1):87-93. doi:10.1111/ijn.12229
2- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/
