If you’re like me, you’ve mainly used lavender oil for relaxation in the form of aromatherapy — like pillow sachets or a couple of drops on a light bulb diffuser from time to time. But did you realize there are numerous benefits to this oil, including the treatment of skin, circulatory, and respiratory problems? Neither did I before today. Let’s get into some very interesting facts about this fragrant and truly miraculous essential oil. How many ways can we use it?
According to Wellness Mama, lavender is widely loved for its scent — but the love doesn’t stop there. Mountain Rose Herbs mentions it’s been used for hundreds of years as an aphrodisiac, as well as for insomnia, anxiety, and “nervous stomach.” In addition, the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia names it as a prominent treatment for colic, depressive headaches and flatulence. Even more, some practitioners in modern day prescribe it for migraines associated with menopause, and it’s also used in Spain to treat diabetes.
Boasting one of the most recognizable fragrances on earth, lavender also has antimicrobial, antibacterial, stress-alleviating, analgesic, and expectorant uses. It can also be used to calm coughs when diffused into the air, as well as being effective in protecting against airborne viruses. Used in oil or salve form, lavender can help promote sleep and relieve pain or body aches when applied.
Some have had good luck using it as an insect repellent as well. Especially effective at fending off moths and mosquitoes, some folks use it on the skin during their outdoor excursions to prevent bug bites, or right on the bites themselves if you do get them — this oil has anti-inflammatory properties too!
Got a big test? Try a little lavender oil. Mixed with rosemary, it’s been helpful in decreasing anxiety and improving cognitive functioning for others in stressed-out shoes.
Lavender oil has been known to help improve circulation and decrease hypertension when used regularly in vapor form.
Acne has been successfully eliminated or diminished as well, probably due to its antibacterial properties. Some have been known to add a few drops to other lotions and creams as well, in order to increase their potency for treating various skin ailments. A few drops can be placed with cool water into a spray bottle (preferably glass) and spritzed onto sunburned skin to help alleviate pain as well.
Sore backs, muscles, rheumatism, or pain following surgery can benefit from lavender oil also, either used as a massage oil or placed into vaporizers. For headaches, the essential oil can be rubbed into the temples or inhaled via diffuser. If you don’t have a diffuser, Wellness Mama recommends placing some of the dried lavender herb into a pan of simmering water to get some in the air instead.
For breathing problems associated with numerous ailments, lavender oil does the trick. All sorts of issues from colds to the flu, asthma, laryngitis, whooping cough, bronchitis and throat infections can benefit from the oil in vaporizers or applied onto the chest, back and neck areas.
Some have successfully used lavender oil to treat shingles. If you wish to try this, simply apply it directly to the affected area with a disposable cottonball or cloth. The same can be attempted with ringworm as well. (Please note: for any serious cases such as these or other types of irritation, illness, or infection, contagious or otherwise, do consult a doctor prior to treatment with lavender oil.)
Lavender oil can also be used to promote urination, restore hormonal balance and reduce cystitis or any associated cramps from all of these.
If you’ve got kids with lice nits or eggs in their hair, you might be able to treat it with lavender oil by regularly combing it through from scalp to tip. Additionally, lavender oil may stimulate hair growth in those suffering from alopecia when rubbed regularly into the scalp. Male pattern baldness may be prevented or delayed from similar treatment as well.
Please note: Wellness Mama includes a warning about lavender that states she does not use much of it in her household due to the possibility that long term exposure to concentrated lavender may cause hormonal imbalances in men. Also, those with diabetes and pregnant or nursing women should avoid the use of lavender oil altogether. Additionally, some people may be particularly sensitive to it, either in the air or on the skin, while others may be allergic. Use only in small amounts with people who haven’t used lavender oil previously in order to determine how their bodies will react. As with any potent essential oil, please use it cautiously, responsibly, and sparingly, and only after carefully considering the needs of your household.
