Lavender is one of the most versatile and useful essential oil. It is obtained by distilling the petals of its flowers in steam.
This oil has been used for decades both externally and internally for treating various health issues. In addition to that, lavender is mostly added to the beauty, cleaning, and aromatherapy products.
Lavender oil has a unique fragrance that helps to calm, relax, and ease emotional as well as some physical problems such as pain.
Here are the uses and health benefits of Lavender oil
1. Lavender oil Alleviates insomnia
Lavender is excellent for soothing and relaxing the body. It can help you fall and stay asleep.
Insomnia is a problem which many people struggle with often. Some medications can help but unfortunately, these drugs have side effects. Lavender can be a better alternative to these medications since it is potent and has no known side effects.
Diffuse it for 2-3 hours or overnight in your bedroom. You can as well rub a few drops on your palms or inhale it from the bottle.
If you do not like inhaling the smell of lavender oil, just add a few drops in some body cream and massage on your temples as well as your neck before you go to sleep.
In any case, you are suffering from insomnia, try to find out what could be causing it. In addition to that, Change your lifestyle and behavior to help you sleep better.
Read more: Lavender oil insomnia Blends
2. Soothe cuts and burns with lavender oil
Lavender oil has potent antibacterial properties which make it perfect for cleaning cuts and burns. It helps kill bacteria and reduce blisters. In addition to that, lavender aids to stop excessive bleeding on fresh cuts or wounds.
Add a few drops on a clean cotton pad and use it to disinfect the cut or burnt area on the skin.
3. Lavender oil can Reduce Stress and anxiety
Lavender oil has calming properties that can help to uplift the spirit and stabilize mood. Several studies show that It can improve mood, as well as ease feelings of stress and anxiety.
Whenever you feel stressed or anxious, inhale or diffuse it to feel better. Additionally, you can massage it on your forehead, your neck, and shoulder. Add it to your bath and soak in it for a few minutes before going to bed.
You can also use it to do foot massage or a relaxing soak before going to bed to ease your anxiety.
Read more:16 Best Essential oils for Anxiety
4. Use Lavender oil as an Insect repellant
Lavender oil has a strong scent which can keep away insects such as mosquitoes, and scorpions. Place some drops around the entrance doors and window sills to keep away these harmful bugs.
Mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil to a teaspoon of witch hazel and apply on your skin if you intend to stay outdoors late in the evening. This helps to repel insects from your body.
5.Apply lavender oil to Ease bug bites and bee sting
Lavender can reduce pain, itching, and swelling caused by insect bites or bee stings. Just put 1-2 drops of lavender oil on the affected area to reduce any inflammation or skin irritations.
6. Use lavender oil to Freshen laundry
Make your laundry smell amazing by adding a few drops of lavender oil to a piece of cloth and put it with the washed clothes in your dryer to dry. Lavender is inexpensive and safer to use on your clothes.
7. Lavender Oil can Reduce joint pain and inflammation
Lavender has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce joint pain and swelling. Mix a few drops of lavender with other essential oils such as rosemary or peppermint to minimize discomfort.
Lavender is mild and safe to use directly on the skin, but when mixed with other essential oils it can cause irritations. Please make sure to add carrier oil before applying the mixture to the skin surface.
8. Heal skin conditions
Lavender can help treat and heal skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and inflammation. It’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial compounds help to penetrate the skin pores and kill microbes.
It aids in reducing swelling, redness, and scarring. These oils can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles from the skin caused by free radicals. Add it to your skin moisturizer and massage on the affected skin surface.
9. Relieve headache and migraine
Lavender oil helps to lower tension and induces a feeling of relaxations which can relieve headaches and migraines. It sedates and relaxes the tensed muscles which help to reduce pain.
Place a few drops on your palms and massage around your forehead, and the back of your head. You can also diffuse or add it to warm bathwater.
Read more: Headache Relief Compress Using Essential Oils
10. Use lavender oil to Sanitize and disinfect surfaces
Lavender has antimicrobial properties which makes it excellent for killing germs. It can be used to clean and sanitize surfaces such as kitchen countertops and sinks.
One study found lavender oil to be effective at inhibiting the growth of resistant methicillin-staphylococcus (MSSA and MRSA) and methicillin. It can be used to treat bacterial infections and kill microbes.
Add some drops to your cleaning products to kill germs in your house. You can also diffuse it to kill airborne bacteria and relieve any respiratory problems.
11.Soften dry, chapped lips
Lavender oil helps to moisturize and soothes dry, chapped lips. It softens the skin and restores the moisture balance which aids in reducing bleeding as well as dryness.
Mix 1-2 drops of lavender oil to a half teaspoon of coconut, olive oil, or any carrier oil and apply on your dry lips as needed. You can also use lavender to make a moisturizing lip balm.
12. Lavender oil for Healing fungal infections
Lavender has antifungal compounds that can destroy fungal strains. It can be used to effectively treat toenail fungus since it can damage the cell membrane of fungal cells. It can also treat candida.
A 2005 study shows how low concentrations of lavender can inhibit the formation of candida germs whereas high levels can be used to kill 100 % cells of Candida albicans within 15 minutes.
13.Prevents Hair loss
Lavender oil can promote the healthy growth of hair. It helps to stimulate hair follicles and increase growth. It can, therefore, be used to treat alopecia and expand your hair strands.
In one study, the application of lavender oil on the back of mice once a day within four weeks showed an increase in thickness and the number of hair follicles.
Apply a mixture of lavender oil and a carrier oil such as coconut or almond to your scalp and hair. You can as well add it to your shampoo and conditioner to facilitate hair growth.
Read more:10 Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth
14. Improve concentration and focus
Lavender is excellent for calming and relaxing the nervous system which can improve concentration and focus. It can help clarify your mind and reduce anxiety which can as well promote clear thinking and attention. Additionally, it can boost your memory, alertness, and resilience.
Diffuse or inhale it from the bottle to enhance your focus.
15. Relieve allergic reactions
Lavender is a natural antihistamine that helps to fight allergic reactions. It contains potent antioxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can provide quick relief. Additionally, it acts as a relaxant and analgesic which also helps to ease the symptoms.
Replace commercial air freshener with a natural air freshener made with lavender to ease allergies. You can also diffuse 4-5 drops for a few hours or inhale it for relief.
Another way to use it is to place 1-2 drops of lavender oil around your nasal passage and the affected area. You can also massage it around the neck and temples.
16 Relieve Asthma symptoms
Lavender has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine compounds that can help fight infections. According to one study inhaling, lavender oil can suppress the allergic reactions caused by asthma.
Diffuse 4-6 drops of lavender oil or inhale it directly from the bottle to open your airways and feel better.
17. Treat ear infection
Lavender has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce, swelling, and increase blood circulation on the affected ear which can speed up healing.
Gently massage a few drops of lavender on the outer ear for relief. Please do not apply it in your inner ear.
18 Soothe sunburn
Lavender is excellent for treating skin problems. It can accelerate the healing process, reduces the redness, and improves the appearance of your skin.
Gently rub a mixture of lavender oil and aloe vera gel on the affected areas on the skin for relief.
19. Stretch marks
Reduce stretch marks with lavender oil. Add a few drops to your skin lotion and massage on the skin. Rub it daily to improve their appearance, and with time they will fade off.
20. Diaper rash
Lavender is excellent for soothing and calming the skin. It can relieve skin irritations and reduce inflammation.
Mix a few drops of lavender with a carrier oil and apply on the skin.
Lavender oil is very useful and beneficial for your health and family. It can effectively improve your health. Please try to preserve a bottle of this oil in your medicine cabinet.
