Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils out there and it is popularly used in aromatherapy. It is extracted from the plant Lavandula angustifolia. The oil has cosmetic uses, and it is believed to have some medicinal uses. Studies have shown that the essential oil can be an effective treatment for medical conditions dealing with neurological disorders of the nervous system, while others have shown the oil promotes relaxation and it is also believed to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia and restlessness.
Studies also suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling.
Some of the uses of lavender oil include:
1. Lavender oil for acne
Lavender oil works by killing of bacteria, and thereby prevent and heal acne breakouts. The oil unclogs pores and reduces inflammation when applied on the skin.
2. Soothes the Nervous System
Some studies have shown that inhalation of lavender has a soothing and calming effect on the nervous system, thereby making it a great alternative for alleviating stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
3. Hair loss
Application of lavender is perhaps an effective treatment alopecia areata, a condition in which hair is loss from some or all areas of the body.
Research shows that lavender can promote hair growth by up to 44 percent after 7 months of treatment. A more recent research observed that applying lavender oil to the backs of mice helped to promote hair growth over the course of 4 weeks.
4. Ease Headaches
Recent research suggests that inhaling lavender scent or massaging the oil into the temples, forehead, and neck (specifically behind your ears) can treat headaches.
5. Fungal infections
Several studies have shown that lavender oil could be effective in combating antifungal-resistant infections.
From the researches carried out, it was found that the oil was lethal to a range of strains that can cause disease in the skin and it work(s/ed) by destroying the membranes of fungal cells.
6. Improve Sleep
Adding a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser next to your bed at night can help relax the mind and the body and eventually improve your overall sleep.
7. Lavender oil for face wrinkles
Free radicals are partly responsible for fine lines and wrinkles on the human face. Lavender oil is full of antioxidants and antioxidants are known to help protect you from the free radicals. A mixture of the essential oil alongside coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer once or twice a day to help with wrinkles.
8. Alleviate Menstrual Cramps
Applying lavender oil to the abdomen during your menstrual cycle can help alleviate cramping.
9. Wound-healing properties
Lavender oil may help speed up the rate at which a wound heals. A study found that the mixture of lavender oil and coconut/tamanu oil can help promotes the healing of skin tissue If you have a burn, cut or scrape.
Lavender oil can also reduce scars.
Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. The oil has many uses. It is mostly used for treating the skin and aromatherapy. It naturally reduces inflammation, lessens pain, and cleans the surface of the skin. You can use lavender oil on your face, legs, and hands.
When buying pure lavender essential oil, check the label for its Latin name, Lavandula angustifolia. No other oils or ingredients should be listed. If you see any other ingredients/oils listed, then the lavender oil is diluted and should not be used in a diffuser.
The essential oils should be packaged in a dark amber or cobalt bottle and stored out of sunlight.