Lavender or lavandula angustifolia is a flowering plant known for its distinct fragrance and versatility. During the olden times, lavender was referred to as ‘spikenard’ or ‘nard’, which was derived from the Greek name “naardus” after the Syrian City of Naarda. This was also mentioned in the Bible as one of the herbs used to prepare the Holy Essence. Furthermore, lavender was used in the mummification process by Egyptians to preserve dead bodies.
Lavender was also believed to derive its name from the Latin word “Lavare” or “to wash”. Eventually, this aromatic and aesthetically pleasing plant became more popularly known as Lavender until this day. This was used as perfume, body bath and many more. Over the years, this was commercially grown and extracted because lavender oil has various significant uses that have been discovered. No doubt that this essential oil has a big impact in improving the total wellness of a person because its medicinal benefits to adults and children alike are really unquestionable.
Lavender Essential Oil has been used during the ancient times as perfume, medicine as well as other variety of uses in the home. It is one of the most prominent therapeutic oils that most people love to use because of its instant relaxing and calming effect on the mind and body. Today, lavender oil can be considered as the most favorite type of essential oil around the globe.
Lavender was commonly used to soothe and relax a person both physically and emotionally. Aside from its medicinal uses, it is also used as air freshener, perfume and even as additional flavor to food. Having a bottle of Lavender Essential Oil in your purse or pocket can give you that instant comforting and peaceful effect for that more positive vibe.
Lavender Essential Oil Benefits
There many benefits that can be derived from using Lavender Essential Oil and these are as follows:
- Reduces stress, anxiety and depression
- Heals headaches and motion sickness
- Acts as anti-inflammatory agent
- Helps in healing wounds, burns, sunburns and insect bites
- Helps in improving the skin complexion
- Clears acne
- Relieves respiratory problems
- Good source of antioxidants
- Helps in curing eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis
- Clears dandruff and prevents hair loss
- Helps in healing indigestion and stomach problems
- Reduces the pain of heartburn
- Helps prevents diabetes
- Aids in promoting better sleep
Lavender Essential Oil Uses
- Lavender Essential Oil as Stress and Anxiety Relief. This oil is widely used to relieve the stress, depression and anxiety because inhaling it can calm the mind and body. It is usually used in spas because of its relaxing scent.
- Lavender Essential Oil as Treatment for Headache and Migraine. This oil is known to be a natural cure to soothe headaches and migraines. Inhaling it or applying few drops on the forehead can help a lot instantly. It can also help in relieving motion sickness during travelling on land, water or air.
- Lavender Essential Oil as Diabetes Prevention. This was the most recent study about Lavender Essential Oil. It can help in decreasing the chance of getting diabetes because it aids in preventing the rise of blood glucose, metabolic disorders and weight gain which are the most prominent causes of diabetes.
- Lavender Essential Oil for Better Sleep and Prevent Insomnia. This essential oil when diffused and inhaled can improve the quality of sleep. Also, putting few drops of Lavender Essential Oil in the bedtime bath or spraying some on the pillow or bed sheet can help relax the body and help in getting to sleep faster.
- Lavender Essential Oil to Cure Acne. Having a better immune system and less stress can greatly contribute to a great skin thus, cure acne.
- Lavender Essential Oil for Stomach Ache and Indigestion Treatment. The scent of the Lavender Essential Oil alone can help relax an aching stomach and stimulate the proper function of the intestines thus, making your digestive system function better.
- Lavender Essential Oil to Clear Dandruff and Prevent Hair loss. Only a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil can help eliminate itchy dandruff and prevent hair loss.
- Lavender Essential Oil for Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis Treatment. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Lavender Essential oil can help treat complicated skin diseases.
- Lavender Essential Oil to Relieve Respiratory Problems. This oil can help in dealing with respiratory problems such as common colds, sinus, cough and asthma because of its anti- inflammatory properties and helps in clearing the respiratory tract.
- Lavender Essential Oil to Cure Insect Bites. It is proven to soothe itchiness and redness caused by insect bites. This oil is also commonly used as ingredient in insect repellant lotions.
- Lavender Essential Oil for Lip and Skin Care. Applying a few drop of this essential oil can help soothe chapped lips and rejuvenate dry skin.
- Lavender Essential Oil as Remedy for Minor Burns and Cuts. Lavender Essential Oil has cooling effect that can help in decreasing the pain caused by minor burns and cuts. This may also stop bleeding and prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Lavender Essential Oil as Source of Antioxidant. Lavender has natural antioxidant properties that can help the body produce glutathione, catalese and SOD or Superoxide dismutase which protect the body from cancer cells and other free radicals.
Lavender Essential Oil Side Effects
Lavender Essential Oil is generally safe to use. However, there are some people that have different bodily reactions to this essential oil. Others may experience heavy sleepiness and drowsiness because of its sedative effect. Although not yet proven, pregnant and lactating mothers are advised to take caution when using Lavender Essential Oil or not use it totally. Furthermore, if you are taking medications, using this may have contraindications to the medicine that you are taking.
How to Use Lavender Essential Oil
There are a variety of ways on how to use Lavender Essential Oil. You may use it as aromatherapy by using an oil diffuser or by rubbing a few drops of lavender oil on your cupped hands. Lavender oil can be ingested but because of its very strong flavor, you may opt to use this in very small amounts only. In addition to this, it can be used as massage oil, added to your bath, foot or hand soak as well.
How to Make Lavender Essential Oil
Pure lavender oil can be obtained through proper and strict steam distillation. When the lavender flowers are in full bloom, that is the best time to produce the oil. For one pound of pure lavender oil, a whopping 150 pounds of lavender is needed. Aside from steam distillation, Lavender Essential Oil can be produced through cold infusion using another essential oil. This infusion may take about 3-6 weeks.
Lavender Essential Oil Recipe
To make your own Lavender Essential Oil, follow these steps:
- Lightly crush lavender flowers and place these in a jar. You may want to use more lavender flowers if you want a more aromatic formula.
- Pour non-scented oil (almond or olive oil) fully covering the crushed lavender flowers. Leave 1-2 inches space on top because this formula may expand.
- Cover the jar tightly and put it in a place where it can be generously soaked in sunlight. It may take up to 2 days to get the scent but for more favorable results, it may take up to 6 weeks.
- Using cheesecloth, strain the oil and discard the buds.
- Put 2-3 drops of Vitamin E to the solution to increase its shelf life.
- Place the Lavender Essential Oil in a dark, opaque bottle in order to prevent exposure as light colored bottles may diffuse the aroma.
Where to Buy Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil is available at local grocery stores or health shops. You may also buy Lavender Essential Oil Online at Amazon.com. Top brands are doTerra and Edens Garden.
More Information on Lavender Essential Oil
- As Lavender Essential Oil is relatively safe to use, it is still best to consult your physician in using it especially when you are pregnant, nursing or taking medications.
- Use patch test before using this oil and to test skin sensitivity.
- Do not overuse as it may cause harm than good to your body.
- Never rub Lavender Essential Oil to your eyes or sensitive body parts.
