The health benefits of lavender oil are incredible and include improving circulation, promoting better sleep and clearing problem skin. Ancient manuscripts confirm that it has been used for over 2000 years both for its medicinal properties and for its unforgettable fragrance.
Lavender essential oil has proven to be the most versatile of essential oils and is one of the few that can be applied directly onto your skin without using a carrier oil. It is gentle and calming, but exceptionally powerful and is used primarily for medicinal purposes. A few drops can be added to pillows
or a hot bath to relieve stress, and can be applied to skin irritations and wounds to soothe and heal. It can also be used as a room spray or insect repellant while clearing your mind and toning your skin.
Lavender essential oil can also be used in the kitchen and has become a popular addition to a variety of baked goods and chocolate. It can be added to sauces and pies, or drizzled into an exotic dish: a few drops offer a powerful aroma and plenty of flavor.
Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil
1. Sleep Aid
A study conducted at the University of Southampton revealed that the use of lavender oil before bedtime can improve the quality of your sleep by as much as 20%.
It has since been recommended as an alternative and natural treatment for insomnia due to its calming and sleep-enhancing effect. Place a few drops on your pillow or smear just a bit under your nose for a great night’s rest.
2. Acne
Research has shown that both topically applying and inhaling lavender essential oil can result in a marked reduction in acne. In 2003 medical researchers published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology that the reduction in stress from inhaling lavender essential oil can result in a direct reduction in acne.
Topical application has been proven to reduce inflammation and to heal scarring, which makes lavender essential oil a powerful alternative treatment with only natural ingredients.
3. Muscle Tension
Multiple spas and therapeutic environments incorporate lavender essential oil into their treatments due to its ability to reduce muscle tension. By using it in various massage treatments it has proven to reduce back ache, shoulder strain, rheumatism and pain from sprains.
Lavender essential oil penetrates deep muscle tissue and helps to calm nerves. The scent also helps to trigger the release of endorphins, which helps to release toxins and tension.
4. Migraines
A US study involving 47 migraine-prone patients proved that lavender essential oil was an effective treatment for migraines. By rubbing just a few drops of lavender oil on their upper lip and inhaling its vapor for 15 minutes the participants showed a 74% success rate in reducing the pain and severity of
migraine headaches.
It has also been proven to reduce the symptoms of even the mildest form of a headache. Rub a few drops on your upper lip and temple for a powerful and efficient relief.
5. Urine Flow
Lavender essential oil is an effective treatment against urinary disorders and urinary tract infections, as it stimulates urine flow and hormonal balance. Research has also shown that it helps to reduce bladder inflammation and painful cramps.
6. Candida
Scientists have proven that lavender oil is an effective treatment against candida, which is a yeast overgrowth in the gut or reproductive organs. By adding just a few drops to water, tea or food sources it can help to destroy fungal bacteria and restore balance.
7. Skin Infections
The powerful anti-fungal nature of lavender essential oil has proven to be an effective treatment of skin infections, particularly for eczema, psoriasis and athlete’s foot. It can be applied directly to the affected area, which will both soothe and relieve pain, itching and inflammation.
8. Respiratory Support
By adding lavender essential oil to the neck, chest and back you will gain relief from respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, flu, and asthma. It can also be added to inhalers and vaporizers to heal sore throats and unblock sinuses.
It has powerful antibacterial compounds which help to promote healing and promote the removal of phlegm and germs. Add a few drops to your tissues or directly to your upper lip and chest for calming yet potent relief.
9. Healthy Blood
Lavender essential oil has been commonly used to treat the symptoms of hypertension and poor circulation, which can pose a serious risk to health.
Research has demonstrated that it is most effective when used in aromatherapy, offering therapeutic relief. It can be added to grapeseed or any gentle carrier oil and massaged into legs, arms, hands and feet to promote better circulation and reduce blood pressure.
10. Diabetes
A study conducted in Tunisia in 2014 revealed that lavender essential oil could be an effective treatment in preventing diabetes.
Frequent use of the oil over a 15-day period showed an improvement in fat metabolism, blood sugar stability and kidney function, which lead scientists to believe that lavender oil could become an effective treatment for reducing the risk of developing a deadly disease.
While studies are still ongoing, it is a remarkable finding!