Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is perhaps the best and most versatile Essential Oil and has been used for over 2,500 years both therapeutically and for cosmetic use, dating back to Egyptians. Lavender comes from the same plant family as mint.
The name „lavender” comes from the latin verb, “lavare,” which means to wash. In fact, it is said that in the Elizabethan times, when baths weren’t common practice, Lavender was used to perfume clothes and bed linen.
Lavender scent has a calming effect that promotes sleep and relaxation, while essential oils are used in massage especially to soothe skin, aching muscles and joints.
Lavender is an ingredient widely used in the cosmetic industry in the production of soaps, lotions, massage oils, skin care products and aromatherapy.
As related to wellness, lavender is one of the top choices for sleep improvement and relaxation and is also one of the most studied essential oils in this field (1*).
Linalool, the main component of Lavander, has a sedative effect when used in aromatherapy. Another study conducted suggest anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties (2*). Overall, lavender has been suggested as a great natural remedy for mild insomnia and sleep disorders.
1. Potential benefits:
- Powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial;
- Diminishes anxiety, stress and depression;
- Improves sleep and relaxation;
- Supports brain function;
- Helps heal burns and cuts;
- Improve skin quality and acts as an anti-aging agent;
- Improve alopecia and hair loss;
- Stimulates the immune system;
- Acts as a natural aphrodisiac;
- Relieves headaches and pain.
2. How to use lavender essential oil
In manufacturing, lavender is used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri and decorations.
Diffusing:
Blends for sleep and relaxation – use with a diffuser:
- 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil and 2 drops Orange Essential Oil;
- 2 drops Lavender, 2 drops Chamomile, 2 drops Vetiver Essential Oil;
- 2 drops Lavender, 2 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil.
DIY Essential Oil pillow spray:
Lavender + Cedarwood Essential Oils (instead of Cedarwoord you may also use Chamomille or Vetiver).
Either spray Lavender Essential Oil around your Home or try diffusing it. You can spray you bedsheets, pillows, towels so you can enjoy the calming and soothing benefits right before bedtime.
To add natural fragrance to your carpet, drop dried Lavender Buds down before using the vacuum.
DIY beauty products:
For hair growth and healthy scalp: you can add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil to hair products like shampoo and conditioner.
A good rule of thumb is to use about 50 drops of Essential Oil per 1/2 cup (4 oz or 120 ml) of shampoo.
Topically:
Mix Lavender Essential Oil with a Carrier Oil such as Coconut, Jojoba, Almond or Grape Seed.
Calming body scrub with Lavender Essential Oil:
- 1 cup of sugar;
- 1/2 cup (4 oz or 120 ml) of Carrier Oil (you can use Olive, Coconut, Grape Seed, Almond);
- 50 drops of Lavender Essential Oil;
- 3 drops purple food coloring (optional);
Put the mix in a jar, keep it in the fridge and use for 3-6 months.
3. Safety and precautions:
Besides considering the general safety precautions applicable for all Essential oils (click here), you should take the following concerns with lavender essential oil in particular:
- Children: Lavender contain estrogen-like and testosterone-inhibiting properties. If overused, it could lead to abnormal breast growth in young boys.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: there is not enough information to claim the safety of lavender for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Stay safe by avoiding it altogether or ask for your doctor’s advice. Under no circumstances should you ingest lavender oil!
- Surgery: lavender may slow down the central nervous system. If used in combination with medications given during or after surgery, it may affect the central nervous system. It’s advisable to stop using lavender at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.