Suffice it to say, among all essential oils, lavender oil is considered to be the most versatile one.
Its chemical composition makes it immensely helpful for purposes ranging from aromatherapy, healing purposes, physical relief (like burns, fevers, headache, insomnia, migraines, insect bites, skin problems, scabies, menstrual cramps, earache, sunburn, eczema, among others ), emotional relief (like stress, anxiety, fatigue, nervous tension and used within meditational/ mood enhancing purposes as well)
Table of Contents
What Is Lavender Oil?
Lavender oil is made out of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).While it was used for the purpose of purification of skin by adding it to bath water by the Greeks, Romans, and Persians, the Arabians and Egyptians preferred it for mummification and used as a perfume.
In Greece and Rome, it took its place in the households as an all round cure, in Medieval and Renaissance Europe it played the role of a disinfectant and a deodorant.
Characteristics
Lavender consists of wonder molecules called esters, which are aromatic in nature. These molecules are antispasmodic, pacifying and tonic in nature which enables their marvelous healing properties.
The other molecules that it consists are responsible for its antiviral, bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers.
Of the multitude of therapeutic attributes of Lavender as discussed above, the most prominent and consistently reported benefits, is a respiratory relief.
As per many types of research conducted worldwide, Netherfield Lavender Oil in its purest form proves to be of great assistance to the recovery and protection of the respiratory system.
In olden times, oil of spike Lavender was used as a solvent in oil painting. It has been useful over the time in alleviating low-level anxiety and sleep disorders due to SIlexan, an oral preparation of lavender oil.
A good quality Lavender oil has a slightly woody scent dominated by its trademark floral, pleasing and herbaceous smell. It can be colorless or can range from pale yellow to yellow-green shade.
Benefits And Uses Of Lavender Oil
It is an essential oil which is widely preferred in body care products such as soaps, perfumes, household cleaners and laundry detergent in present time.
1. Soothing And Calming Purposes
Rub few drops of lavender oil in your palms and inhale the scent for soothing your nerves. Rub few more drops on feet, wrists and temples for instant calming effect. Also, you can use it while spa, massage therapy, and meditation.
2. Use It For Inducing Sleep
Either put few drops on parts of your body as discussed above and inhale it slowly and put few drops on your pillow. You can even spray it in your room for an overall relaxing experience.
3. Insect Bites Or Bee Sting
Put few drops on the affected area immediately to stop the rubbing and itching sensation and reduce the swelling.
4. Minor Burn
Putting lavender oil on the burn decreases pain and prevents any redness, swelling or pain.
5. Menstrual Cramps
Women don’t have to hate that time of the month anymore. Just carry lavender oil in your purse all time and whenever you get some space to relax, then massage few drops of lavender oil on your abdomen and lower back or sprinkle some drops on a hot compress and apply it to that area.
6. Miscellaneous
Use it whenever you are feeling giddy or faint or for alleviating the symptoms of nausea, motion sickness or palpitations.
7. Headache
You can give yourself a good forehead massage. You can also dip a small cloth in cold water, sprinkle few drops of lavender onto it and massage on your forehead, temples, and nape of your neck.
8. Eczema/ Dermatitis
Either mix drops of lavender oil in calamine lotion or apply directly over your dry, itchy skin and feel the wonders of this oil within minutes.
9. Cuts And Wounds
It not only soothes pain but also prevents bacterial infection and helps heal the scars as well.
10. Moths, Midges, And Mosquitoes
Lavender repels these insects as they hate the smell of it. Before you go outside after sunset or go to bed, you can apply few drops on your body and feel relief from insect bites.
You can even replace your mosquito repellant, which has been recently in the news for being harmful to human body, by soaking a cotton ball in lavender oil and place it on a saucer in front of your window or your room.
Cinnamon Essential Oil is also considered as an insect repellant and can be used.
11. Aromatherapy
Add it to your bath or diffuse to create a calming and comforting environment before you wind down before bedtime.
Vetiver oil can also be used in Aromatherapy effectively.
12. Healthy Hairs
Say goodbye to depressing invaders. Lavender helps kill lice, nits, and lice eggs. It also treats hair loss, so you know why every household is incomplete without this oil on the shelves.
13. Improves Blood Circulation
It is advisable for hypertension and also lowers elevated blood pressure levels.
Almond oil is also wonderful for fostering blood circulation and controlling the blood pressure.
14. Stimulates Urine Production
By stimulating urine production, it brings back hormonal balance, prevents inflammation of urinary bladder, relieves cramps and helps prevent other forms of urinary disorders.
15. Improves Digestion
It helps stimulate the mobility of intestine and improves the production of bile, gastric juices which further helps in treating stomach pain, flatulence, indigestion, vomiting, colic or diarrhea.
Lavender Oil For Hair
The list may seem long but isn’t complete. Yes, you read it right! Lavender oil is also regenerative which means that if you love your mane, you just got another reason to fall for this wonder oil.
That is why it is found in hair formulas and products for all types of hair and scalp condition. Which means that even if you are using it directly, you don’t have to worry if it suits your hair type or not or will it be beneficial for your hair/scalp condition as well.
You would be surprised to know that a team of dermatologists at Scotland found after testing 44% alopecia patients (an autoimmune disease in which the body rejects its hair follicles as foreign objects and leads to massive hair loss), that applying lavender and other essential oils on the scalp daily for seven months led to new hair growth. Hurray over the victory against the disease.
This is so also because lavender oil is a circulatory stimulant, which ensures that it benefits the skin as well as scalp.
It can help you grow strong, luscious hair in no time. Also, if you are experiencing hair loss due to emotional or psychological reasons, then the healing and relaxing qualities will help you overall and aid in preventing hair fall and hair damage.
For a person suffering hair loss by Alopecia:
- Use organic lavender shampoo and hair conditioner. Make sure that the ingredients contain only pure lavender oil.
- Buy 100% pure essential lavender oil and a carrier oil like coconut oil from the market. Mix them in a bowl.
- Now massage this mixture into your scalp daily. It will not only nourish your scalp but also promote healthy hair growth.
Why Lavender Oil Works So Well For Your Hairs?
It tackles the problems of hair loss and additionally aids hair growth.
Now that’s a two prong benefit, and you don’t have to worry about using a different oil for various benefits. You get both the benefits at one go.
Today’s busy lifestyle causes a compromise in our diet and adds stress and depression in our lives. Our demanding situations led to a downfall in our health, and this leads to hair loss among many young men and women.
In such a scenario, lavender oil serves as a natural cure and combats the problem from within. It acts as an indirect cure since it relaxes your nerves from within and increases the blood circulation of the body thus indirectly leading to healthy hairs.
For improving the blood circulation of your body as well as scalp, indulge in regular lavender aromatherapy.
It acts as an excellent hair conditioner.
A lot of hair products use lavender oil as an essential ingredient due to its ability to stimulating hair growth. You can either directly purchase such products from the offline and online stores, or you can do the magic right at home by mixing the pure essential lavender oil with your conditioner while applying it to your hair.
If you are not short of time, then you can also make a homemade lavender oil conditioner using other ingredients.
Lavender Oil Conditioner
Take 1/4th cup of dried lavender and boil it in 2 cups of water. You can even add the ready to use lavender oil in the formulae if you wish to make it strong.
While bathing you can rinse your hair with the mixture and leave it for approximately for 15 minutes. This treatment not only helps keep your scalp hydrated but also helps in controlling dandruff.This is a blessing in disguise for those with dandruff problems and itchy scalp.
How embarrassing can it be if you are with your date finally getting to spend time after all that effort and there your hands are, busy scratching your head like an idiot? The flakes falling on your shirt are not a welcome sight either.
Moisturize And Nourishes Scalp Against Dandruff
Don’t worry since lavender oil comes to your rescue right away. Apart from hydrating and moisturizing your scalp, it also nourishes your scalp, which is why it is the perfect weapon against that dandruff bugging you for so long.
Take 15 drops of lavender oil and mix it with two tablespoons of olive oil in a container. Heat this mixture for few seconds and when it becomes warm enough, you can start with applying it to your scalp. Once you are done, cover your hair with shower cap and keep it like that for an hour before you finally wash it off.
You don’t want your beautiful hairs to be home to blood-sucking lice and nits. Repulse them with lavender oil, since as much as this sweet and pleasing aroma appeals to humans, it is unbearable for them to inhale.
Do the massage therapy for few minutes and let the oil stay for an hour. Shampoo your hair after the treatment. Comb your hairs once from scalp to the tips.
Proper Ways Of Applying Lavender Oil To Your Hairs And Scalp
Different hair conditions and expected benefits require you to use the oil in various ways. Below are different treatments to be used in appropriate conditions.
1. For Treating Dry Scalp
You Need The Following Ingredients
* Lavender Oil *Water *Oatmeal *Rosemary Oil
- Soak a 1/4th cup of oatmeal in water for 20 minutes
- Pour 7 drops of lavender oil in it
- After that, add five drops of rosemary oil into the water
- Once the paste is formed, you can apply it directly to your scalp. Keep it for an hour and let it treat your scalp
- Wash off your scalp with warm water
2. For Stimulating Hair Growth
You Need The Following Ingredients
* Lavender Oil *Jojoba Oil *Basil Oil *Rosemary Oil
- Mix 10 drops of lavender oil, ten drops of rosemary oil, five drops of basil oil and 4 oz. of jojoba oil and store in a dark bottle.
- Shake the bottle well before each use such that the ingredients get mixed properly. You can use this for your massage therapy. Results will be seen after weeks or months of use.
- You can also use other Essential Oil for Hair for treating different hair problems.
Lavender Oil For Skin
Using pure essential lavender oil directly on your skin might not react well. Thus, it is advised that you mix it with carrier oils or mix the pure oil with your face moisturizers or other face cosmetics.
If you still want to use the essential oil directly on your skin, you can consult a qualified aromatherapist or any qualified skin expert. Lavender oil is useful for treating various skin problems.
Say No To Warts
Apply a drop of lavender essential oil directly on the wart. You can repeat this for thrice a week. Initially, the wart will appear reddish, but it should drop off quickly.
Treat Any Spots On Your Skin Or Use It For Treating Any Skin Irritation
Lavender oil is good for getting rid of any spots or acne on your face. It is so because Lavender oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and thus it kills any unwanted germs on your skin.
The anti-bacterial quality helps in killing harmful bacterias etc. from the skin, and the anti-inflammatory property helps reduce the size of the spot, any redness or swelling caused due to acne, etc.
Fear Sunburns No More. Also, Burns Don’t Leave Behind Scars Anymore
-Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and healing properties so applying few drops of this oil on your burns will soothe the pain.
-It is anti-bacterial, thus ensuring that the burn remains clean and speed up the healing process.
For treating sunburns or providing a cooling sensation during the heat, add few drops of lavender oil to a spray bottle of mineral water and spray it onto the skin.
Side Effects Of Lavender Oil
This oil might not be suitable for everyone, and some might develop an allergic reaction to it which is why it must be used with a word of caution.
It is possible that if this oil doesn’t suit you, then you can experience side effects such as headaches, vomiting, nausea, or may experience chills after inhaling or applying the oil topically.
In such cases, it is advisable to use the oil in minute quantity beforehand to test the suitability and in the case of any perceived uneasiness, stop the use immediately. Ensure its use under the supervision of a physician in case of doubt or before any medicinal use.
While applying lavender oil to hair or scalp, first apply a small quantity of a small portion of your hairs to see if any problem occurs.
This is to check your suitability for the oil. So, next time you can dilute it mixing lavender essential oil with carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, castor, sunflower, olive, avocado oil, etc. but don’t dilute lavender oil too much since you might lose its benefits.
Also, the lavender oil must not be used by pregnant women or nursing moms as the safety of this oil for these conditions haven’t been confirmed.
If you are taking medications like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and chloral hydrate then avoid the use of this oil as it may increase their sedative effects and cause extreme drowsiness and sleepiness.
Lavender Essential Oil Properties
Lavender is not short of its many magical and awe-inspiring properties which render it so many useful applications.
1. Antidepressant
Lavender is used in treating stress and anxiety. It is also one of the most preferred oils in spas, massage, therapy and even meditations.
2. Analgesic
Helps in pain relief whether it be for purposes like a headache, earache, menstrual cramps or migraines
3. Antiseptic
Trust lavender oil for preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms in your body. Be it cut wounds, insect bites, scabies, eczema, dermatitis or burns, lavender will do its magic right!
4. Cicatrizant
Lavender is excellent with its healing abilities, thanks to the complex and magical chemical composition that it has. It is soothing, calming, balancing for both body and mind, and most importantly revitalizing.It heals all types of wounds and burns, treats psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and scabies.
5. Expectorant
It also has great respiratory benefits and over the time has been popularly known as an effective treatment for respiratory problems.
Since the ancient times, it has been widely in use for this purpose. It promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, which can be helpful for all respiratory problems starting from something as basic as treating cough.
6. Nervine
Used to treat nervous tension, insomnia, aching muscles, long-haul travel, and fatigue, it is a perfect antidote to your nerves.
7. Vulnerary
Lavender oil can be applied to sooth pain, prevent bacterial infection and aid scar-free healing.
8. Anti-Inflammatory
Widely used as a crucial part of drugs and medicines or applied directly as well for reducing inflammation.
9. Antifungal
10. Anti-Microbial
11. Antispasmodic
Very useful for relieving menstrual cramps, or stomach, intestine, and bladder related problems.
12. Analgesic
A very popular pain reliever, it has since centuries used for aches, pains, muscle stiffness, rheumatic discomfort, and joint stiffness.
13. Detoxifying
Helps in removing toxic substances from the body and enables purification
14. Hypotensive
Instrumental in treating respiratory and heart-related problems. Instrumental in treating cough, cold, influenza. Eases breathing is the event when lungs and sinuses are choked with phlegm. Also, defend the system against airborne viruses.
16. Sedative
It calms the nerves and improves sleep. Helpful for people suffering from insomnia.
