10 Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil
The lavender essential oil has been proven to be an effective remedy for many ailments, both physical and emotional.
In this article, you’ll learn about ten of the most common uses of lavender essential oil and how it can be used to improve your health and well-being.
If you’re interested in trying out lavender essential oil, start with one of these tips!
1) Soothes stress
Studies have shown that lavender oil helps reduce anxiety and stress, too. One study even found that inhaling lavender through a bowl of hot water can increase productivity!
Keep a bottle on your desk for those after-work worries and to help you relax before bed. Just make sure you use 100% pure lavender essential oil; if it’s diluted, it won’t be as effective.
2) Eases anxiety
Studies have shown that aromatherapy with lavender can help reduce anxiety and stress. This is great news, especially if you're a chronic worrier.
Spritz some lavender oil on your pillow before bedtime to rest more easily. Or, try smelling an essential oil diffuser throughout your day to keep stress at bay. (Remember: No need to rub it all over!)
One study even found that, in people with breast cancer, inhaling lavender could help relieve anxiety associated with chemotherapy—so don’t be afraid to consider using it as a treatment!
One of lavender’s other great benefits is that it’s a common treatment for insomnia. To reap its sleep-inducing benefits, simply place a few drops on your pillow before bedtime.
Make sure you pick up high-quality lavender essential oil, like our Bulgarian Lavandin Essential Oil. Although both smell great, lavender is sweeter and less camphorous than regular lavender.
3) Supports healthy sleep
It can be difficult to find a good night’s sleep when you have a lot on your mind. But lavender essential oil may help you rest better by promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
Research suggests that inhaling or applying lavender oil promotes normal sleep patterns in people who suffer from insomnia.
Also, try having some lavender essential oil near your bed or adding a few drops to your bath water for an extra dose of relaxing, calming comfort.
Some people say that it also helps them relax if they rub a little bit on their temples before going to bed.
If you’re not able to get outside and enjoy some fresh air at nighttime, then diffusing is one great way to reap all of these benefits indoors!
Research indicates that lavender essential oil may help with supporting sleep. How exactly it does so is not entirely clear, but studies show that inhaling or applying lavender oil promotes normal sleep patterns in people who suffer from insomnia.
Other studies suggest that lavender oil helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which can indirectly cause a decrease in stress levels and increase relaxation before bedtime.
For best results, choose an organic essential oil that is steam-distilled for maximum potency and quality.
Avoid products labeled as a fragrance since these aren't pure essential oils. Lavender also makes a great companion when you are preparing for bed!
4) Promotes positive mood
Research suggests that aromatherapy—which includes using scents like lavender to promote relaxation and reduce stress—can help people manage anxiety and other negative emotions, which may, in turn, support healthy eating habits.
In one study from 2012 published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, overweight women who received aromatherapy with lavender had an improved mood and reduced anxiety versus those who didn’t receive any treatment at all.
Plus, for a tasty way to use your lavender essential oil, try mixing it with honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener! This combination can help improve your mood even more if used daily.
And don’t forget to add it to your food storage—it lasts up to three years when stored properly.
5) Reduces fatigue
When you're stressed, the lavender essential oil can help relieve stress-related fatigue and promote relaxation.
A small study at Pacific College in California found that when it comes to relieving stress and anxiety, the lavender essential oil has similar effects to prescription medications.
But unlike drugs, it won’t make you drowsy or groggy. On top of that, researchers say it helps improve sleep quality.
So, if you want a natural way to reduce fatigue from stress, look no further than lavender essential oil!
6) Helps with headaches and migraines
Lavender essential oil is widely used for its ability to relieve headaches and migraines. Apply a few drops to your temples, massage into your neck, or simply breathe in deeply by placing a drop on your hand and inhaling it.
Whatever way you choose, lavender will help relax your muscles and ease pain caused by tension headaches.
It may also offer some relief from sinus headaches because it opens up blood vessels in the nasal passages and clears out excess mucus that is causing pressure inside your head.
7) Heals bruises faster
Using lavender essential oil on bruises can speed up their healing. To do so, simply add one to two drops of lavender oil to a single cup of water and then soak a cloth in it for five minutes.
Next, apply that wet cloth to your bruise. Cover with an ace bandage or wrap (either work) and leave on overnight. The results should be visible by morning!
8) Speeds up wound healing
Many essential oils have antiseptic properties that can help speed up healing time. This is great for minor scrapes, burns, and cuts.
Add 2-3 drops to a bath as well to aid in healing rashes or dry skin. Clears sinuses: It’s important to drink plenty of water when you feel sick because it helps wash away toxins and reduce fever; however, sometimes swallowing those liquids can be painful.
A drop or two of lavender oil in your water bottle can make even hot tea or room temperature water much easier to consume when you have a headache or runny nose.
9) Alleviates menstrual pain
For centuries, women have been using lavender oil to treat a range of physical and emotional ailments.
Studies suggest that lavender may help to reduce anxiety, stress, headaches, and insomnia, as well as diminish certain types of pain.
If you suffer from menstrual cramps, try rubbing lavender essential oil on your abdomen or surrounding affected areas to alleviate pain. (Note: Don’t use it undiluted!)
10) Protects skin from UV damage
The potent antioxidants in lavender oil protect from skin damage caused by harmful UV rays.
A study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that after applying two percent lavender oil to human skin, participants experienced significantly less DNA damage and increased antioxidant activity.
Additionally, a study published in Phytotherapy Research found that individuals with psoriasis experienced significant improvements in their condition when using oral doses of lavender essential oil.
Both studies indicate that lavender essential oil is an effective tool for preventing sunburn and signs of aging caused by UV radiation exposure.
To achieve these benefits, you can add 1-2 drops of pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil to your moisturizer or daily skincare routine before going outside.
