Health benefit of lavender oil

Lavender: Health benefits and uses

Share on PinterestLavender can be distilled into an essential oil, and has a range of medical applications.

The herb is highly regarded for skin and beauty and is commonly used in fragrances and shampoos to help purify the skin. It can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) from drugstores, and some versions are used to add flavor to baked goods and foods.

There are also many medicinal properties associated with lavender.

Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites.

Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.

Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling.

In addition to helping with digestive problems, lavender is used to help relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores. It can also be used to prevent hair loss.

Fungal infections

A study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil could be effective in combating antifungal-resistant infections.

The researchers found that the oil was lethal to a range of strains that can cause disease in the skin.

In the study, the essential oils distilled from the Lavandula genus of the lavender plant seemed to work by destroying the membranes of fungal cells.

The study showed that Lavandula oil is potent and demonstrates antifungal activity on a wide spectrum.

Wound healing

A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine compared the effects of several treatments for wound healing.

The researchers compared the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), saline solution, povidone-iodine, and lavender oil. These were applied to laboratory rats.

The study authors noted that wounds closed faster in the TENS and lavender oil groups than the control groups. These findings suggest that lavender has an acceleratory effect on wound healing.

Hair loss

Lavender is possibly effective for treating alopecia areata. This is a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body.

Research from 1998 shows that lavender can promote hair growth by up to 44 percent after 7 months of treatment.

In a more recent study, researchers found that applying lavender oil to the backs of mice helped to promote hair growth over the course of 4 weeks.

Anxiety disorder and related conditions

Share on PinterestLavender scents have been shown to reduce anxiety before a dental appointment.

A review article in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice evaluates how effective Silexan might be for patients with different anxiety disorders. Silexan is a lavender-oil preparation available in 80-milligram (mg) gelatine capsules.

The team found that Silexan had an anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, effect on patients with generalized or subsyndromal anxiety within 2 weeks.

Researchers have also found that lavender scent may help anxious dental patients.

The investigators measured the dental anxiety levels of 340 adult patients during their wait at the dentist’s waiting room for their appointment.

Half the patients were exposed to lavender scent, while the other half were not.

The team found that those exposed to lavender scent reported lower levels of anxiety compared to the other patients. The calming effect of lavender was present regardless of the type of scheduled dental appointment.

Kritsidima, who conducted the study, concluded:

“Our findings suggest that lavender could certainly be used as an effective ‘on-the-spot’ anxiety reduction in dentists’ waiting rooms.”
Dr. M. Kritsidima, study author

Lavender does not seem to impact anxiety about future dental visits. However, it has been shown to provide a sense of calm while attending a treatment.

Post-tonsillectomy pain in children

Lavender oil has been shown to reduce the amount of painkilling medicine required after a tonsillectomy.

A team of researchers at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, carried out a study to determine whether aromatherapy with Lavandula angustifolia essential oil might reduce symptoms of pain in children after the removal of the tonsils.

The study included 48 children aged 6 to 12 years. They were randomly separated into two groups of 24 participants. One group took painkillers alongside lavender, and the other took only painkillers.

The frequency of each child’s acetaminophen use and nocturnal awakening due to pain was monitored for 3 days after surgery. Pain intensity was also measured. Acetaminophen is also known as Tylenol or paracetamol, and the group using lavender oil was shown to use acetaminophens less frequently.

However, there was no significant difference in how often they woke up at night or their perceptions of pain intensity.

Due to the small sample size, more research is required to fully confirm lavender oil as an effective painkiller.

Premenstrual emotional symptoms

Researchers have also studied whether lavender might help to alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms.

Many women of reproductive age experience a range of symptoms in the premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Even though PMS is common, no single treatment is universally recognized as effective. As a result, many women turn to alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy.

This crossover study involved 17 women, aged on average 20.6 years, with mild-to-moderate premenstrual symptoms. The participants spent one menstrual cycle with no lavender aromatherapy treatment, and another undergoing lavender aromatherapy.

The study concluded that lavender aromatherapy could alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms.

What does lavender not treat?

There is insufficient evidence to rate lavender’s effectiveness for treating:

depression
colic in infants
constipation
nausea and vomiting
migraines
otitis, or ear infection
high blood pressure
menstrual pain
eczema
cancer-related pain
dementia
lice

One study found that lavender fragrance could have a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in female college students. However, the authors highlighted that “repeated studies are needed to confirm effective proportions of lavender oil and carrier oil for insomnia and depression.”

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved lavender for medicinal use. It is sold as a supplement only and should not replace any prescribed course of treatment.

If you choose to use this essential oil, the FDA does not monitor these products. There may be concerns about purity, safety, or quality. Only purchase essential oils from reputable companies.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warn people to be cautious when combining lavender with the following:

drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and Ambien
drugs to reduce blood pressure, such as captopril, enalapril, and losartan

If you are already taking the above, seek medical advice before adding lavender to your drug regimen.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) revealed that repeated use of lavender oil on the skin might trigger prepubertal gynecomastia, a condition that causes enlarged breast tissue in boys before puberty.

The safety of taking lavender during pregnancy or while breast-feeding has also not been confirmed.

Discuss any use of essential oils, herbs, or supplements with your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

As lavender is thought to slow down the central nervous system, doctors advise patients to stop using lavender at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Lavender Oil Benefits and How to Use It

Lavender essential oil is the most used essential oil in the world today, but the benefits of lavender were actually discovered over 2,500 years ago. Because of its powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, sedative, calming and antidepressive properties, lavender oil perks abound, and it’s been used both cosmetically and therapeutically for centuries.

The Egyptians used lavender for mummification and as a perfume. In fact, when King Tut’s tomb was opened in 1923, there was said to be a faint scent of lavender that could still be detected after 3,000 years.

Early and modern aromatherapy texts advocate for lavender’s use as an antibacterial essential oil. The leaves and stems of the plant were used to prepare decoctions against digestive system diseases and rheumatism, and lavender was valued for its cosmetic purposes.

Research shows that the Romans used lavender oil for bathing, cooking and purifying the air. In the Bible, lavender oil was among the aromatics used for anointing and healing.

Because lavender oil contains such versatile properties and is gentle enough to use directly to the skin, it’s consider a must-have oil, especially if you are just getting started with using essential oils for your health. Science has only recently started to evaluate the range of health effects that lavender essential oil contains, but there’s already an abundance of evidence that points out the amazing capabilities of this oil.

Today, lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the world — and for good reason. People are beginning to catch on to lavender oil benefits for your body as well as your home.

Lavender Oil Benefits

1. Antioxidant Protection

Free radicals, like toxins, chemicals and pollutants, are arguably the most dangerous and most common risk factor for every disease that affects Americans today. Free radicals are responsible for shutting down your immune system and can cause unbelievable damage to your body.

The body’s natural response to free radical damage is to create antioxidant enzymes — especially glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) — that stop these free radicals from doing their damage. Unfortunately, your body can actually become deficient in antioxidants if the free radical burden is great enough, which has become relatively common in the U.S. because of poor diet and high exposure to toxins.

Thankfully, lavender is a natural antioxidant that works to prevent and reverse disease. A 2013 study published in Phytomedicine found that it increased the activity of the body’s most powerful antioxidants — glutathione, catalase and SOD. More recent studies have indicated similar results, concluding that lavender has antioxidant activity and helps prevent or reverse oxidative stress.

2. Helps Treat Diabetes

In 2014, scientists from Tunisia set out to complete a fascinating task: to test the effects of lavender on blood sugar to see if it can help reverse diabetes naturally.

During the 15-day animal study, the results observed by researchers were absolutely amazing. In a nutshell, lavender essential oil treatment protected the body from the following diabetes symptoms:

Increased blood glucose (the hallmark of diabetes)
Metabolic disorders (especially fat metabolism)
Weight gain
Liver and kidney antioxidant depletion
Liver and kidney dysfunction
Liver and kidney lipoperoxidation (when free radicals “steal” necessary fat molecules from cell membranes)

Although more research is needed to understand the full capacity of lavender for the prevention or reversal of diabetes, the results of this study are promising and indicate the therapeutic potential of the plant extract. To use it for diabetes, use it topically on your neck and chest, diffuse it at home, or supplement with it.

3. Improves Mood and Reduces Stress

In recent years, lavender oil has been put on a pedestal for its unique ability to protect against neurological damage. Traditionally, lavender has been used to treat neurological issues like migraines, stress, anxiety and depression, so it’s exciting to see that the research is finally catching up to history.

There are several studies showing the plant’s effects on stress and anxiety levels. A study from 2019 found that inhaling Lavandula is one of the most powerful anxiolytic oils, as it reduces peri-operative anxiety and can be considered a potential sedative for patients undergoing surgical procedures and anesthesia.

In 2013, an evidence-based study published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found that supplementing with 80-milligram capsules of lavender essential oil help alleviate anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression. Additionally, in the study there were no adverse side effects, drug interactions or withdrawal symptoms from using lavender oil.

The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology published a human study in 2014 that revealed that Silexan (otherwise known as lavender oil preparation) was more effective against generalized anxiety disorder than placebos and the prescription medicine paroxetine. After treatment, the study found zero instances of withdrawal symptoms or adverse side effects.

Another study published in 2012 involved 28 high-risk postpartum women and noted that by diffusing lavender in their homes, they had a significant reduction of postnatal depression and reduced anxiety disorder after a four-week treatment plan of aromatherapy.

Lavender has also been shown to improve PTSD symptoms. Eighty milligrams of lavender oil per day helped decrease depression by 33 percent and dramatically decrease sleep disturbances, moodiness and overall health status in 47 people suffering from PTSD, as shown in a phase two trial published in Phytomedicine.

To relieve stress and improve sleep, put a diffuser by your bed, and diffuse oils while you sleep at night or in the family room while you’re reading or winding down in the evening. You can also use it topically behind your ears for similar results.

4. Supports Brain Function

The neurological benefits of lavender don’t stop at its ability to treat depression and boost mood. Research also shows that it serves as a potential natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies conducted on rats and mice show that inhaling the oil’s vapors can help reduce brain oxidative stress and improve cognitive impairment.

Also in 2012, the Swiss journal Molecules printed the results of an animal study suggesting that lavender is a viable treatment option for neurological dysfunctions such as stroke. Researchers believe that lavender’s neuroprotective effects are due to its antioxidant properties.

To support the nervous system with lavender oil, diffuse it at home, inhale it directly from the bottle or apply it topically to the temples and back of neck.

5. Treats Burns and Cuts

Widely known for its antimicrobial properties, for centuries lavender oil has been used to fight various infections and combat bacterial and fungal disorders. In fact, almost 100 studies have been conducted establishing this benefit of lavender over and over again.

Research shows that it speeds the healing of burns, cuts, scrapes and wounds — and a big part of this is because of its antimicrobial compounds.

A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine evaluated how Lavandula’s antimicrobial ability is enhanced when it’s blended with other essential oils, like clove, cinnamon and tea tree oil. Researchers relayed that a 1:1 ratio of these oils was found to be the most effective in fighting against Candida albicans and Staph aureus — two common causes of many fungal and bacterial infections that lead to respiratory pneumonia and skin fungi.

A 2016 study conducted on rats found that lavender oil promoted wound healing in the early phase by accelerating the formation of granulation tissue (tissue from the healing surface of the skin) and promoting collagen synthesis. The area of wounds treated with lavender oil was significantly decreased compared to the control group.

For burn relief and to treat cuts, scrapes or wounds, mix three to five drops of lavender oil with ½ teaspoon of coconut oil, and apply the mixture to the area of concern. You can use your fingers or a clean cotton ball.

6. Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair

Most likely due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics, Lavandula mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut, jojoba or grapeseed oil) has profound benefits on your skin.

Using lavender oil topically can help improve a number of skin conditions, from canker sores to allergic reactions, acne and age spots. Research indicates that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help ease skin conditions and reverse signs of aging.

To use lavender oil for skin health, combine three to four drops with ½ teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil, and massage the mixture into the area of concern. You can also add lavender to your face or body wash.

Try mixing lavender oil with frankincense and applying it to your skin first thing in the morning, right after you shower and right before bed. This will help to reduce inflammation and signs of aging, like dark spots.

Studies also show that lavender oil, along with other essential oils like thyme, rosemary and cedarwood, can significantly improve alopecia areata and hair loss when massaged into the scalp daily.

7. Relieves Headaches

If you are one of the millions of people struggling with tension or migraine headaches, lavender oil may just be the natural remedy you’ve been looking for. It’s one of the best essential oils for headaches because it induces relaxation and relieves tension.

It works as a sedative, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant and calming agent.

A study published in European Neurology found people struggling with migraine headaches saw a significant reduction in pain when they inhaled lavender oil for 15 minutes. The difference between the control group and lavender oil treatment group was statistically significant.

Of the 129 headache attack cases, 92 responded entirely or partially to the treatment.

One of the most effective natural headache remedies is combing two drops each of lavender with peppermint oil and rubbing the mixture into the back of the neck and the temples. Diffusing lavender or inhaling it directly from the bottle can also help relieve headaches.

8. Improves Sleep and Insomnia

Because of Lavandula’s sedative and calming properties, it works to improve sleep and treat insomnia. A 2020 study indicates that Lavandula is an effective and reliable approach to enhance sleep quality in patients with life-limiting illnesses.

A 2015 study involving 158 mothers in their postpartum period were divided into the control or intervention group. The intervention group inhaled lavender oil before bed four times a week for eight weeks.

Researchers found that the women using aromatherapy treatment displayed a significant improvement in sleep quality when compared to the control group.

There are several studies, just like this one involving mothers, that demonstrate the sleep-inducing, calming effects of lavender oil. Inhaling lavender has shown to reduce sleep disturbance, improve quality and duration of sleep, fight insomnia, and improve overall well-being.

Plus, unlike most sedative drugs, lavender does not cause any unwanted side effects. It actually promotes general mental and physical health.

To improve your quality of sleep, diffuse lavender oil in your bedroom before or during sleep. Also, you can rub three to five drops directly on your neck, chest and temples.

Taking a healing bath by adding 15 drops of lavender and one cup of Epsom salt to the bathtub is another effective way to use lavender oil to improve sleep and relax the body.

Making a mixture of lavender oil, Roman chamomile and magnesium oil is the best combination for improving sleep. Just rub this mixture into the back of your neck and wrists to induce a calm, peaceful feeling.

9. Relieves Pain

Several studies have found that Lavandula helps as a natural painkiller. Simply rubbing it into the area of concern can reduce inflammation and pain intensity, helping alleviate the symptoms of many health conditions.

A 2015 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine indicates that topical application of lavender oil decreases moderate intensities of pain during the insertion of dialysis needles. Researchers point out that lavender may be an option to reduce the pain of inserting dialysis needles, which causes constant fear and anxiety for many hemodialysis patients.

Another study, published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that a combination of lavender, marjoram, peppermint and black pepper essential oils improved neck pain when applied to the affected area daily.

And yet another study proved that lavender oil, when massaged into the skin, can help relieve dysmenorrhea, which is associated with menstrual pain and cramping in the lower abdomen. The results of this study suggest that lavender oil can be used as a natural remedy for PMS and menstrual cramps.

10. Complementary Therapy for Cancer

A 2012 study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines shows that aromatherapy, particularly using lavender oil, helps patients with cancer cope with stress, nausea, chronic pain and depression. Because lavender oil works to stimulate the immune system, boost mood, improve sleep and fight stress, it can be used as a therapeutic agent.

Massaging lavender oil into the back of your neck, chest, wrists and temples can induce relaxing and calming effects. If you are experiencing muscle or joint pain, or pain at the site of injections, apply two to three drops of lavender to the affected area.

To relieve stress and anxiety, and improve sleep, diffuse lavender, or inhale it directly from the bottle. This can be particularly useful before and after surgical procedures and chemotherapy treatment.

Related: Blue Tansy Oil Benefits for Skin & Beyond (+ How to Use)

How to Use

Lavender is one of the gentlest oils, making it a great option for beginners, and it’s versatile.

When shopping for a quality product, choose one that’s Certified USDA Organic, non-GMO and free of synthetic fragrances. Also opt for a product in a glass bottle that has a clear label and notes that it’s 100 percent pure grade. This will ensure that you get the best results.

Here are some common uses to get you started:

Natural Perfume

Do you want to smell good without using toxic perfumes? Lavender is a great scent for both women and men.

You can try adding pure oil directly to your skin, or you can dilute oil in water or with a carrier oil for a more subtle scent.

If you’d like to rub the oil right onto your skin, try adding 2–3 drops into your palms and then rubbing your hands together. Then rub it directly onto your skin or hair.

You can also try adding 2 drops to a spray bottle with about ½ cup of water. Shake up the spray bottle, and then spray whatever you’d like.

Consider combining lavender oil with other relaxing oils, like cedarwood essential oil or frankincense essential oil. My homemade lotion includes lavender, frankincense and peppermints oils, which smell great together and help reduce inflammation and improve the health of your skin.

Another great way to use lavender oil as a natural perfume is to add it to your shampoo or create your own, like I did with this homemade coconut lavender shampoo.

Non-Toxic Air Freshener

The same way you use lavender oil as a perfume, you can use it around your home as a natural, toxic-free air freshener. Either spray it around your home, or try diffusing it.

To create a relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom before you fall asleep, try spraying a lavender and water mixture directly onto your bedsheets or pillow.

You can try the same method in your bathroom as well and also on your bath towels. Before taking a relaxing bath or shower, spray your towel with lavender so its calming scent is waiting for you when you step out of the shower.

Natural, Chemical-Free Lip Balm

Lavender oil is excellent for preventing sunburns on the lips and also healing chapped, dried lips. Try adding a couple of drops of oil to shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil or another “carrier oil” and then rubbing it into your lips for protection whenever you will be in the sun.

If you have a sunburn in other areas on your body, try using the same method to heal the skin more quickly and prevent itchiness and pealing that can result after a bad sun burn.

My homemade lavender mint lip balm is nourishing and hydrates dry, cracked lips quickly.

Remedy for Stomach Discomfort

Many people find the scent of lavender to be soothing to the stomach. If you are feeling nauseous or know that you are going to be traveling in a car or plane and are prone to motion sickness, spray some on your skin and clothes, or rub it into your temples, neck and palms.

Secret Flavor Booster in Healthy Recipes

Lavender is a great flavor enhancer in things like grain-free muffins, teas and even salad dressings. It’s completely edible, but you will want to use a very small amount since the taste is very powerful.

You’ll also want to purchase only a high-quality, 100 percent pure grade oil from a reputable company.

Try adding 1–2 drops to your recipes for a surprising flavor booster. It’s is said to pair perfectly with things like dark cocoa, pure honey, lemon, cranberries, balsamic vinaigrette, black pepper and apples.

Try my vegan lemon lavender donuts that are made with gluten-free chickpea flour.

Related: What Is Linalool? Benefits, Sources + How to Use It

Risks and Side Effects

For most people, Lavandula angustifolia benefits are all that you’ll experience, and using its extract is completely safe. However, there has not been an extensive amount of scientific research done on lavender oil interactions with other medications or for its use in pregnant women, so there are certain situations where you will want to use caution.

Medication Interactions: If you are already taking any prescription medication for sleep-related disorders or depression, be cautious of the fact that Lavandula can increase the effectiveness of these medications. Even if you use an over-the-counter sleep aid or any type of sedatives (even cough or flu medicine), keep in mind that lavender makes many people sleepy and even somewhat drowsy, so it’s best to not combine lavender oil with other medications or sleep-related supplements. If you are planning on undergoing anesthesia in the near future, you will also want to avoid using lavender oil.
Pregnant Women: Research suggests that lavender is generally considered safe for women who are pregnant and nursing. Because it can have a relaxing effect on muscles and can also affect hormone levels, use lavender with caution in your third trimester. It’s best to speak with your doctor about use of any essential oils when pregnant, since it has not been guaranteed that these are safe at this time.
Children: Lavender oil is considered generally safe for children to use, although there is some concern that lavender’s effect on hormone levels could be harmful for boys who have not yet gone through puberty. Although there isn’t strong evidence for Lavandula being a hormone disrupter (only one or two very small studies were ever completed), parents are told to use caution if using lavender oil frequently on young children.
Ingesting Lavender Oil: Studies have primarily looked at the effects of using lavender oil topically on the skin or through inhalation. There have been no negative symptoms found when three drops of oil are mixed with a carrier oil and applied directly to the skin. A 2013 evidence-based article, however, highlighted that lavender can be ingested at a large dose of 80 to 160 milligrams without adverse effects, except for minor gastrointestinal symptoms. To avoid gastrointestinal irritation, keep internal use to a minimum, and be careful if you have a sensitive digestive system. There are no known food interactions of lavender oil at this time.

Conclusion

Lavandula angustifolia is one of the most well-known plants used for therapeutic purposes. Products containing lavender ingredients are often used for their calming effects, but there’s more to learn about this remarkable plant. It can help relieve pain, ease headaches and aid sleep, too.
Even if you’re new to essential oils, starting with lavender is a great idea. It can be used aromatically, topically and internally, if you have a very high-quality product.
Lavandula also makes for an excellent ingredient in DIY recipes, such as room sprays, bath salts, face serums and more.

Lavender Essential Oil: Health Benefits

Lavender essential oil's health benefits include its ability to relieve nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect the skin, improve circulation, and treat respiratory problems. Also, lavender essential oil is used in the production of perfumes and many aromatic preparations and their combinations.

Lavender essential oil has many beneficial properties.

Insect Repellent: The scent of lavender essential oil is effective against many types of insects such as mosquitoes, midges and moths. Applying lavender oil to exposed skin prevents insect bites. In addition, this oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the irritation and pain associated with insect bites.

Sleep: Lavender essential oil promotes sleep, making it an alternative treatment for insomnia. Studies conducted among elderly patients have shown a beneficial effect on their sleep regularity when the usual medicine for insomnia was replaced with lavender essential oil applied to the pillow.

Nervous system: Lavender essential oil has a soothing aroma that has a beneficial effect on this system. It may also be useful in the treatment of migraines, headaches, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma relieves nervous exhaustion and anxiety while increasing mental alertness.

Acne (acne): According to dermatologists and aromatherapists, lavender essential oil is one of the most useful in the treatment of acne, this disease primarily affects young people during puberty, but can also manifest itself in adults. Lavender essential oil inhibits bacteria that cause infection, helps regulate excess sebum by acting on hormones, and can reduce the signs of scarring after acne heals.

Pain relief: Lavender essential oil is known to be an excellent remedy for various types of pain, including muscle pain, rheumatism, sprains, back pain and lumbago. Also, regular massage with lavender oil can provide relief from joint pain.

Diuresis: Lavender essential oil is useful in urinary disorders due to its stimulating effect on urine output. In addition, it helps in restoring hormonal balance and relieves inflammation of the bladder, as well as relieves spasms associated with these and other disorders.

Respiratory ailments: Lavender oil is widely used for various respiratory ailments such as throat infections, flu, coughs, colds, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is used either as a steam or applied to the skin of the neck, chest and back. The stimulating property of lavender essential oil can also loosen phlegm and relieve congestion. Vapors of lavender essential oil also have antibacterial properties that can help fight respiratory tract infections.

Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is effective against lice and nits. In addition, this oil shows potential in the treatment of hair loss, especially in patients with baldness and autoimmune diseases, when the body rejects its own hair follicles. A study found that over 40% of baldness sufferers reported an increase in hair growth when they regularly rub lavender essential oil on their scalp.

Cancer: Although no human studies have been conducted, there are observations regarding the effectiveness of lavender in combination with other essential oils in preventing the occurrence of breast cancer in mice. This may be an indication that lavender is more likely to fight carcinogenic effects and cancer.

Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also helpful in improving the circulation of blood in the body. Studies show that aromatherapy using lavender oil has a beneficial effect on coronary circulation. It also lowers blood pressure and is often used for hypertension.

Digestion: Lavender oil is good for digestion as it increases the mobility of food in the intestines. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile, thus helping in the treatment of indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea.

Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to various diseases. Lavender is well known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, which, according to early 20th century research, make it ideal for protecting the body against diseases such as tuberculosis, typhoid, and diphtheria.

General skin care: Lavender oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions. The oil is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburn as it improves the formation of scar tissue. Chamomile is also added to lavender oil to treat eczema.

Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhea.

Pregnant and lactating women should avoid the use of lavender oil, as well as many other essential oils. In addition, lavender oil is not recommended for patients with diabetes. It can also cause allergic reactions in people with extremely sensitive skin. Frequent or excessive use of lavender oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches in some people.

And perhaps most importantly, lavender oil should never be ingested, only applied topically or inhaled through aromatherapy or similar manipulations. Ingestion can cause serious health complications characterized by blurred vision, difficulty breathing, burning eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea. So, even if you think lavender oil is a panacea, don't get excited and add it to your food!

Based on www. organicfacts.net

Lavender essential oil. Properties, application

How to choose lavender essential oil

To date, more than 40 types of lavender have been discovered. They have been grown to produce various types of lavender essential oils. These different types of lavender produce oils with different chemical compositions, with the result that essential oils may be more or less suitable for specific applications than others.

Do not confuse lavender with lavandin! The latter produces several times more essential oil and grows well in lower ground (400 - 600 meters), which makes this plant easier to cultivate - and therefore cheaper. However, lavandin oil differs in properties from lavender essential oil. In particular, it has a rougher smell (due to the higher content of camphor). The use of lavandin oil has many limitations: it is strictly forbidden to use it for burns, while lavender oil is the first remedy in such cases. Lavandin is often used in bouquets and scented sachets, but for food and cosmetic purposes, lavender is the best choice.
There is a difference between lavender essential oil and lavender oil. If the label does not clearly state that it is an "essential oil", then it should not be used or treated as such. Lavender oils are just perfume. Such oils are unlikely to contain any of the beneficial properties found in lavender essential oils. Lavender oil may not even come from a lavender plant!
The next step is to pay attention to the price. If the cost is low, it is safe to say that the essential oil is probably of poor quality or diluted with other components.
And, of course, pay attention to the manufacturer. If you see that in the line all types of oils cost the same, you should not trust such a company. The difference in the pricing of essential oils depends on too many factors and cannot be the same not only for different types of oils, but even for one specific oil.
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