Why you should keep lavender oil in your medicine cabinet
Which health issues can lavender help with?
The scent of lavender invokes a feeling of peace and relaxation. There is a reason for that. The smell of lavender has been known to have a healing impact on the human body as well as the mind. It is also one of the most commonly used essential oils in homes and hospitals for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from its fragrance, it has many other uses too – read on to know about the amazing benefits of lavender and its various uses.
How does lavender benefit the human body?
The uses of lavender are many. It has been long used as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues. It is used in aromatherapy, massage oils and even hair oils to combat stress, anxiety and insomnia. It has been known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender has been found useful in the treatment of headaches, migraines, joint pain, respiratory infections, digestive issues, and even hypertension. Lavender oil acts as a great anti-depressant. It helps in relieving anxiety, stress, and even insomnia.
It also helps in healing wounds, cuts and burns by speeding up the process of healing and reducing the risk of swelling and infection.
Lavender oil when applied to the skin has been known to calm acne and other skin irritations like psoriasis and eczema. It is also great for reducing the appearance of scars and marks.
Why is lavender essential oil so effective?
lavender has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system and increases seratonin levels in the body. All these properties make it a versatile and highly effective essential oil. It also has a very soothing and relaxing aroma that helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. It is also known to have wound-healing effects and can be used as a massage oil to speed up the healing process.
Benefits of Lavender for Skin and Hair Care
- Acne and skin irritations - Lavender hydrosol is a great choice for acne and other skin irritations when used as a toner. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that help in treating acne and other skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
- Wrinkles and sun-induced skin damage
- Lavender oil can be used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and sun-induced damage. It also aids in skin cell regeneration and is effective against dark spots, blotches, and other signs of ageing.
- Hair and scalp - Lavender oil is extremely beneficial for hair and scalp. It can be used to treat dandruff, hair fall, and scalp infections. It is also used as a natural conditioner for hair.
Lavender for acne and skin irritations
Lavender oil has been known to work wonders in treating acne and skin irritations since it is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. Mix 5 drops of lavender oil with 1 teaspoon of almond oil and 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil. Mix them well and store the solution in an airtight container. Apply this solution on your skin once every day to get rid of acne, pimples and skin irritations. You can also use lavender oil as a face pack to prevent acne and other skin issues. Take a handful of fresh lavender flowers and grind them into a coarse powder. Add this powder to 2 tablespoons of oatmeal and mix them well. Apply this lavender oatmeal face pack on your face and neck and leave it on for 15 minutes then remove it with lukewarm water. Store the pack in an airtight container.
Lavender for insomnia and anxiety
Studies show that aromatherapy is an effective treatment for patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia. Lavender oil when inhaled is known to reduce anxiety and cure insomnia. You can either diffuse lavender oil in the air around you or you can also buy lavender oil scented candles to reap the benefits. You can also use lavender scented sheets to get a good night’s sleep. You can also choose to massage your temples and the back of your neck with lavender oil to reduce anxiety. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to your bath water or you can also use it as a hand and foot massage to reduce anxiety.
Lavender for burns and scalds
Burns and scalds are common injuries that happen accidentally in the kitchen or while doing some household chores. Lavender oil is used widely as a first aid treatment for burns and scalds to prevent infections and the healing process of the skin. To use lavender oil as a first aid treatment for burns and scalds, take a small bottle and fill it with lavender oil. Always keep this bottle in your kitchen or wherever you are likely to get scalds or burns. Whenever you get a burn or scald, immediately apply a few drops of lavender oil on it.
Side Effects of Using Lavender Oil
There have been conflicting opinions about the potential side effects of lavender oil. Some people have reported experiencing headaches, nausea and dizziness when they use lavender oil. Some people have also reported experiencing skin rashes after using lavender oil. These side effects have been reported when lavender oil is used in large quantities. Make sure you dilute the oil when using it for massaging or for applying it on your skin and hair.
If you are allergic to lavender or have sensitive skin, it is best to consult a doctor before using it.
Conclusion
The uses of lavender are many. It has been long used as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues. The benefits of lavender oil are many, and it can be used for various purposes. It can be used in aromatherapy, massage oils and even hair oils to combat stress, anxiety and insomnia. It can also be used to treat burns and scalds, heal wounds, cuts and infections and calm acne and skin irritations.
Lavender oil is also great for reducing the appearance of scars and marks, and it can also be used to prevent acne.
Lavender oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so it can be used to treat many health issues.