The Benefits of Lavender in Aromatherapy

Lavender is one of the most tried and true essential oils for aromatherapy. It has many applications and can be used in a variety of ways. Read on to learn some of the many benefits and how you can use lavender in your everyday life.
[adinserter block=”1″]Lavender has long been used to help get a good night’s rest. It can be used to reduce stress and help you to relax and create a calm environment. You may also experience a reduction in depression.

Lavender has recently been shown to help boost mood and also to protect the brain from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is related to aging and changes such as dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Lavender may also be effective in treating strokes and other neurological problems due to the antioxidant properties it possesses. Those same properties mean it can also protect your body from disease and boost your immune system.

Those who suffer from cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy will benefit from using lavender. It can help patients to cope with the stress of illness as well as some of the nausea and pain related to cancer treatment.

Interestingly, people with diabetes can also benefit from using lavender. In animal studies using lavender essential oil show that it protects from high blood sugar, weight gain, and metabolic disorders. The jury is still out for how it affects humans but it might work to prevent diabetes or even help reverse it.

If you suffer from frequent headaches, lavender may help you to get some relief. Researchers have discovered that inhaling lavender oil for at least 15 minutes can actually reduce headache pain. Mixing lavender oil with peppermint oil can be even more powerful.

For skin and hair, lavender essential oil can also be beneficial. Using lavender oil with a carrier oil and massaging it into skin can bring relief from redness, acne, and age spots. Rubbed into the scalp, the oil can help to prevent hair loss. And if you have a cut or burn lavender oil can be healing. At the same time you’ll get additional benefits from inhaling its aroma.

Lavender oil can also be used simply as a perfume. It smells wonderful and you can use it directly on your skin or add it to your favorite lotion or shampoo. It smells good but also will provide benefits to you when you wear it.

Rather than using a toxic air freshener, lavender can be diffused in a room to provide a natural air freshener that contains no toxins. You can also spray it in a room or on you furniture as a natural deodorant.
[adinserter block=”2″]While lavender is typically very safe, it’s important to remember that herbal remedies can be very powerful. If you’re taking medications such as anti-depressants or sedatives, lavender can interact with them. Talk with your healthcare provider before combing prescription medication with lavender use.

Pregnant women and children are also more sensitive to lavender. It’s important to use smaller amounts and talk with your doctor or pediatrician if you have concerns.