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LOVELY LAVENDER

  • Writer: Lisa Mackay
    Lisa Mackay
  • May 25, 2018
  • 5 min read


Lavender is one of the most widely known of all of the oils. Chances are you have seen lavender scented everything - soap, candles, laundry detergent, you name it. However, I can almost guarantee that many, if not most, of these products were made with an artificial lavender perfume instead of lavender essential oil. This (much) less expensive fragrance may smell like the real thing, but lavender essential oil has many therapeutic benefits in addition to its pretty smell that its manufactured imitator does not.


The essential oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The flowers of lavender are beautifully fragrant and have been used for making potpourri for centuries, and if it the smell you are after, there are many recipes and tutorials showing how to make your own candles, bath salts, etc. I hope to post some here eventually! But it is also one of the most versatile of all the oils with a wide array of well-researched health benefits. Here are just a few:


Bug Repellant: While the smell of lavender essential oil has been loved by humans for centuries (although I have to admit I didn't get the fuss at first), it is no so enjoyed by many types of bugs such as mosquitoes, midges, and moths.[1] To smell like a lovely French meadow and repel those annoying bugs at the same time, mix some lavender oil into a carrier oil (almond, jojoba, or coconut oil, for example) and apply it to your skin before going outside outside. PLUS, if you do happen to be bitten by one of those bugs, lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that will reduce the irritation and the pain associated with bug bites. My 10-year-old, who previously told me that oils were "a bunch of hooey" now comes running for lavender when his bug bites are driving him crazy!


Sleep Aid: One of lavender's most famous properties is it's ability to calm and soothe the mind - essential steps to a good night's sleep. If you have ever had a baby that wouldn't sleep, you have probably noticed many, many lavender-scented lotions, creams, shampoos and soaps to be used in a "baby bedtime bath" routine. (Perhaps I would have had better luck with my kids if I had used real essential oil!) Frequent studies on elderly patients have shown an increase in their sleep regularity when their normal sleep medication is replaced with some lavender essential oil being placed on their pillows.[2] Lavender oil has a well-researched impact on the autonomic nervous system, which is why it is frequently used as a treatment for insomnia and also as a way to regulate heart-rate variability. [3] After spot-testing, dab a little on your chest or pillow to fall asleep quickly.


Relieves Stress & Anxiety: As described above, lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and anxiety issues. It can also be helpful in treating migraines, headaches, depression, nervous tension, and emotional stress. The aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness while also increasing mental activity. One study showed that people taking tests showed a significant decrease in mental stress and anxiety, as well as increased cognitive function when they inhaled lavender oil and rosemary oil before taking the test.[4] I rub a little on my temples when I feel a headache coming on or I'm getting anxious.


Skin Care: According to dermatologists and aromatherapists, lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne. Acne tends to develop due to a bacterial infection near the sebum gland, causing it to build up, and feed the bacteria. This can create a vicious cycle of irritation, infection, and visible sores that can result in serious scarring. The anti-bacterial properties of lavender essential oil inhibits the bacteria that cause the initial infection, helps to regulate some of the over-production of sebum and can reduce the signs of scarring after the acne has begun to heal. Adding a small amount of lavender essential oil to other skin creams or ointments can greatly increase the potential for relief and healing.


It is also used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns because it improves the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is also added to chamomile to treat eczema.I am going to be trying out a few different kinds of recipes for eczema and other skin issues and will hopefully be posting some soon!


Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is known as an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore and tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, and backaches. A regular massage with lavender oil can relieve joint pain, and adding it to Epsom salts in a bath can be heaven for sore muscles. A study done on postoperative pain relief showed that combining lavender essential oil vapor into the oxygen significantly reduced the amount of pain experienced, versus those patients who were only revived with oxygen after a major surgery. [5] Haven't tried this yet, but I will!


Treats Respiratory Issues: Lavender oil is widely used for various respiratory problems including throat infection, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The antibacterial properties of lavender essential oil can also help respiratory tract infections when diffused, or it can be applied directly to the neck, chest, and back. The stimulating nature of lavender essential oil can also loosen up phlegm (yum), relieve congestion, and speed up the recovery process.


Hair Care: Besides making your hair smell lovely, lavender essential oil can help to thicken hair, and has been shown to be very helpful in the treatment of hair loss, particularly for patients who suffer from alopecia. A Scottish study reported that more than 40% of alopecia patients in the study reported an increase in hair growth when they regularly rubbed lavender essential oil into their scalp. Who knew?


These are just the beginning of the uses for lavender oil. A quick google will bring pages of results and recipes - just be sure to check the source and use common sense before applying oils anywhere. I have plans for a "Before You Oil" post that I will eventually link to here.


If you have read all this - thank you! I hope that you find lavender helpful. If you have any examples of how you use lavender, please leave me a comment! :)





[1] Industrial Crops and Products,Volume 117, July 2018, Pages 382-392

[2] Aromatherapy in the Management of Psychiatric Disorders, Clinical and Neuropharmacological Perspectives, CNS Drugs, April 2006, Volume 20, Issue 4, pp 257–280

[3] "The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Autonomic Nervous System in Midlife Women with Insomnia" Li-Wei Chien, Su Li Cheng, Chi Feng Liu, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2012, 8 pages.

[5] "Evaluation of Aromatherapy in Treating Postoperative Pain: Pilot Study," Jung T. Kim MD, Michael Wajda MD, Germaine Cuff BS, David Serota MD, Michael Schlame MD, Deborah M. Axelrod MD, Amber A. Guth MD, Alex Y. Bekker MD, PhD, First published: 06 November 2006


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