Katrina Rosales
Lavender is a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean region. Its oil, which is commonly used in aromatherapy, is distilled from the Lavandula angustifolia plant. The aroma of lavender is believed to have calming effects and is often used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is also said to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | Kills harmful viruses and bacteria |
| Antiseptic | Cleans hospital wards |
| Antifungal | Treats athlete's foot and ringworm |
| Anti-inflammatory | Reduces pain and inflammation |
| Analgesic | Reduces pain |
| Detoxifying | |
| Hypotensive | Lowers blood pressure |
| Sedative | Calms and relaxes |
| Antidepressant | Reduces symptoms of depression |
| Antibacterial | |
| Antimicrobial | |
| Antispasmodic |
What You'll Learn
How does lavender oil work?
Lavender oil is a popular natural remedy with a wide range of purported health benefits. It is typically made by distilling the herb's dried flowers with steam, and its effectiveness is attributed to its hundreds of natural compounds.
When lavender essential oil is inhaled, the aromatic molecules travel up the nose to the olfactory bulb, which sends a message to the limbic system – the part of the brain that influences basic functions like breathing, blood pressure, and hormone balance, as well as where memories, emotions, and feelings are stored. This process happens within milliseconds, often triggering an immediate response, such as a change in mood or physical reaction.
Lavender oil also works when applied to the skin. Due to its low molecular weight and fat solubility, its healing components easily penetrate the skin and provide benefits to the body. When applied topically, it takes about 20 minutes for the oil to affect every cell.
However, it is important to note that lavender essential oil is highly concentrated and potent, and should always be diluted before topical application. It is also recommended to perform a sensitivity test on a small area of skin before use.
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What are the health benefits of lavender?
Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family, believed to be native to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India. It has been used for its medicinal properties for over 2,500 years.
Health Benefits of Lavender
Promotes Sleep
Lavender is well-known for its ability to promote sleep. A 2017 study of 60 intensive care unit (ICU) patients found that lavender essential oil improved sleep quality. A systematic review of 20 randomized controlled trials using lavender essential oil for insomnia found that 14 showed positive effects.
Improves Skin Health
Lavender oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and skin inflammation. It also promotes wound healing and can be used to treat burns.
Relieves Pain
Lavender aromatherapy has been found to reduce pain in patients after arthroscopic knee surgery. It can also be used to relieve headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores.
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Lavender has been shown to have positive effects on mood, stress, anxiety, and depression. It is often used to treat anxiety disorders and can be taken orally or through aromatherapy.
Treats Hair Loss
Lavender oil has been found to promote hair growth. A 1998 study showed that lavender could promote hair growth by up to 44% after 7 months of treatment.
Combats Fungal Growth
Lavender essential oil may be effective in inhibiting the growth of certain types of fungi, such as C. albicans, and could be used to treat athlete's foot and ringworm.
Reduces Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
A small 2017 study found that inhaling diluted lavender essential oil after open-heart surgery reduced blood pressure and heart rate in 40 participants.
Improves Respiratory Health
Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, lavender has been found to improve respiratory health in mice, relieving allergic inflammation and mucus hyperplasia.
Reduces Menopausal Symptoms
Lavender aromatherapy has been found to reduce menopause hot flashes and improve quality of life.
Other Uses
In addition to its health benefits, lavender is also used as a natural bug repellent, air freshener, perfume, and ingredient in soaps, lotions, and body washes. It can also be used in recipes, such as beet salad with honey-lavender dressing or lavender-lemon crinkle cookies.
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How can you use lavender for aromatherapy?
Lavender is an herb native to the Mediterranean region and northern Africa. Its flower and oil have a popular scent and are used in medicine. Lavender oil is believed to have calming effects and can relax certain muscles. It also has antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy. To use lavender for aromatherapy, you can simply hold a bottle of lavender oil to your nose and inhale. For a more sustained experience, place a few drops of the oil into a diffuser, which will spread its aroma throughout a room. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.
Lavender oil can also be used topically by combining it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond. Once blended with a carrier oil, lavender oil can be massaged into the skin or added to a bath.
Lavender has been shown to have various health benefits when used in aromatherapy, although many of its uses are not conclusive. These potential benefits include:
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Improving sleep
- Reducing symptoms of depression
- Relieving menstrual cramps
- Improving mood
- Promoting wound healing
- Reducing preoperative anxiety
- Lowering anxiety about cancer treatment procedures
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What are the risks and side effects of lavender?
While lavender is widely used and considered safe, there are some risks and side effects to be aware of.
Lavender is available in many forms, including essential oil, oral supplements, tea, capsules, and topical products. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of lavender for these conditions is not conclusively proven, and more research is needed.
Risks and Side Effects
When used as directed, lavender is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, side effects are possible, and some individuals may experience an allergic reaction. Here are some of the potential risks and side effects associated with lavender:
- Skin irritation: Topical application of lavender oil can cause skin irritation, including dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and contact urticaria. It is always recommended to perform a patch test before using lavender oil directly on the skin.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to lavender, such as skin rashes, hives, itching, or burning sensations.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of lavender for pregnant or breastfeeding women is uncertain. It is recommended to avoid using lavender during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless advised by a healthcare professional.
- Children: Lavender oil is considered possibly unsafe for young boys. There have been rare cases of breast development in prepubescent boys (gynecomastia) associated with lavender use.
- Drug interactions: Lavender may interact with certain medications, including sedatives and blood pressure medications. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using lavender if you are taking any prescription drugs.
- Toxicity: Ingesting large amounts of lavender essential oil can be toxic and lead to serious symptoms such as breathing difficulties, throat irritation, confusion, and stomach problems. Keep lavender products out of the reach of children and pets.
- Central nervous system effects: Lavender can affect the central nervous system and may cause sleepiness or drowsiness. It is recommended to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after using lavender.
- Other side effects: Other possible side effects of lavender include increased appetite, headache, palpitations, constipation, and upset stomach.
It is important to follow the directions on the product label and consult a healthcare professional before using lavender, especially if you have any medical conditions or are taking medications.
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What are the best ways to use lavender oil?
Lavender oil is an incredibly versatile essential oil, with a range of benefits and uses. Here are some of the best ways to use lavender oil:
Aromatherapy
Lavender oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, calm anxiety and improve sleep. The oil has a soothing fragrance, which can be inhaled directly from the bottle or from a tissue. It can also be added to a diffuser to spread its aroma throughout a room.
Skin Care
Lavender oil has antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can help to improve skin health. It can be used to treat acne, even skin tone, reduce wrinkles and improve wound healing. The oil should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before being applied to the skin.
Hair Care
Lavender oil is believed to promote hair growth and improve hair quality. It can be added to shampoo or conditioner, or applied directly to the scalp as a hair mask.
First Aid
Lavender oil can be used to treat minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce pain and swelling, while its antiseptic properties can help to prevent infection.
Insect Repellent
Lavender oil is a natural insect repellent and can also help to relieve itching and swelling from insect bites. It can be applied directly to the skin or used in a spray or candle to repel insects.
Household Uses
Lavender oil can be used in a variety of ways around the home, including as a natural deodorant, laundry freshener, carpet freshener and ironing aid. It can also be added to cleaning products or used in a DIY linen spray to freshen stored clothing and linens.
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Frequently asked questions
The aroma of lavender is calming and soothing. It has been shown to have a positive effect on mood, stress, anxiety, and depression.
The aroma of lavender has been linked to improved sleep quality and reduced pain and inflammation. It also has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
You can use the aroma of lavender through aromatherapy or by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser or bath. You can also inhale the scent directly from the bottle or apply lavender-infused products to the skin.
While lavender is generally considered safe, it is important to dilute lavender essential oil before applying it to the skin. Also, some people may have negative associations with the smell of lavender, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
