What is lavender oil good for? In the aromatherapy world, lavender oil is considered a multi-purpose oil with components that are known to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, and antiseptic effects just to name a few. It’s no wonder that lavender oil is one of the most popular oils available.
What is lavender oil good for in history?
The question, what is lavender oil good for, has been asked as far back as the Roman Empire. Clothes were dried on lavender bushes and lavender oil was used in soaps and perfumes. Ancient Greeks were some of the first to recognize lavender oil's components were beneficial in fighting insomnia and backaches. Today, lavender oil is still used in perfumes and soaps, as well as a variety of other products. Its known health benefits continue to rise as well.
What is lavender oil good for in health benefits?
Historically aromatherapists have used lavender oil not only to aid in relaxation but also to support the treatment of anxiety, allergies, insomnia, and or nausea. The list of lavender oil uses is large and continues to increase as we learn more about this amazing oil.
The health benefits of lavender oil and its properties have been widely studied for many years. Some studies, such as the one published in 2005 in the Journal of Physiology & Behavior, focused on specific populations. Dental patients' anxiety levels were shown to decrease in this particular study due to the patients smelling lavender. It suggested that inhaling the scent of lavender increased their moods (Lehrner, 2005). Another study, which can be found in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2012) focused on women struggling with high-risk postpartum depression. The small study suggested that consistent aromatherapy lavender sessions assisted in decreasing depression and treating anxiety (Conrad, 2012).
Research suggests that lavender oil's components may also assist with people suffering from insomnia. In fact, this might be the most widely known benefit of lavender essential oil. It’s easy to find sachets and lotions containing lavender for those needing a good night’s sleep.
These are just a few of the studies available documenting the possible health benefits of lavender oil and its properties. It is important to remember that although these studies speak volumes about how lavender oil can be useful in these situations, you should never substitute mental health treatment and solely rely on essential oils.
What is Lavender Oil Good for in Your First Aid Kit?
It’s a great idea to add lavender oil to your First Aid kit. With anti-inflammatory properties like Linalool and B-Caryophyllene, lavender oil can assist you in removing splinters, and caring for scrapes while also relaxing the person receiving aid. It may also help lessen the swelling from scar tissue, especially when combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, or take the sting out of insect bites by relieving the swelling and decreasing the itchiness. Suffering from a bad sunburn,? Lavender oil can also provide some relief for that as well.
What is Lavender Oil Good for on Your Skin?
Like other essential oils, it is imperative to use a carrier oil when applying lavender essential oil. You should also be mindful of how and where you’re using the oil, as well as who you’re using it on. Children and babies tend to have more sensitive skin. Also, it is not recommended to use lavender oil on infants younger than three months of age.
For infants and children, the following dilution guide should be followed.
- 0.5% dilution for babies 4 months-1 year (1 drop of essential oil in two teaspoons carrier oil)
- 1% dilution for ages 2-5 (1 drop of essential oil in one teaspoon carrier oil)
- 1.5% dilution for ages 6-15 (3 drops of essential oil in two teaspoons carrier oil)
Common carrier oils are jojoba, coconut, and olive oil. One carrier oil does not feel the same as another. Experiment with a few to decide which one works best for you.
For adults, lavender can be used for a variety of things including as a toner when two drops of the oil are added to a teaspoon of witch hazel. Lavender is also thought to be beneficial for people with acne due to its components being linked as both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. A few drops of lavender essential oil can also be added to the same amount of tea tree oil, and two teaspoons of coconut oil to aid in the relief of eczema.
Lavender is found in many lotions, soaps, and cleansing products, providing evidence of its effectiveness as well.
Why is Lavender Essential Oil Bad?
When asking “what is lavender essential oil good for” in skincare, we should also talk about the negative effects of lavender essential oil. It is incredibly important to understand that although the components of lavender have healing properties, lavender will also dry your skin. For greasy skin, spots, or acne, it might be the perfect choice due to lavender’s relationship with sebum. Sebum provides lavender essential oil with an astringent quality, seemingly encouraging the sebaceous glands to stop producing oil. This relationship also means that if you already have dry skin, lavender is not the essential oil for you.
When used in large doses, lavender can be toxic. Too much of a good thing is simply too much. Be mindful of your use, and watch for any reactions you may have. It’s also important to pay attention to how often you use lavender essential oil. Overexposure can lead to sensitization. This might be skin sensitization, nausea, or headaches.
What is Lavender Oil Good for in the Home?
It’s easy to find a way to use lavender essential oil every day. If you’re doing your laundry, you can add a few drops to a coffee filter and throw the filter into the dryer for a homemade dryer sheet. Vacuuming? Add a few drops to a cotton ball and place the cotton ball in your vacuum canister, leaving your whole home feeling fresh and clean. You can also create your own linen spray with witch hazel, or vodka, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Make sure to shake lightly with each use as the ingredients tend to separate over time.
Lavender oil can also be used to deodorize pet smells in your carpet. Simply add a few drops to baking soda and sprinkle on the area. Let it sit for half an hour and vacuum. Make sure to cover the area, or ensure your pets can’t come in contact with the mixture before you’re able to vacuum.
Speaking of pets, always consult your veterinarian about lavender use in pets.
What is Lavender Oil Good for in Students?
Lavender is considered to be an adaptogen, meaning its components can assist the body in many different ways, especially when adapting to stress or imbalances. Lavender oil properties have been known to not only calm but also boost your energy when it runs low. Both Linalyl acetate and Linalool, found in lavender oil, contribute to its calming and sedative properties. Lavender is not the only essential oil that may lower stress, but it is one of the sweeter-smelling ones.
DIY Recipes with Lavender Essential Oil
Beachy Lavender Essential Oil Diffuser Blend
- 4 Drops Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 3 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosmarinus)
- 3 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon citratus)
Safety: Not designed for topical use.
DIY Lavender Sugar Scrub
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 10-15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Conclusion
When posed with the question, what is lavender oil good for, it’s clear to see the answer is a variety of things. Remember to always use a carrier oil when using lavender oil topically, and experiment to find a carrier oil that’s right for you. Experiment with lavender oil throughout your home. Try a few recipes, and don’t forget to add a blend of lavender essential oil and carrier oil to your first aid kit.
