Benefits of Using Lavender Oil in Aromatherapy

Lavender is one of the most aromatic essential oils used in aromatherapy. It is derived from the purple flowers from the lavender plant, which comes with sweet but intense sensation. Therefore, its delicate fragrance comes with powerful healing qualities that make it one of the most versatile essential oils currently available. This is due to the richness in therapeutic properties found in the oil such as analgesic, cicatrizant, nervine, antidepressant, antiseptic, expectorant, and vulnerary properties.

The plant wherein the oil is extracted from is native to the Mediterranean region. However, since it is now quite popular in its aromatherapy application, the lavender plant is now widely cultivated all throughout the world such as in the United States, Australia, and majority of Europe.

One reason for the popularity of lavender oil is the calming and pleasant scent it emits. But did you know that it also contains a soothing and relaxing effect when inhaled? Hence, it is for this same reason that lavender oil has been utilized as a natural anxiety relief.

To experience that benefit, you can use lavender oil in an inhalation device. So when the symptoms of a panic or anxiety attack begins, one can simply sniff into the device to acquire the therapeutic properties of lavender oil to calm your nervous system. Another suggested method is through massaging. When combined with carrier oil, the lavender oil quickly penetrates your skin surface and is absorbed into your bloodstream to release muscle tension and target your brain's limbic system for a holistic anxiety relief.

There are several reasons that inhibit an individual's ability to get quality sleep at night, such as mental, physical, and psychological stress, fatigue, and a great deal of anxiety. For whatever reason that you are suffering insomnia, lavender oil can prove effective in regaining your ability to sleep soundly at night. However, lavender oil is most effective against stress-induced insomnia.

To acquire its properties that help fight insomnia, there are two methods of application that you can try: bath or massage. Massaging lavender oil into your body will ease all of physical exhaustion and stress, while at the same time inducing sleep. On the other hand, bathing with lavender oil is a great way to eliminate mental anxiety and improve quality of sleep at night. For best results, perform this a few hours before going to sleep.

Hair loss is fast becoming a common problem, even with younger individuals that help to falsify the conclusion that hair loss is caused by aging. However, lavender essential oil offers an effective natural solution against hair loss. Scientific research has proven that lavender contains properties that stimulate your hair roots and promote hair re-growth.

Therefore, you can prepare your own homemade hair tonic using lavender oil. Simply combine it with other beneficial essential oils such as rosemary, thyme, and cedarwood while adding a few drops of carrier oil. Apply the tonic into your hair and massage the scalp thoroughly. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing off to allow the essential oil properties to be absorbed by your scalp.

Lavender oil is quite popular due to its ability to cure various health problems. Here are some of the reasons as to how you can utilize lavender oil as home remedy for common conditions:

• Headache – To use lavender oil for curing headache, you can either mist it around your head, make a lavender oil compress, or massage it around your forehead and temple.
• Acne – For acne treatment, you can use lavender as a natural facial cleanser and moisturizer to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
• Minor burns – After cooling the burn and washing it off with water, apply a few drops of essential oil into the burnt area for pain relief and to prevent scarring.
• Fatigue – To gain relief from fatigue, you can prepare a lavender bath or soak your feet in water mixed with lavender oil for an overall stimulating effect on the body.
• Cuts or Wounds – Apply the oil directly into the cut or wound to soothe pain and prevent further infection.
• Menstrual Cramps – For women suffering from painful menstruation, you can make a hot compress out of lavender oil or massage it directly onto your lower abdomen to ease the amount of pain.
• Sinusitis – Add a few drops of lavender oil into your inhalation device to relieve sinusitis and make breathing easier.
• Jet lag – Whether you are about to embark on a long travel or just back from a long trip, apply a good amount of neat lavender oil into your pulse points to stabilize your system.

As much as lavender essential oils are versatile enough to treat a wide range of ailments, you also have several choices for using it to acquire its wonderful benefits. Here are some of your choices:

*Bath: To use this method, simply add 6-8 drops of lavender oil into your bath water and soak in it for several minutes. This is highly suggested if you are trying to relieve stress, gain relaxation, and cure sore muscles.
*Shower: To use this method, simply add approximately 3 drops of the oil into water and flow throughout your body. During the process, breathe in as much of the vapor coming off as you can.
*Vaporization: Using an oil burner, add 6-8 drops of the lavender oil into the device to slowly inhale its aroma and fill up the entire room with its scent. This is very ideal if you're suffering from cold, anxiety, or insomnia.
*Inhalation: Since it directly passes through your nasal system, the use of inhalation as method of application for lavender oil is ideal for colds and flu symptoms. This is also beneficial for your natural skin care.
*Massage: Massaging with the use of lavender oil helps to ease sore and tight muscles due to its ability to promote blood circulation, while also providing mental relief.
*Compress: Soaking a cloth with warm water and lavender oil, then placing it directly onto the area of the body you are trying to heal is an excellent method to use in treating sprains or muscular injuries.