15 USES OF LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL April 08 2016 2 Comments

We love Lavender. The oil from this aromatic plant is quite popular and widely used all over the world. In fact, we believe every home should have a bottle. Known for its relaxing effects on body and mind, lavender oil has gained popularity in natural skin care products and treatments. With its antibacterial, analgesic and antiseptic properties, it may effectively be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. In addition, its fresh, floral aroma calms the nerves and balances emotions. Having a small bottle of lavender in your purse or house is almost like having a personal first aid kit, perfume and sedative. 

Below you can read about some of the most popular applications of lavender essential oil in your daily life:

1. Calming

Dilute 2-3 drops оf lavender in 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable/nut oil and rub in your palms, the temples, wrists and feet for almost immediate calming effect on the body. It takes about  20 minutes for the chemical compounds in the oil to reach your blood stream and react with your chemistry. For a more speedy effect, you can also use inhalation to draw the scent all the way into your amygdala - the emotional centre of the brain.

2. Sleep aid

Simply put a 1-2 drops on your pillow and relax in your bed. As an alternative rub the mix from above to your palms and feet. Enjoy!

3. Sun and heat burns

Lavender magically heals minor burns. It decreases the pain, redness and swelling. The aromatic oil also prevents scaring and stimulates the cells of the wound to regenerate quicker. Use a salve, balm or some other oil based product that lingers on the skin before absorption. 

4. Insect repellant/Insect bite

Not only does Lavender repeal bugs but it aids in healing insect bites and stings. It also stops itching and reduces the swelling. 

5. Cuts and grazes

Wash the affected area with antiseptic wash. Once the wound is clean drop lavender oil directly onto the cut/graze. It will stop the bleeding and kill bacteria.

6. Eczema / Dermatitis

These skin conditions are usually aggravated by stress and nervous tension. Aromatherapy massage with lavender helps relieve stress and tension. Take a bath with 2-3 drops of pure lavender oil or mix several drops of lavender oil in 2-3 tea spoons vegetable/nut oil and rub it on the eczema/dermatitis.

7. Nausea / Motion sickness

Place a drop of Lavender on your fingers and rub the area behind your ears and around the navel. If you wish not to put the oil directly on your skin (as it may cause irritation to those with very sensitive skin) you can place 1-2 drop on a tissue and sniff to relieve your symptoms.

8. Dry or chapped skin

Use diluted mix of lavender and vegetable oil and massage the dry/chapped skin.

9. Hay fever

Rub the blend mentioned above between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.

 10. Dandruff

Mix 3 drops of Tea tree and Lavender oil in 2 tea spoons vegetable/nut oil to give yourself a nice scalp massage. For best results, do this several times a week.

11. Nosebleed

To stop a nosebleed, you will need a tissue paper and a chip of ice. Use a drop of lavender oil on the tissue and wrap it around a the piece of ice. Hold that up the base of your nose in the middle of your upper lip and let it remain there until it becomes uncomfortable or until the bleeding stops.  

12. Cold sores

Dilute 2 drops of lavender and bergamot oil in 5 ml clear alcohol like vodka and apply directly on the cold sore when you notice it at first. 

13. Headache

Apply a cold compress containing lavender oil to your head and lie down. Replace the compress with a new one when it reaches body temperature. 

14. Sore muscles

Lavender oil can also be used to help relieve tight or bruised muscles. Use it in a  massage blend and rub into the skin around affected areas. 

15. Acne and other blemishes

Often caused by the skin’s overproduction of sebum and bacteria, acne plague many people. The antiseptic properties of lavender act effectively in managing them. Apply undiluted lavender oil with a cotton swab directly on the inflamed spot. If you have very sensitive skin use a dilute 1-2 drops of Lavender oil in a teaspoon of vegetable/nut oil.