Flower Power
Aromatherapy has long been considered one of the most effective natural remedies for treating different health conditions. This therapy has been practiced from ancient time to counter the ill effects of different types of diseases. In this therapy, the pleasing aroma of the essential oils is used to rejuvenate the mind and activate the defense mechanism of the body to keep the body in a healthy condition.
In the world of aromatherapy, only a few essential oils are as popular and as effective as lavender oil. A member of the mint family, lavender oil (botanically known as Lavandula angustifolia) has been used since time immemorial for medicinal, spiritual, and religious purposes. Why is lavender essential oil one of the most loving essential oils? What distinguishes it from the other essential oils? Let us uncover some of the surprising benefits of lavender oil.
Lavender Oil - A Brief Introduction
Widely grown around the Mediterranean regions, the lavender plant is praised around the world for its distinct healing and therapeutic qualities. The leaves, root, and stem of the lavender plant have been used in traditional medicines for years for alleviating different physical, mental, and skin conditions. Lavender oil is derived from its evergreen plant through the method of steam distillation. Lavender oil has soothing and calming effects on the nerves and thus has proven to be very effective in relieving tension, stress, nervousness, panic, and depression.
What Distinguishes Lavender Oil from Other Essential Oils?
Lavender oil is enriched with numerous effective compounds like 8-cineole, trans-ocimene,cis-ocimene, camphor, 3-octanone, terpinen-4-ol, caryophyllene, linalyl acetate, a-pinene, limonene,inalool, and lavendulyl acetate. These vital elements present in lavender oil make it much-praised; it also has diuteric, deodrant, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antiseptic, antirheumatic, cordial, cicatrisant, bactericide, carminative, nervine, sedative, sudorific, and antiviral properties. These therapeutic possibilities help lavender to become an effective agent for treating myriad skin and health concerns.
In short, having a bottle of lavender oil is like your own medical kit.
Here are some of the amazing uses of lavender oil that you should know:
1. Excellent Sleep Aid
Lavender oil has been used for thousands of years for improving sleep quality. In folklore, lavender flowers were filled in the pillow to help restless people to fall asleep. Scientific studies have also confirmed that the sweet and calming aroma of lavender oil may slow down the activities of the neurotransmitters, promote relaxation, bring calmness, and lift the mood of the individual and thus can improve the sleep quality. Put 3 to 4 drops of lavender oil in a diffuser or massage the scalp with a blend of almond oil and lavender oil to aid deep sleep.
2. Complete Hair Care
If you are struggling with hair loss problems, lavender oil can be an excellent remedy to promote hair re-growth. Studies show that regular massage of the scalp and hair with lavender oil removes lice, dandruff, lice eggs, and promotes hair vitality. Lavender oil is also proven to very beneficial for patients suffering from alopecia areata, a medical condition where the body becomes unable to support its own hair follicles.
3. Improves Mood & Reduces Stress
Lavender oil has been used for generations in traditional medicines for relieving stress, anxiety, migraines, and the symptoms associated with depression. The soothing and calming aroma of lavender stimulates the mood, brings calmness, lowers the formation of stress hormones, and protects against neurological damage. Mix 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil in a tablespoon of olive oil and gently apply this blend over the scalp for relief from stress, fatigue, anxiety, and other ill effects of depression.
4. Heals Wounds and Cuts
The antimicrobial, bactericidal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties of lavender oil enable it to help heal wounds and cuts quickly. Lavender oil protects from infections and accelerates the healing process. Mix lavender oil in water in a ratio of 1:10 to get quick relief from cuts, wounds, and burns.
5. Relives Respiratory Disorders
Studies have confirmed that lavender oil is an effective remedy for alleviating different respiratory conditions like throat infections, cough, cold, flu, bronchitis, sinus congestion, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. It has an anti-inflammatory property that makes it an effective remedy for alleviating asthma. If you are struggling with any kind of respiratory problem, apply 3 to 4 drops of lavender oil over your neck, chest, or back to get speedy relief.
6. Diabetes Treatment
Lavender oil is one of the best natural remedies for alleviating the symptoms associated with diabetes such as metabolic disorder, increasing glucose level, weight gain, liver and kidney dysfunction, and liver and kidney lipoperoxidation. Regular intake of tea or other beverages containing 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil will improve your system response to fight against diabetes.
7. Lavender Oil as Adaptogen
An adaptogen is a natural ingredient that enables the body to adapt to both internal and external environmental factors that lead to stress, thereby reducing the ill effects of stress, fatigue, and anxiety on our physical, emotional, and mental health. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the heightened level of cortisol is the root cause of stress-related conditions. Lavender oil effectively reduces cortisol level, thereby reducing the ill effects of stress. Take 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil and rub over your palms and neck to feel calm and relaxed. You can also put few drops of this oil in a diffuser to maintain a positive environment in home or office.
Note: The effectiveness for individuals of lavender oil hugely depends on its quality and quantity. Additionally, if you have any kind of allergy or have experienced sensitivities to lavender, consult with an experienced medical expert prior to use. It is advised to buy 100% therapeutic grade Lavender Essential Oil for all applications.
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