Lavender Essential Oil – Benefits & Uses

Lavender has some interesting history behind it. The Egyptians used lavender during the mummification process. The Romans used lavender for bathing and perfume. One of the most famous of all is when Mary apparently used Lavender to anoint Jesus with her hair. It’s believed it was lavender essential oil, but we may never know.

Now, lavender is used to soothe the mind, relieve tension and provide overall medicinal benefits to its user.

Benefits

Anti-inflammatory

Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties. Some research shows diabetic is really a build up of inflammation. That’s where lavender can come in and reduce inflammation. It helps increase blood glucose, reduce weight gain, replenish liver and kidney antioxidants and stimulate cell growth. This is particularly important in diabetic patients as free radicals often “steal” fat molecules from cell membranes.

Increase blood circulation

Lavender can be applied in many ways. It’s said to increase blood circulation. This can be done in a variety of ways such as mixing pure cocoa butter and lavender essential oil to make a paste and applying to areas that may need a little extra boost. It’s beneficial to areas that may remain stagnant for long periods during the day. Areas include the lower back, feet and calf muscles.

Powerful antioxidant

Helped produce three of the most powerful antioxidants: gluthaione, catalase and SOD. There are so many wonderful ways to add lavender to a simple dish. It can be added to muffins or even pastries. It pairs well with honey, apples and cranberries. Adding small amounts of lavender is a quick way to get those antioxidants in your system. As a topical application, lavender and clove oil can be used in combination to stimulate antioxidant production. Do not ingest. Rather, apply both essential oils with a carrier oil and massage into the skin topically. The feet are a great place to start!

Uses

Alleviate headaches, decrease insomnia

A cold compress will do! Using a cold or lukewarm washcloth, place a few drops of lavender essential oil and place on your forehead. Sit back and relax and let the oil infuse into your skin, helping to ease the pain of migraines and headaches. Place a few drops of lavender essential oil in an oil diffuser before bed to assist with those late night headaches.

Release nervous tension

Buy as therapeutic grade! That’s the most important element when purchasing lavender. It can help release nervous tension. For those with mental illness, lavender could be the cure for relieving symptoms of depression. An evidence-based study was published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice stating that that supplementing with 80 mg capsules of lavender essential oil alleviates anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression. Who doesn’t want a  little extra sleep at night?

Heal wounds and burns

Coconut oil and lavender make a stellar team. Combine both and apply to cuts, wounds and burns to help alleviate pain and begin the healing process. For troublesome eczema, combine coconut oil, lavender and a few drops of vitamin E oil. Over time, this can greatly decrease eczema or puffy red spots.