Lavender essential oil is known as the most versatile of all essential oils. It is one of the most fragrant as well. Lavender essential oil is multipurpose and is very popular in aromatherapy. Some even claim that if they can have only one essential oil, they will choose lavender because of its abundance of health benefits.
The lavender plant comes from the mint family. There are many varieties of lavender but the most common source of lavender essential oil is the Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender. It is also the origin of the color lavender. The lavender plant can be grown in different parts of the world such as Asia, Europe, and the United States. They are easy to grow and cultivate in-home and herb gardens. Most lavender plants are purple and blue but there are also yellow and pink varieties.
Essential oils are very potent and concentrated. Around 27 square feet of lavender is needed to make a 15-mL bottle of lavender oil. The flowering tops of the lavender plant, which include the flowers, buds, and stems are the source of the essential oil. These undergo a process called steam distillation. Basically, the lavender tops are distilled, the steam is captured and condensed into a liquid. The essential oil which is less dense than water, floats and is separated from the water using skimming equipment.
The name “lavender” came from the Latin verb “lavare” which means “to wash.” It is believed that in ancient Rome, lavender was an important part of bathing rituals because of its antiseptic properties. Lavender oil was also used by the ancient Egyptians for their mummification process. Some stories also say that lavender was used as a perfume by Cleopatra. Lavender was worn as a bracelet and brought up to the mouth to prevent contracting the disease during the Great Plague. In Elizabethan times, lavender was used to add scent to clothes and linen. All these and more prove how people in the past believed in the power of lavender
Today, lavender essential oil is used for various purposes. A few of its properties are anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and sedative. Lavender essential oil is the most popular oil used in aromatherapy as it promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. The healing abilities of the oil are used to treat fungal infections, allergies, eczema, nausea, menstrual cramps and many more. Lavender essential oil is also commonly used to soothe muscle pains and to induce sleep. It is a natural bug repellent as well. These are just a few from the long list of health benefits of lavender essential oil.
Lavender essential oil can be used in different ways to reap its amazing health benefits. These are the most popular uses of this versatile oil.
1. Wear lavender essential oil as a natural perfume. Enjoy its floral fragrance by dabbing a drop of oil on the wrist or behind the ear. Reapply every couple of hours and you will smell great and feel relaxed at the same time.
2. Relieve headache by diluting a drop of lavender oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil. Dab the diluted oil over your temples and massage lightly. This will soothe the pain caused by the headache.
3. Soothe insect bites by applying a drop of lavender essential oil onto the sting or bite. The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil will reduce skin swelling and help soothe the itching.
4. Have a restful sleep by spraying a bit of lavender oil mixed with water on pillows and bedsheets. Studies suggest that the scent of lavender oil is very relaxing and calming that promotes quality sleep. The oil can also be rubbed and massaged gently on the feet to induce sleep.
5. Clear clogged nose by using lavender essential oil in steam treatment. Add around 5 drops of oil to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and the bowl to inhale the steam. This is perfect when you have a cold or the flu.
6. Soothe muscle pains by using lavender oil as a massage oil. Dilute with a carrier oil and massage all over the body. You can also add a few drops of the oil to Epsom salt for a relaxing bath that helps ease soreness and muscle tension.
7. Enjoy lavender in aromatherapy. Using a diffuser is one of the best ways to reap the healing benefits of lavender essential oil. Inhaling the aroma of this oil has calming and soothing effects. It relaxes the mind and body, reducing anxiety and stress. Lavender essential oil also promotes clean and fresh air when diffused. It has a wonderful fragrance that makes people happy.
Lavender essential oil is truly a wonder with its endless list of uses. These are just a few of them and you can discover other amazing ways of how you can incorporate lavender essential oil in your daily life.
Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to receive more helpful and interesting tips on staying clean, smelling good and living a happier life!
Articles You might be interested in
How to Make Homemade Facial Toner Pads Using Lavender Essential Oil
What Essential Oils Are Good For Menstrual Cramps? Learn How To Alleviate Menstrual Cramps & Associated Pain
How to Use Lavender Essential Oil on Your Mascara
