Lavender oil

The word “lavender” may first evoke thoughts of a color – not to be confused with another shade of purple – lavender is a color in its own right. Lavender certainly has a unique heritage of symbolism and meaning. Both the herbal flower that bears this name and the color lavender are associated with the young, unbridled growth that occurs in nature in the spring. In this sense, lavender represents that part of the psyche that has not yet been touched by fatigue and problems, but retains the vigor and vitality of youth. This includes the processes of imagination, creativity, and the optimistic beginnings of new stages in life.

Origin and characteristics of lavender

The herb lavender Rich history. In ancient Egypt, mummification bandages were soaked in a resinous substance containing lavender oil. They were wrapped around embalmed bodies, which were then placed in the sun to dry and harden the bandages. Lavender was found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The Greeks and Romans made lavender ointment, which was said to be fever-resistant, and it was also used as a bath herb, which is one explanation for the name “lavender” – the Latin word lavare means “to wash”. In the Middle Ages, lavender was a popular herb for sprinkling, believed to ward off pests such as insects and the plague. Demand for lavender oil increased in the 19th century due to its use in the perfume industry, earning lavender the name “blue gold”. Thus, another explanation for its name can be suggested, coming from the Latin word livere, meaning “bluish”.

Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, many members of the genus are widely cultivated in temperate climates as ornamental garden and landscape plants, for culinary use, and commercially for their essential oil. The genus includes annual or short-lived perennial herbs and shrubby perennials. The leaves of the genus vary in shape. Some species have simple leaves, others are pinnately toothed, or (most) pinnate. The leaves are generally covered in fine hairs, which usually contain the essential oil. The flowers are borne in whorls on branched spikes that rise above the foliage. Lavender flowers may be blue, purple, or lilac in the wild species, or blackish-purple or even yellowish.

Lavender has been used since ancient times to treat a wide range of ailments, such as mental health issues, anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, hair loss, nausea, acne, toothaches, and skin irritations.

Lavender Oil and Its Benefits

Lavender is widely cultivated for its essential oil, which is extracted from the flower spikes through steam distillation. The oil has several cosmetic uses and is also beneficial for health. The herb is highly prized for its use in cosmetics and is often used to scent shampoos, which help clear the skin.

Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent treatment for minor burns and skin conditions such as scrapes and insect bites. Studies show that it is useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, depression and restlessness. Lavender is used to relieve headaches, sprains, toothaches and ulcers. It can also be used for hair loss.

Treats skin problems

Lavender oil is one of the essential oils that is excellent for use in dermatology. In fact, applying lavender oil to acne, eczema and skin inflammations helps in their treatment and inflammation reduction. In skin care, lavender oil is especially suitable for sensitive, irritated skin (sunburn, razor burn, diaper rash) and promotes the healing process of skin lesions and minor burns. Due to its pain-relieving and healing properties, pure lavender oil is excellent for treating burns. Truly a royal oil. A small drop of pure natural lavender oil disinfects wounds and insect bites, reduces pain and heals the skin.

Wound Treatment

The antioxidant action of lavender oil promotes wound disinfection and healing. The journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a study comparing the effects of various wound treatments (applied to laboratory rats), which compared the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, saline, povidone-iodine and lavender oil. The results of this test showed that lavender accelerated wound healing.

Fungicidal and Antibacterial Properties

A study published in the journal Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil may be effective in combating fungal infections. The oil was found to be lethal to a number of strains that cause skin diseases, as the essential oils derived from lavender appeared to disrupt the membranes of fungal cells. Lavender oil has been shown to be very potent and exhibit broad-spectrum antifungal activity.

Natural Pain Reliever

Lavender is an antispasmodic for all forms of spasms and has a mild analgesic effect. Lavender oil, diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil, can be used as a nourishing and relaxing massage oil for stiff and sore muscles, and to help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Promotes hair growth

Lavender is thought to be effective in treating alopecia areata. This condition causes hair loss in some or all areas of the body. A 1998 study found that long-term treatment with lavender oil increased hair growth by 44%. Although more research is needed, lavender has the potential to be used as a hair growth promoter.

Lavender Oil and Aromatherapy

The secret to aromatherapy is that our olfactory receptors send messages to the brain that affect our mood. According to the National Cancer Institute, aromatherapy can even help with the side effects of cancer treatment. Aromatherapy is also reported to help with dementia.

Lavender oil is one of the most widely used essential oils in aromatherapy. The scent of this oil is thought to promote calm and well-being, and may help reduce stress, anxiety, and perhaps even mild pain. One study found that applying lavender oil topically to the skin may reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. But that’s not all!

Lowers Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Chronic high blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. In a small study, inhaling lavender essential oil after heart surgery was shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate. This suggests that the oil has a positive effect on vital body functions. Although more research is needed, the results are promising.

Helps relieve asthma symptoms

Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with asthma. One study showed lavender’s positive effects on airway health and its calming effect on allergic inflammation and mucus hyperplasia.

Reduces Hot Flashes

At some point in their lives, most women experience hot flashes, which are one of the common symptoms of menopause and PMS. The sudden feeling of overheating of the body can lead to a flushed face and excessive sweating. Although PMS is a very common condition, there is no single treatment that is generally considered effective. As a result, many women turn to alternative solutions. The good news is that lavender aromatherapy can help reduce hot flashes and ease premenstrual emotional symptoms. This was shown in a study published in September 2016 in the Journal of Chinese Medical Association. Inhaling lavender oil vapor for 20 minutes twice a day, either in a diffuser or during a bath, has a calming effect.

Can Improve Sleep

People have been stuffing their pillows with lavender flowers for ages to help them fall asleep easily and get a better night’s sleep.

Insomnia can be a distressing and persistent problem that deprives the body of much-needed rest and affects everyday life. Cutting out caffeinated drinks and exercising more are some of the most obvious solutions to help you sleep. However, sometimes these remedies no longer work and a desperate search for alternatives continues. A study published in March 2017 in the British Association of Critical Nurses found that the quality of sleep in intensive care patients improved with lavender essential oil.

A few drops of lavender oil sprinkled on your pillow before bed can help you get the restful night’s sleep you desire. In aromatherapy, lavender is often used to treat headaches, nervousness, and anxiety. Massage with lavender oil can act as both a sedative and a sleep aid.

The pleasant aroma of lavender oil has been enjoyed by many who have used it to treat a variety of ailments. Its uses range from calming effects to relieving insomnia, anxiety, and menstrual cramps. Lavender has many potential health benefits that you may want to try.