6 Reasons Why Lavender is More than a Great Scent
I’ve head lavender essential oil referred to as the “gateway oil.” It’s usually the oil most people start using mainly because they love the smell of lavender.
In fact, lavender is the most used essential oil in the world. Ancient texts tell us that lavender essential oil has been used for medicinal and religious purposes for over 2,500 years. The Egyptians used it for mummification and as a perfume. The Romans used it for bathing, cooking and for scenting the air.
Today, lavender oil benefits your body in so many ways, but I’m going to share the top 6 reason why lavender essential oil should be a staple in your house.
Benefit #1: Lavender has a calming effect
Rub 2-3 drops of lavender oil in your cupped palms, then use the inhalation method to draw the scent all the way into your amygdala gland (the emotional warehouse) in your brain to calm the mind. Then, rub on the feet, temples, wrists (or anywhere) for an immediate calming effect on the body. Great for use in crowded areas like planes or subways to carve out your own personal oasis.
Benefit #2: Heals burns and wounds
Widely known for its antimicrobial properties, lavender has a rich history of being used to prevent various infections and combat bacterial/fungal disorders. In fact, almost 100 studies have been conducted establishing this truth over and over again.
Also, we have found that lavender oil speeds the healing of burns, cuts, scrapes and wounds and a big part of this is because of it’s anti-microbial properties.
*For burns or eczema, mix lavender oil with coconut oil in 1:5 ratio for rapid healing.
Benefit #3: Improves sleep
Lavender essential oil induces sleep which has made it a common recommendation for an alternative treatment of insomnia.
Benefit #4: Restores skin complexion and reduces acne
According to dermatologists and aromatherapists, lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne, which is a very uncomfortable and embarrassing condition that primarily affects young people as they move through puberty, but can also afflict adults. It is characterized by red, raised sores on the face and body that develop due to a bacterial infection near the sebum gland. When sebum cannot be properly secreted from the sebum glands on the face, it begins to build up, particularly because puberty stimulates extra sebum and bacteria feed off of it, creating a vicious cycle of irritation, infection, and visible sores that can result in serious scarring.
Lavender essential oil inhibits the bacteria that cause the initial infection, helps to regulate some of the over-excretion of sebum by hormonal manipulation and can reduce the signs of scarring after the acne has begun to heal. Adding a small amount of lavender essential oil to other skin creams or ointments can greatly increase the potential for relief and healing.
Benefit #5: Lavender Oil Benefits Skin
Most likely due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics, lavender essential mixed with aloe or coconut oil has profound benefits on your skin.
Just 10 drops per 1 ounce of aloe vera or oil will sooth the worst sunburn and bring rapid healing to dry skin, minor cuts and scraps.
Want to reduce age spots? Try mixing lavender oil with frankincense essential oil and put it on your skin first thing in the morning, right after you shower and right before bed. Success stories of these two oils improving age and sunspots are numerous.
Benefit #6: Alleviates headaches
As someone who deals with chronic headaches and migraines, you better believe I keep this on me at all times.
Probably the most effective natural treatment for headaches is combing lavender oil with peppermint oil and rubbing these oils on the back of the neck, the temples on the lateral side of the forehead along with inhaling it. Typically 2 drops of each oil in the palm of your hand then rubbed into the areas works perfectly.
Where to Buy Lavender Oil
Quality matters! If you’re ready to buy your own lavender oil, make sure you are using an oil that is 100% therapeutic grade. When it comes to essential oils, there are a lot of ways to source, harvest, and produce a product. You want an oil that has an organic seal, responsible resourcing, and efficiency during harvest and product. For that reason, I only use Young Living essential oils because I believe they provide the highest quality lavender oil as possible.
Add a few drops of lavender to any recipe you want to enhance. Favorites: add to your water or tea (especially sparkling!), brownies, bars, cookies, dessert recipes, raw chocolate or salad dressings. Enjoy!
As you can see, Lavender is an essential oil that can uplift your life (and mood), heal and entice in a variety of ways. It’s a great secret weapon to have on hand at all times!
CLICK HERE to get your Lavender essential Oil!
