The Amazing Properties of Lavender

Recently, I’ ve been paying even more attention to the quality of my sleep and using various natural methods for this purpose. That’s why I’ve developed a deep interest in lavender oil and came across a lot of interesting research. Now I would like to share my observations with you and I do hope you will also find it engaging and informative 🙂

 

A Bit of History

Lavender oil has been known since ancient times. The Egyptians used it for mummification and perfume. Nowadays, we are rediscovering its beneficial effect on our health:

• reduces anxiety and emotional stress
• heals burns and wounds
• definitely improves the quality of sleep
• improves the condition of the skin (considered a good antidote against acne)
• it has strong antioxidants, thanks to which it slows down the aging process of cells
• relieves migraine headaches in some people

 

Properties of the Oil

It improves your mood and supports the work of the brain

Lavender has the ability to prevent ailments such as stress, headaches, migraines, depression, anxiety, fears and nervousness. In addition, it strongly supports and improves the quality of sleep and reduces oxidative stress, which is a state of disturbed balance in the body between harmful oxidants (free radicals) and antioxidants (antioxidants), whose task is to neutralize free radicals. This condition can lead to many diseases and accelerated aging of the body.

Research results show that lavender oil causes a significant reduction in heart rate, blood pressure and skin temperature. The positive effect on the central nervous system is attributed to terpenoid compounds. Under their influence, the feeling of anxiety, nervous tension and difficulty falling asleep are reduced.

Studies also confirm that lavender improves the mood of people exposed to post-accident stress, reduces depression and soothes sleep disorders. It is most effective in the form of oil added to the air humidifier and mist sprayed on bedding.

 

Antioxidant protection

The plague of our time and the cause of many diseases are free radicals (toxins, chemicals, pollutants, etc.), which weaken our immune system and thus lead to a lot of damage to the body. Antioxidants are great at dealing with them, our body knows it very well and produces antioxidant enzymes – especially catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Lavender oil helps to produce the above three antioxidants within 22 hours of using the oil! According to scientists, inhalation of lavender oil can inhibit cell destruction, and therefore it is speculated that it could also stop the formation and development of cancer.

 

Lavender for sleep and insomnia

Lavender oil can lead to an improvement in sleep quality by up to 60%, including sleep duration, time taken to fall asleep, rest and reduction of insomnia symptoms. 

If you want to improve the quality of your sleep, spray lavender oil before bedtime. You can also rub it on your neck, chest and temples. I also use it in the form of a bedding spray (be sure to ventilate the bedroom beforehand). This method can also be used in the bathroom, e.g. on towels. Before a relaxing bath/shower, sprinkle the mixture on a towel so that this amazing scent waits for you when you get out of the water. There is no better and healthier way to relax.

If you have trouble falling asleep, combine lavender oil with chamomile and magnesium oil. In addition, drink lemon balm infusion before bedtime. It should help 🙂

 

 

Antidote for the skin

Thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, applying lavender essence in combination with aloe vera or coconut oil to the skin will also work wonders! It has even been proven that lavender can heal mouth ulcers and prevent allergic reactions!

Lavender oil is also great for treating dry, chapped lips. Try adding a few drops to, for example, coconut oil or any other oil you like. You can transfer it to a small container and easily put it in your bag as a homemade lip balm.

 

Wounds and burns

Widely known for its antibacterial effects, lavender has a rich history of preventing various infections, both bacterial and fungal. In fact, many studies have consistently backed up this thesis. Lavender has also been shown to speed up the healing of burns, wounds and scrapes, essentially due to its antibacterial properties.

 

Baby’s sleep and lavender oil

If your children often wake up at night, I have good news for you! You can also use essential oil to improve the quality of your baby’s sleep 🙂 Lavender calms down, has a positive effect on memory and stress reactions, relieves pain, reduces anxiety and symptoms of depression. The use of essential oil affects the length of the NREM sleep phase, in which we sleep soundly and deeply, and allows you to reduce the number of awakenings of the child. If your children suffer from colic, you can use lavender oil to massage the baby’s tummy (1 drop of lavender oil mixed with 10 ml of base oil). Remember to never massage your child’s face and hands and never use the oil undiluted!

Studies have confirmed that using lavender oil to bathe a baby calms them down and lowers cortisol levels (stress hormone) in both the mother and the baby. In addition, while bathing with the oil, mothers smile at their baby more often and maintain eye contact with them. The babies were calmer when they were taken out of the tub and slept much more soundly. It is worth using an electric diffuser, rattan sticks or sprinkle the material or a cuddly toy and place it near the cot. When your baby wakes up, they may fall back asleep on her own, smelling a familiar and soothing scent.

 

The original ingredient in the kitchen

Lavender perfectly improves the taste and flavor of desserts and various pastries such as muffins, teas, and even salad dressings. Lavender is completely edible, but you must use small amounts as its flavor is extremely intense. Try adding 1-2 drops to your recipes. It goes well with cocoa, honey, cranberries, balsamic vinegar, black pepper or baked fruit, e.g. apples.

 

Side effects of lavender

For most people, lavender is completely safe to use. However, there are not enough studies to confirm that it will not cause a problem when combined with other drugs. The same applies to the use of lavender by pregnant women, so there are a few situations where caution is advised.

If you are already taking medications for insomnia or depression, consider the fact that lavender can enhance their effects. Also, even when taking flu or cough medications, keep in mind that lavender causes drowsiness in some people, so it is better not to mix it with medications in any way related to sleep. If you are going to have surgery, the oil is also not recommended.

Not enough research has been done to conclude that lavender is completely safe for pregnant or lactating women. It can have a relaxing effect on muscles and affect hormone levels, which is why it is not recommended for women in the third trimester of pregnancy. It’s best to discuss this with your therapist.

Most people have no problems with lavender, but due to its high concentration of antioxidants, we recommend sticking to the minimum dose, especially if you have a history of digestive issues.

 

Which oil should we buy?

When you decide to buy lavender, make sure that the brand is tried and tested and the product is a natural essence, not just an artificial flavor. Avoid chemical additives, as such a liquid may be devoid of healing properties.

I hope you will find these tips useful and you will love using lavender in different ways just as I do 🙂

 

Bibliography:

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3. Karadag E, Samancioglu S, Ozden D, Bakir E. Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality and anxiety of patients. Nurs Crit Care. 2017 Mar;22(2):105-112.
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5. Sayorwan W, Siripornpanich V, Piriyapunyaporn T, Hongratanaworakit T, Kotchabhakdi N, Ruangrungsi N. The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. J Med Assoc Thai. 2012 Apr;95(4):598-606. 
6. Sasannejad P, Saeedi M, Shoeibi A, Gorji A, Abbasi M, Foroughipour M. Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur Neurol. 2012;67(5):288-91.
7. Silva GL, Luft C, Lunardelli A, Amaral RH, Melo DA, Donadio MV, Nunes FB, de Azambuja MS, Santana JC, Moraes CM, Mello RO, Cassel E, Pereira MA, de Oliveira JR. Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil. An Acad Bras Cienc. 2015 Aug;87(2 Suppl):1397-408.