Finds Its Way Into Just About Everything

Lavender essential oil is harvested from the lavender plant's flowers usually (though, not always) via steam distillation. Lavender flowers have long been known for their pleasant aroma, and the plant has often been used as a key component in making potpourri. The essential oil distilled from the plant is a traditional component used in many perfumes.

Lavender oil is a popular and versatile tool for aromatherapy as well as other aromatic products. Lavender essential oil finds its way into products like aromatherapy oil, lotion, soap, infusions, and more. The oil is an excellent mixer that can be productively combined with some other essential oils, like pine, cedarwood, geranium, nutmeg, and clary sage.

1Antiseptic And Anti-Inflammatory

Lavender essential oil captures the plant's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, giving it a significant role in therapeutic and medicinal uses. Lavender oil makes an excellent treatment for healing burns and reducing the appearance of scars. It can even serve as a conventional analgesic (i.e., a pain reliever).

For use in treating burns, start by rinsing the affected skin thoroughly under running water. Simply apply a few drops of lavender oil directly to the burned area to speed up the healing process. Note that you should always seek professional medical care for dealing with severe burns.

2A Natural Perfume

Would you like to give yourself a delightful aroma without dealing with potentially-synthetic perfumes? Lavender oil makes a refreshing unisex perfume. You can apply pure lavender essential oil directly; if you find the odor too strong, you can dilute it by adding water or a carrier oil that's odorless.

For a direct application, start by rubbing two or three drops of lavender essential oil together between your palms. Just rub it directly into your skin and your hair. For dilution, combine a half-cup of water with two drops of lavender essential oil. Shake the bottle thoroughly to mix the oil and then spray it freely.

3Soothing The Mind

Lavender essential oil is a potent weapon in the fight against health-impairing stress. This makes it particularly useful if your lifestyle presents you with stress management challenges - as so many often do. Remember that unrelieved stress can lead to serious health problems in the long term!

You can foster relaxation by using a few drops of lavender essential oil in a warm foot soak. To create your own portable aromatherapy aid, combine dried lavender in a sachet, along with clary sage, rosemary, and frankincense. If you're interested in creating your own stress-busting smelling salts, treat sea salt with lavender, basil, and peppermint oils.

4Improving Cognitive Functions

When properly used, the lavender essential oil can do more for your mind than merely boosting your mood and helping you deal with stress. There's scientific research data available that shows lavender oil is a useful therapeutic tool for combating Alzheimer's disease. Scientists have used lavender essential oil on lab rats and verified that, when inhaled, it reduces cognitive impairment and stress-related oxidation in the brain. There was even a 2012 study published in Molecules (a Swiss science journal) that demonstrated lavender oil's effectiveness in treating the aftermath of severe neurological injuries, like a stroke.

The research conducted so far strongly suggests that it's the antioxidant properties of lavender that make it good for the nervous system. You can unlock these benefits yourself by inhaling the aroma of the oil directly or using it in a home diffuser. Topical application to the back of the neck or the temples is also effective.

5Fights Fungal Infection

Finding effective natural treatments for fungal infections can be difficult. Lavender essential oil does a great job in this role. It's easy to use and takes effect fast.

For skin infections like ringworm, rub a drop or two of lavender oil directly into the affected skin. This process should be repeated on a daily basis. Lavender oil is also useful for fungal infections of the finger and toenails; it speeds up healing and moisturizes while the new nail grows out. A foot soak with a lavender infusion is great for treating fungal infections of the feet (e.g., athlete's foot).

6Detoxifies The Skin

Having a good skin health regimen is important. Because it protects your body from a potentially toxic and hostile environment, you need to keep your skin in tip-top health. Taking steps to repair damage and purge toxins is absolutely vital if you want your skin to look and feel its best.

Lavender oil is superb for conditioning the skin. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, the oil is excellent for countering the harmful impact that airborne pollutants can have. Research conducted at the Howard University College of Medicine (Washington DC) confirmed that lavender oil is one of the most potent essential oils when it comes to inhibiting bacterial growth on the skin. This is just one more reason why lavender oil is invaluable for skincare.

7Its Antioxidant Effects

Besides the environmental contaminants discussed above, there are plenty of other negative factors hurting skin health that can lead to immediate short-term damage, like inflammation and roughness, or long-term issues, like premature aging. The powerful antioxidant properties of lavender oil make it a generally effective treatment for a host of skin issues. This is what people are really talking about when they refer to the oil's ability to "calm" your skin.

If you want to experience just how lavender can powerfully affect your skin, try the following DIY bath detox recipe for a stress-busting, toxin-purging soak that soothes irritated skin and balances your pH levels. Fill a warm bath with running water while adding a handful of Epsom salt and ten drops of lavender essential oil. Hop in and soak for at least 20 minutes; this detox is best repeated at weekly intervals.

8Boosts Circulation And Speeds Up Healing

Lavender oil is a great topical treatment for minor cuts, bruises, and burns. Simply massage a few drops into the wounded areas to speed up the healing process and enhance circulation. Lavender oil also makes a terrific soothing rub for sore muscles.

To get rid of pesky headaches, massage lavender essential oil into your skin on the temples and behind the jaw. It also makes a soothing treatment for menstrual cramps when rubbed into the abdomen and followed up with a hot compress. It's even useful for soothing the pain caused by insect bites.

The clean, calming scent of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is well known for its fresh floral scent. It's no surprise that lavender is a common ingredient in a wide range of perfumes, soaps, beauty products, and air fresheners. Lavender essential oil is a tremendously versatile tool - no home should be without it.

Note that lavender oil should be kept out of children's reach. Consult with a professional caregiver before using lavender essential oil if you are pregnant, nursing, or suffering from a long-term medical condition. The oil should only be used externally; exercise caution and keep lavender essential oil away from the mucous membranes and eyes.