This Week, In The Spotlight: Lavender Essential Oil, Read All About It!

Lavender Essential Oil:

Lavender essential oil (from the genus Lanandula) is obtained from the lavender plant. Oftentimes, characterized by a refreshing scent, calming effects, and many incredible properties.

The lavender plant, specifically, does well in climates more oceanic, and dry in nature. For example, Northern Africa, Europe and the Middle East.  

The botanical name is Lavandula angustifolia. Furthermore, there are over 20 species of Lavender.  

This essential oil is one of the most popular of all essentials oils known today. Oftentimes, it’s use is within the realm of aromatherapy.

Lavender is loved by many due to it’s universally loved aromatics, well rounded application usage, as well as it’s said healing & calming properties. Lavender essential oil has many applications. For instance, aromatherapy, culinary use, cosmetics and even medicinal uses. These applications date back thousands of years. 

Much anecdotal evidence is suggestive about lavender essential oils. Research studies on the oil have also been conducted. Some evidence suggests lavender essential oil has therapeutic properties including;

• antibacterial components, antifungal
• helping relieve symptoms of anxiety,
• used as an analgesic
• detoxifying effects.
• Also, in ancient times, it was used for wounds, skin irritations, and other spiritual practices. 

Main Components of Lavender Essential Oil

• Linalool,
• Linalyl acetate,
• Camphor

How is Lavender Essential Oil Made?

Lavender essential oil is made by steaming and distilling freshly-harvested flowers of the lavender plant. The vibrant violet-colored flowers are collected when they reach maturity. Consequently, converted to lavender essential oil through a process known as steam distillation.

Depending on climate and harvesting of these oils can dictate the quality of the resultant oil produced.

The Potential Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil You Need to Know About

Within this section, we discuss some of the anecdotal evidence, as well as research-based benefits of lavender essential oil.

The way in which someone responds to any essential oil can certainly very from person to person. We never support discontinuation of current therapies to rely solely on any potential benefits of essential oils. Specially, in this post, lavender essential oil.

I. May Combat Insomnia & Promote Better Quality Sleep: 

Lavender essential oil has been used for centuries to help fight insomnia and improve quality of sleep. Oftentimes, you’ll see it used as a key ingredient in pillow mists, linen fragrance, temple balms, and room sprays.

A study conducted in 2015 demonstrated that lavender essential oil helps to calm the nervous system, making it a great alternative for fighting insomnia. Oftentimes, insomnia is experienced due to “mental chatter” that won’t let an individual rest properly.

Individuals have reported better quality of sleep by more than 50%. Inhaling lavender essential oil before bedtime, may be beneficial in helping you sleep deeper, and allow for an easier process of falling asleep. The inhalation of lavender essential oils is often done via an aromatherapy diffuser.

One study conducted on sleep quality in 158 postpartum women using lavender fragrance, found significant improvements in sleep quality of the interventional groups, as compared with the control group.

A relatively smaller sample-sized single-blind, randomized study was done evaluating lavender essential oil on mild insomnia. It included 10 volunteers (5 men/5 women). The results were favorable for lavender essential oils helping improve symptoms of mild insomnia, with results favoring younger women. 

If you’re battling sleep issues or have difficulty falling asleep, diffusing lavender essential oils in your bedroom (or essential oil blends, paired with lavender) a few minutes before sleeping, may help.

Alternatively, you can spray the underside of your pillow with lavender essential oil mist if you don’t have access to an aromatherapy diffuser.

II. May Aide In Anxiety Relief:

Lavender essential oil is widely known for its calming properties. Its fragrance is refreshing, and well rounded. Hence it’s usage by many, as a great mood booster and stabilizer.

A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2012) produced supported evidence for use against anxiety, and emotional disorders. Therefore, diffusing lavender essential oil or using it topically with carrier oils, may help to reduce anxiety and stress symptoms.

There have been several animal studies inhibiting anxiety and depression-like behaviors with consistent exposure to lavender essential oils

Furthermore, clinical trials have been conducted investigating lavender essential oils on anxiety, restlessness and agitation. In the trials investigated, over 250 subjects were involved. A significant percentage of these individual’s (whom administered lavender orally), suggested lavender was superior to the placebo within patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. 

Components within lavender, like linalool and linalyl acetate are absorbed through the skin with topical applications fairly quickly. These compounds are believed to have an effect on the central nervous system. 

III. May Combat Signs of Aging/Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Benefits:

Lavender essential oil may be a natural alternative for helping to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and even stretch marks.

It’s packed with antioxidants that help to fight skin-damaging free radicals. Additionally, help control and minimize inflammation. Therefore, it may help control acne breakouts and unclog pores when used with carrier oils, because of it’s ability to kill bacteria.

Studies have shown (in vivo) the widespread benefits of lavender essential oils. For example, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. 

In animal studies, like this one published in 2012, suggest the “potent antioxidative and antiapoptotic activities” of lavender essential oil. 

For the best results, it’s advisable to combine it with carrier oils like, coconut oil or argon oil. Furthermore, never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin.

IV. Combats Hair Loss

Lavender essential oil has shown potential for promoting hair growth. This could make it a great alternative for the treatment of alopecia.

V. Wound-Healing Properties

There may be the potential to help speed up the healing of wounds via application using lavender essential oil.

A 2016 research study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies journal concluded lavender essential oil can help to accelerate wound healing.

Research within Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine discussed that lavender essential oil is recommended for abscesses, carbuncles, and wounds.

VI. Repel Insects

Lavender essential oil can be used to repel bugs such as flies, moths, mosquitoes, and wasps. It contains camphor and linalool which have insect-repellent properties.

If you live in an area where bugs can be a bother, you can try room sprays with lavender essential oil that’s blended with a carrier oil. Furthermore, apply it diluted with a carrier oil to your skin as a natural alternative to bug strays, or other chemical/synthetic products!

Ways To Use Lavender Essential Oil

• Body Lotions – Combine it with shea butter, coconut oil, and organic honey to make a skin-nourishing lotion.

• Face Steam – Add lavender essential oil to hot water in a basin. Then, cover your head with a towel, holding your face above the water.

• Homemade cold process soaps.

• Body Scrubs

• Massage oils

• Bath bombs

Does Lavender Essential Oil Have Any Side Effects?

In rare cases, lavender essential oil can cause skin irritation. Additionally, it may cause dizziness when combined with drugs such as benzodiazepines and enalapril. We do not recommend ingestion of essential oils.

We provide research conducted on these oils. However, we DO NOT conduct our own research studies. Please consult with a medical expert or holistic expert if wishing to use essential oils for treatment or therapeutic purposes.

** Do not stop any current regimen to use essential oils alone without consulting a medical expert. If any skin irritation occurs, stop use immediately. 

** Do not use on children

*** If pregnant, you should ask your doctor about usage!

Recommended Dosage for Lavender Essential Oil

There’s no strict recommended dosage (that we found) for lavender essential oil. If you’re using it topically or you’re applying it on your handkerchief, it’s advisable to use a few drops (2 or 3 drops).

Always dilute it with a carrier oil like, argon, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, before application.

Where to Buy Lavender Essential Oil?

If you’re ready to experience the incredible benefits of lavender essential oil, be sure to get your oil from a trusted source to be assured of safety and high-quality.

There are many vendors online offering a variety of essential oils. Check their reviews on customer review websites to get an idea of other customer experiences before purchasing.

Not all essential oils are created equal!

Final Thoughts!

Lavender essential oil is a multipurpose oil with potentially incredible benefits. It may help to reduce stress, alleviate pain, treat hair loss, and help achieve healthier skin.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to share any of your experiences with lavender essential oil and applications used!

Resources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23351960/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21170695/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/#B74
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.1103
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16131287/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4443384/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/lavender-oil-for-skin#:~:text=Lavender%20oil%20for%20acne,skin%20after%20washing%20your%20face.
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/
• https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2014.0327
• https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/natural- beauty/aromatherapy/lavender-essential-oil-      benefits-uses/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/lavender-oil-for-skin#application
• https://www.verywellmind.com/lavender-for-less-anxiety-3571767#citation-4
• https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2018/09/02/10-ways-to-use-lavender-essential-oil/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922#uses
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/