Lavender is one of those classic essential oils that anyone and everyone can use with great success. It is such a powerful and beautiful plant with a multitude of therapeutic benefits. The flowers themselves are lovely and very pleasing to the senses. Case in point, just look at those gorgeous rows! Makes me want to go to France right now.
You might think of lavender mostly for its calming and relaxing properties, but the effects of this essential oil go far beyond that. Because of its ability to treat a wide variety of physical, emotional and mental issues, it is often called the “mother of all essential oils.”
It blends well with all other EO’s and is safe for use with all people including pregnant women and young children. Since it can be a bit strong for sensitive skin, it is always best to dilute a few drops in a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond before applying topically.
Lavender flowers and the oil made from them have been used in healing practices for millennia. Also, there is a long tradition of using lavender to scent laundry. The name itself is derived from the latin word “to wash.”
Lavender has many healing properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, anti-septic, anti-depressent, nervine and sedative effects.
The aroma of lavender is soothing for stress-related digestive upsets, abdominal cramps and nausea.
Topical application via massage or soaking in a hot bath with a few drops of lavender oil is pain-relieving and healing for muscular aches, arthritis, growing pains, plantar faciitis, tendonitis, bursitis, joint pain and stiffness, sprains etc.,.
Lavender essential oil has a balancing and soothing effect on the nervous system, benefiting those suffering from insomnia, migraines, shock, trauma, as well as feelings of general restlessness.
For women, lavender essential oil is very beneficial for relieving pain with cramps and PMS. It is also a tool for reducing the severity of contractions and pain during childbirth.
Keeping a little bottle of lavender essential oil in your first aid kit is always handy. One of the reasons that I use lavender EO the most is for my skin. It is so healing for burns, scrapes, sunburns, acne, bug bites and any other inflamed skin condition. Putting a drop or two on a fresh burn will speed up the heal time dramatically and will reduce scarring.
On the emotional and psyche level, lavender essential oil has a very nurturing energetic. It is healing and soothing for conditions of depression, anxiety, fear, hyperactivity, hysteria, disturbed sleep patterns and experiences of extreme emotion.
There is practically no health condition for which lavender would not provide some kind of relief. It is a safe, natural and non-invasive tool for healing, relaxation and promoting wellness.
There are many ways to practically use this essential oil. Put a few drops in a hot bath, rub a few drops between your palms and then bring your hands to your face and breathe in the aroma with deep conscious breaths. Add a couple drops into a natural oil such as almond oil for massaging the body and healing the skin. Another great way to utilize this oil is to diffuse it around your house. Trying adding it into your laundry by putting a few drops on a small cloth to infuse the rest of your clothes with the scent or make DIY cleaning solutions using baking soda, white vinegar, water and lavender for safe and effective cleaning.
How do you like to use essential oils?
Blessings,
Frances
Filed under: beauty, essential oils, health
