Lavender Essential Oil Medicinal Properties

The word lavender is derived from the Latin root lavare which means to wash.  Lavender earned this name as it has always been a popular addition to bathing.  Lavender essential oil is considered a natural remedy for many various ailments and conditions.  Recent research confirms that lavender is indeed a calming sedative.  Lavender essential oil has continued to gain in popularity and is a major aromatic ingredient in many different soaps, shampoos, lotions, gels, and other aromatherapy products.

While lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, it currently grows well throughout Southern Europe, the United States, and Australia.  Lavender itself is a short shrub, usually growing up to around 60 cm in height.  Lavender essential oil is extracted primarily from the flowers of the lavender plant.  Teas and tinctures of dried lavender can also be made for adults to ingest orally.  Ingesting lavender is not recommended for children or for pregnant or nursing mothers.  A study in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 asserted that lavender oil use in boys may be related to gynecomastia – breast development.  However, this study has to date not been replicated or proven.  Diabetics should avoid the use of lavender essential oil unless under the care of a naturopathic physician.

Lavender Essential Oil and Insomnia, Stress, and Anxiety

Lavender has long been prized for its calming and soothing properties.  Historically lavender sachets have been used under or within pillows to help someone suffering from insomnia to drift off to sleep.  Recent studies have shown that massage that includes lavender essential oil helps to produce more restful sleep.  Lavender essential oil is also very effective in treating anxiety, improving and stabilizing mood, and helping to reduce overall stress due to its calming and soothing properties.  In parts of Europe, lavender flowers are an accepted medical treatment for insomnia, nervous stomach conditions, and restlessness. 

Lavender Essential Oil and  Hair Care and Hair Loss – Alopecia Areata

A recent study involving 86 people suffering from alopecia areata – a disease causing significant hair loss that usually happens in patches, found that the people who used lavender essential oil to daily massage their scalps experienced significant regrowth of hair.  The study period lasted a total of seven months, so long term treatment is necessary, but definitely shows hope for those wishing to regrow their natural hair.  Lavender is often a key ingredient in shampoos designed to strengthen and regrow or add body to your hair.  

Lavender essential oil is also an effective treatment for lice infections.  5-10 drops in water is generally sufficient for an effective rinse.  Add lavender essential oil directly to a lice comb to help remove the nits.

Lavender Essential Oil for Headaches

Lavender essential oil massaged on the temples or added to a diffuser is an effective, natural treatment for tension headaches and migraines.  When used for inhalation therapy, add several drops of lavender essential oil to the diffuser and place a towel over your head to inhale the vapors.  This type of inhalation is also effective for respiratory colds as in addition to its calming properties, lavender is also a natural antibiotic.  

Lavender Essential Oil for Skin Infections, Acne, and Cuts

Lavender essential oil is an effective treatment on most skin infections and cuts, including acne.  Lavender has natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and antifungal properties.  It is unique in that, unlike most essential oils, lavender can be applied directly without dilution unlike tea tree oil.  Lavender essential oil should never be applied directly to open wounds, however.  Lavender is effective against insect bites and even works as a mosquito repellent – many popular commercial insect repellents use lavender as a main ingredient.

Lavender Essential Oil for Joint and Muscle Pain

When diluted in a carrier oil for massage, lavender essential oil is an effective treatment for muscle and joint pain.  It has shown very promising results in reducing the pain of osteoarthritis and postoperative pain as well.  To create an effective massage oil for pain, dilute 1mL of pure lavender essential oil in 1 oz. of carrier oil.  Grapeseed, sweet almond, and peach kernel oil all make excellent carrier oils for massage.

Precautions:

This information is provided for educational use only and is not meant to diagnosis or treat any condition.  The use of herbs and essential oils in medicinal and home remedies has stood the test of time.  However, certain active ingredients in herbs and essential oils may trigger side effects or interact with other medications, herbs, and supplements that a person is taken.  For this reason, you should use herbs with care under the direction of a qualified health care adviser.  Although rare, some people may develop an allergic reaction to lavender essential oil.  Symptoms of an allergic reaction include nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills.  Although no studies indicate this is so, because of its relaxing properties, lavender essential oil may interact specifically with CNS depressants such as narcotic pain medicine, prescription sleep medications, and antianxiety medications.  It is always wise to discuss all supplements you use with your doctor.