Lovely Lavender Oil Uses & Benefits

Lavender essential oil is mainly known for its relaxing properties. It is often used in baby shampoos, bubble baths and even wipes because of its relaxing properties. Lavender is more than just a beautiful, fresh scent... It is a wonderful medicine for both physical and emotion needs!

Lavender Oil Properties

• Antiseptic
• Analgesic
• Antidepressant
• Nervine
• Vulnerary
• Expectorant
• Cicatrizant

Respiratory Tract

Lavender works wonder in treating colds, coughs, & even influenza.

Aches & Pains

Mixed in with a base oil or lotion, then rubbed on aches & pains, lavender is a wonderful pain reliever & relaxer.

Anxiety/Panic Attacks & Stress

Lavender is a naturally relaxing scent that's chemical make up directly effects the brain impulses that produces relaxing endorphins throughout the body. People who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders find a great deal of relief through lavender aromatherapy.

Bug Repellent

Many different insects, from flies & mosquitoes to spiders & even fleas hate the scent of lavender! Using diluted lavender oil as a bug repelent is not only safe for you but safe for the environment. It even makes an effect flea & tick control for cats & dogs!

Headaches

Lavender is known to relax the body which eases swelling of blood vessels.

Burns, Cuts & Wounds

Lavender is a natural antiseptic, much like tea tree oil, that kills germs & parasites & relieves skin inflammation.

Eczema

Eczema is a term used for inflammation of the skin tissue. It is often caused by bacteria that sits just below the surface of the skin. Using lavender oil will increase the circulation of the blood to the effected area & relieve the inflammation.

Ear Aches

Lavender is an affective treatment that is natural in treating ear infections. It kills off fungus, bacteria & viruses.

Shingles

Shingles are the result of a form of chicken pox that lays dormant for months or even years until the body is stressed out. When we are stressed in our mind, it greatly effects the body & thus, can result in shingles. Lavender is great for relaxing the mind & body!

Menstrual Cramps

Lavender naturally relaxes the mind & body, creating a more stable hormonal balance relieving all types of PMS symptoms.

Sunburn

Sunburn is simply inflammation of the skin from too much UVA & UVB absorbed into the skin at once. Working much like aloe vera, lavender decreases inflammation & eases dryness.

Insomnia

If you are having trouble sleeping, lavender may work wonders for you! It naturally releases relaxing endorphins through the body, helping it to relax & even ease the body into sleep.

• If lavender oil is being used directly on skin it MUST be diluted or it can cause skin irritation. You want to use a carrier oil, such as virgin olive oil and mix 1 part lavender to 4 parts carrier oil. Store in a glass vial or jar, preferably an amber or dark blue glass. This helps prolong its shelf life.
• If lavender oil is being used for aromatherapy, it does not need to be diluted. It can be inhaled straight from the bottle or air infused with an oil burner. Lavender oil based incense work as well. You can also apply 3-6 drops onto a cloth to use to inhale. This works great for colds.
• To use in a bath, add 6-8 drops of lavender oil to a cup of epson salt and let it sit for 10 minutes in a sealed jar. Shake it up a few times & add to warm/hot bath water and enjoy a relaxing, soothing bath day or night.

I find it hard to find good essential oils in local stores. They are often pre-diluted or have added oils in them. I have found it to be the easiest to just shop online. When shopping look for 100% pure lavender oil. For a stronger kind, look for "spiked" lavender. This is just a higher concentrated. This is great for body pains. Always check to see where your essential oils are coming from. The Ukraine, Spain & France seem to offer the highest concentrate & purest form.

Three brands I recommend are Aura Cacia, Nature's Kiss & Eden's Garden