Lavender essential is one of the most popular and common essential oils used in natural and alternative healing. It is popularly for support of restful sleep and in aromatherapy. It is even common outside of the home: research from the Netherlands shows that “diffused lavender may have a positive influence on social and emotional responses in offices and schools. When kept at home, lavender may be helpful for relaxing after a long day, may calm frazzled nerves or help restless children fall asleep. The potential benefits of lavender can be experienced by direct skin application, inhalation or by diffusing it into the air.â€
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are the essence of aromatherapy. According to the National Institutes of Health, aromatherapy is “the use of essential oils from plants to support and balance the mind, body, and spirit. It is used by patients as a form of supportive care that may improve quality of life and reduce stress, anxiety, and nausea and vomiting. Aromatherapy may be combined with other complementary treatments like massage therapy and acupuncture, as well as with standard treatments, for symptom management.
One of the most popular uses for Lavender essential oil is in an aromatherapy context. While lavender oil (and other essential oils) are not a treatment for cancer, they are often utilized “as a form of supportive care to manage symptoms of cancer or side effects of cancer treatment.â€
Healthy Sleep
Another one of the most popular uses for lavender essential oil is to support restful sleep. A review of sleep studies between 1990 and 2012 indicated that “inhalation of essential oils may be a safe alternative to pharmaceutical interventions for mild to moderate sleep disturbances.†Not only did the majority of the studies in this review indicate a positive effect of essential oils on sleep, but lavender was “the most frequently studied essential oil.â€
Lower Back Health
Another study examining the effects of herbal medicine on non-specific low-back pain compared topical creams containing lavender essential oil with a placebo topical cream. The study found that “lavender essential oil applied by acupressure appeared effective in reducing pain and improving flexibility compared to conventional treatment. Adverse effects were reported, but appeared to be primarily confined to mild, transient gastrointestinal complaints or skin irritations.â€
Natural Cleaning Aid
Another way to use of lavender essential oil is as part of your house cleaning regimen. There are plenty of reasons to choose to clean with essential oils: they’re budget-friendly and eco-friendly, they’re free of chemicals and toxins (unlike most household cleaners), they’re long-lasting, and they allow for endless personalization of the scents that you prefer.
Lavender essential oil is a great team player when it comes to making your own cleaning recipes. Some cleaning blends that utilize lavender essential oil include:
Lemon Furniture Dusting Polish
Per 1 ounce of jojoba oil add:
- 4 drops of lemon
- 4 drops of lavender
- 2 drops of orange or sandalwood
General Cleaning Blend
Per 1 ounce of water or natural scrub mix add:
- 6 drops of lemon
- 4 drops of lavender
- 4 drops of tea tree
- 3 drops of grapefruit or rosemary
Yoga Mat & Gym Bag Spray
Per 1 ounce of water add:
- 3 drops of tea tree
- 3 drops of lemon
- 2 drops of lavender
- 2 drops of peppermint
On-the-Go Hand Cleaner Spray
Per 1 ounce of water add:
- 6 drops of lemon
- 5 drops of rosemary
- 5 drops of lavender
- 3 drops of clove bud
What are your favorite uses of lavender essential oil? Do you use it to support restful sleep, or do you have a favorite cleaning recipe you use it in? Let us know in the comments, and stop in the Natural Healthy Concepts online store for a wide variety of lavender essential oil options.
