Let’s Talk About Lavender

The most popular Essential Oil

Lavender = Aromatherapy

I know that there is more to aromatherapy than Lavender. You probably know that as well. However to some, you say aromatherapy and this is the immediate word that comes to mind. It is because Lavender Essential Oil has been with us forever. 

When Essential Oils went mainstream, it was the first oil to be taken seriously. It left the world of “woo-woo” and became a serious contender for alternative health and healing.

The fact that it acts fast, smells amazing and safe for skin and children made it the perfect oil to introduce to the masses. It is a beautiful scent to some and an awful scent to others.  That beautiful purple bush of flowers is so distinct most people can recognize it anywhere.

Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It can be used to help you sleep better, and give you fast relief when you have a sunburn. It will work for a multitude of cuts, scrape, bruises and a headache. But there are so many more reasons to have this beautiful oil in your first aid kit.

Please note that I did not say Lavender Oil. Lavender Oil is very different from Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender Oil is a perfume and therefore doesn’t convey the same properties as Lavender Essential Oil.

It helps Fight Acne and Soothes irritated skin

Did you know that lavender essential oil is an excellent choice when it comes to treating acne? Lavender Essential Oil works to kill bacteria, and this can prevent and heal acne breakouts. It unclogs pores and reduces inflammation when you put it on your skin. 

With it’s antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it can be used to treat a number of skin problems like eczema, psoriasis and other allergies. Based on studies, it is an excellent skin care addition to any skin routine.

It Works for Headaches & Migraines

There’s new evidence that the use of Lavender Essential Oil can treat migraines. A study in European Neurology Trusted Source looked at the inhalation of Lavender Essential Oils to treat migraines. The study concluded that inhaling Lavender Essential Oil may be an effective and safe way to relieve migraine pain.

To use the oil: Use a large cup (8oz) of hot water. Add a drop to the water. Inhale the vapors. It is also safe to massage a few drops to your skin.

It Has Beauty Treatment Properties

Not only is this a beautiful scent, that calms and relaxes but due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Lavender Essential Oil also works on the skin. It works on nourishing the skin to a healthy glow, as well as helps prevent wrinkles and lightens the appearance of age spots and dark marks. Like most of the skincare on the market today, antioxidants fight off the free radicals that bombard your skin on a daily basis and speed up the aging process and these are contained in Lavender Essential Oil.

It has wound healing properties

This is an essential oil that should be included in every First Aid kit because of it’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender Essential Oil helps speed up the healing of small burns, cuts, scrapes and wounds. Its soothing compounds also provide welcome relief from sunburn.

It relieves itch from Bug Bites and acts as a Repellant

Another reason that Lavender Essential Oil should be in the First Aid kit is how it helps calm inflamed and irritating bites and stings but also acts as an effective insect repellant. A lavender sachet in your closet is well known to ward off moths, and a lavender spray also successfully repels mosquitoes, flies, ants, fleas and bed bugs.

It helps combat fungal and viral infections

As an antimicrobial, Lavender Essential Oil not only helps eliminate bacteria but also acts against certain types of fungi. It’s been found to be a highly potent remedy for athlete’s foot and ringworm. It can also help reduce inflammation and clear up viral infections such as cold sores and warts.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Please check with your doctor before using essential oils to treat any medical concerns.

Although Lavender Essential Oil is one of the gentlest essential oils, please use caution when applying directly on the skin because this can cause irritation. Be sure to patch test on the inside of your arm for 24 hours beforehand. Remember, in aromatherapy more IS NOT better.

When purchasing your Essential Oils, check the label to make sure that your essential oils are pure, undiluted by a carrier oil. If you see “in fill in the blank oil” i.e. “in jojoba oil”, that is not a pure essential oil.

To test an essential oil for purity put one drop of the essential oil onto a single piece of construction paper. If there’s a ring left, the manufacturer probably diluted it with some kind of oil. If there’s no ring, the oil is pure. This test works for most essential oils. There are some oils that are too costly for most people to buy pure and they will be sold diluted and even then the average price is above average. Here are few:

In Closing

This is a multipurpose essential oil that can be used in a multitude of ways. Please take care in using any essential oil. More is NOT BETTER in aromatherapy.