The Essence of Lavender Essential Oil

Have you noticed the smell of a spa, the ingredients in soothing relaxing lotion, or night time baby lotion? You have probably smelled the scent of lavender or seen it on the label. Lavender is one of the most widely used fragrances to help relax, relieve stress, and even help with sleep. But of course there is more to Lavender essential oil than just helping you unwind from a long day.

History… Lavender Essential Oilcomes from the lavender plant (Lavandula Angustifolia) and has been used for over 2,500 years and originally came from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India.  Lavender was called Nard by the Greeks and was used as one of the holy herbs. The Romans used lavender in their baths, beds, clothes, hair, and for medicinal purposes. The Bible also mentions Lavender in the book Songs of Solomon 4:14.

Uses… Lavender is traditionally used to make perfumes, oils, gels, infusions, lotions, and soaps. Lavender Essential Oil  has many potential health benefits some include:

• Bug Repellent

• Relieves Stress/ Anxiety

• Induces/ Improves Sleep

• Reducing depression

• Restore skin and help with Acne- antioxidants which slow aging

• Relieves Pain

• Respiratory infections

• Aid in healing wounds and burns

• Alleviate headaches

• Some even use it with Diabetes treatment

• Aid with digestion

Bug Repellent… Mosquitoes and some other insects do not like the smell of Lavender, Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Geranium, and Mint. Lavender can also be used if you have gotten bit by a bug to help sooth the skin, since it also has an anti inflammatory affect. You can make your own bug repellent. There are many recipes online. One I found and love this one: mix 30 drops of geranium oil, 30 drops citronella oil, 20 eucalyptus oil, 20 drops oleander oil, 10 drops rosemary oil, 1 Tablespoon rubbing alcohol, 1/2 cup Natural Witch Hazel, and 1/2 cup Water or vinegar into a glass spray bottle (Make sure to shake before each use). 

Stress and Creating roll ons can help relieve stress throughout the day. Adding 3-4 drops to a roll on bottle with a carrier oil can be used on the go when feeling most stressed. Roll it on your wrists, forearms, or behind the ear lobes. You can also add 3-4 droops in a bottle with carrier oil and rub on the soles of your feel or palms of hands and take 10 deep breaths in.

Improving Sleep…Adding 5-10 drops of Lavender Essential to a hot bath with Epson salt and relax after a long day. This helps set the mood for a good nights sleep. Also Adding 2-4 drops to your diffuser by your bed helps change the frequency of your brain waves and induce sleep.

Reducing Depression… According to a study in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found taking lavender essential oil in capsules can alleviate anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23808618). Try adding lavender into the diffuse while you sleep, read, or resting in the evening you an even apply it behind the ears for the same benefit.

Lavender is a natural antioxidant which helps remove free radicals, which are like toxins to the body that damage the body. Some dermatologists believe lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in treating acne. Lavender inhibits bacteria which can cause infection and help regulate over-secretion of sebum and reduce scaring after acne has begun. Try adding a couple drops (1-2) of lavender essential oil to skin creams or lotions.

Relieving Pain… Some research shows Lavender essential oil aiding with pain caused by sore muscles, sprains, or rheumatism. Some hospitals allow their patients to smell Lavender and found it improves patient outcomes after surgery. Another study found by adding Lavender and oxygen before surgery reduces the pain after surgery  (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1533-2500.2006.00095.x/abstract). Add Lavender to the diffuser or place a couple drops in a home-made blend with carrier oil or lotion and rub over muscles.

Diabetes… There are different types of diabetes, and I won’t get into the differences. But I encourage you to research different ways and foods, herbs, and oils can help control blood glucose. Some like cinnamon can be added to coffee or foods. Along with exercise, you might be able to find your body’s combination to control your sugar, (life style change). Maybe making a few changes along with the medication prescribed by your doctor will help lower and control your sugars, you may even be able to stop it one day. Dr. Axe has information on his site regarding 5 ways your can reduce your sugars naturally, (https://draxe.com/how-to-reverse-diabetes-naturally-in-30-days-or-less/) check it out.)

Adding lavender to your diffuser, topically, or internally can have so many benefits to your health. I have only mentioned a few; I encourage you to continue to research and listen to your body.

Lavender is one of my favorites when it comes to putting my little one to bed. It’s how I get him to wind down, he even gets upset if I put his lotion on too early before bed time (it actually makes him sleepy). I love soaking in the tub after a stressful day or night at work. I even soak with my husband sometimes for a nice relaxing evening. I mix lavender, cypress, and frankincense in my diffuser at night; it helps me get a good nights/days rest.

Lavender, lemon, and peppermint oil  with honey makes for a delicious de stress tea and also some use to help relieve allergy symptoms. Create your own blends to help you daily, they come in handy for me.

Adding essentials to your daily regimen can have such a tremendous benefit to your health. Adding 1-2 drops can really make a difference in your life. To me it’s like God’s gift to earth.

Start your wellness journey and increase awareness. Information is only the first step.

Jasmine Hutchinson BSN, RN, PHN

If you’re looking for places to purchase natural, organic products or essential oils, check out my organic products page for links.

Disclaimer…This blog is intended solely to serve as a resource to health information and to provide you with basic information about the symptoms, cautions, safety concerns, natural remedies, DIY recipes, and nutritional concerns related to all aspects of health. This blog does not provide a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of any health condition or concern or even those aspects that are discussed in this blog. This blog is not intended to be–and you should not use it as–a substitute for medical advice or health care given by a licensed health care provider. Be sure to see a licensed health care provider to help ensure your health and the health and well-being of your family.