Are you looking to calm both your body and the mind…..look no further than a few drops of Lavender oil. Lavender is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy and is my absolute favourite.
I use it for sleep, relaxation, allergies, burns, rashes, bites, headaches. It should be a foundation oil in your essential oil collection.
Why Lavender Essential oil should be in the foundation of your collection
Lavender oil is the most popular essential oil in the world and can be used for a variety of purposes. It can uplift and energize your mood or treat insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress. It’s antibacterial properties can help fight and soothe skin infections.
5 uses of lavender essential oil
1. Sleep
One study found that several sniffs of lavender oil before bed can increase how much deep sleep you get in both men and women. Another study found that inhaling lavender oil twice a week for 20 minutes at a time soothed the nervous system and helped women with insomnia.
I personally use it before I go to bed 2 or 3 times a week to help me relax and enter that relaxing sleepy state, especially after a busy or exhausting day. I usually combine it with a woody oil like Sandalwood or Cedarwood. I find it really relaxing.
There are two ways I use it:
1st - I put in a 10ml roller bottle 3-4 drops of Sandalwood oil 4-5 drops of Lavender oil and then I fill the rest with a carrier oil like almond oil or fractionated coconut oil, you can use any plant oil you prefer (olive oil, avocado oil, Jojoba oil)
!! Always dilute essential oils before using them on your skin !!
Then I simply roll and massage some on the soles of my feet and behind my ears and lay down and relax just like in Savasana :)
2nd - I use the same oils in my aroma diffuser about an hour before bed. I diffuse 2 drops of Sandalwood oil and -3-4 drops of Lavender oil run the diffuser for 30 mins
2. Relaxation
When you inhale or apply essential oils in the body it transmits messages to the limbic system, a brain region known to influence the nervous system and help regulate emotion. Lavender is known for bringing relief from migraines, nervous tensions, and stress-related conditions.
How?
I find the best way that works for me is in a relaxing aromatherapy bath. Just add 5-10 drops to milk or bath soap to bind the oil allowing it to disperse in the bathwater. If you don’t have a bath don’t worry just add a few drops to your shower gel.
3. Anxiety
During my pregnancy I found myself having moments of anxiety. So I used to hold and inhale a bag of dried lavender buds and just after a few minutes I felt a feeling of calm come over me.
How?
You can diffuse it with an aroma diffuser. Just add 3-4 drops of Lavender oil and relax and breathe.
4. Allergies
Lavender essential oil is high inflammatory constituents which makes it great for supporting spring allergy symptoms such as hay fever. Combined with Lemon and Peppermint, you have a wonderful weapon against those pesky allergy symptoms.
How?
Grab yourself an aromatherapy inhaler and put a few drops of each oil Lavender , Peppermint and Lemon and inhale through out the day when needed.
5. Skin Irritations.
I always grab Lavender essential oil when I have any skin issues. Particularly any burns, rashes or bites. My skin is soothed for a few hours and then I re-apply when needed.
What is the difference between lavandin and true lavender?
Lavandin is a cross between true lavender and spike lavender. It has a different fragrance than the true lavender but it is still worth trying.
It was created by hybridizing true lavender with spike lavender, the result was an herb with a fragrance that falls somewhere in between the two parents, but closer to true lavender's aroma.
Conclusion
Lavender has been used for centuries in many cultures and civilizations. It has a calming effect on the human body and has the ability to lift the spirits. In ancient times, lavender was used to disinfect wounds and prevent infections. If you don’t have it in your collection I highly recommend acquiring it or if you are getting started with essential oil I would start with Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon as your foundation essential oils.