Lavender essential oil has a broad spectrum of uses from easing anxiety to reducing inflammation to alleviating pain. Even if it did not have so many great benefits, lavender essential oil simply has a wonderful scent that makes it well worth keeping around. But just in case you are interested in some of lavender oil's more practical benefits, check out the suggestions below.
Alopecia
Alopecia is a condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles and leaves them temporarily damaged. The damage results in temporary hair loss. According to WebMD some research suggests that using lavender oil in combination with thyme, rosemary and cedar wood and cut with a carrier oil can help improve hair growth by as much as 44%. Add three drops of lavender oil to two drops each of rosemary, thyme and cedar wood and 23 mL of a carrier oil and massage into scalp for two minutes each night.
Anxiety
There is evidence to suggest that taking lavender oil internally for six to 10 weeks helps helps to improve symptoms of anxiety with out recurrence and can also help with sleep issues related to anxiety.
Many people also swear by using lavender essential oil as an aromatic to help calm anxiety. Ways to do this include putting a few drops of oil in a diffuser or adding a few drops to bath, clothing or bedding. If you are out and about, try rubbing a couple of drops into the palms of your hands, then cupping your palms together and breathing in. This can help to create a small personal oasis of scent in a public setting.
Burns and Scarring
There is a story that says that French scientist Rene Gattefosse accidentally used lavender oil on a burn because it was the nearest available liquid. He was surprised by how fast his burn healed and by how little scarring occurred afterward. Many people today will also testify to how well lavender oil helps to heal burns and scarring.
Menstrual Problems
Lavender is known as an emmenagogue or something that helps to promote menstruation and blood flow to the pelvis. Using a warm compress, place a few drops of lavender oil around the abdomen to help easy the muscles during menstrual cramping. The aromatic effects are also believed to be of use here too.
Relieve Itches and Irritation
To relieve the itch and irritation of bug bites and other minor skin irritations, apply a small amount of lavender oil to the affected area. Many people recommend lavender oil for skin irritations of all kinds, provided that the skin is not broken or too raw.
Some evidence suggests that lavender oil may also be useful in fighting ringworm and other fungal infections.
Insect Repellent
Whether the insect are infiltrating your home or attacking you directly, lavender essential oil can help. A little lavender oil on the skin is said to keep mosquitoes at bay, while a drop or two on strategically placed cotton balls can deter ants and moths from taking over.
Parasites
Doctors of natural medicine have used therapeutic-grade lavender oil in conjunction with other essential oils such as tea tree oil to treat infestations of parasites such as scabies that burrow under the skin and lay eggs, causing skin irritation.
Lavender oil is a versatile essential oil with many uses and benefits. Keep a bottle in your medicine chest for every day use or keep a small vile in your pocket or purse for use on-the-go.
