Popular Uses of Lavender in Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy today lavender has become very popular as an essential oil that is used. It is known to do many things for people, from helping to relieve stress to the promotion of healing certain non-serious ailments. The plant itself is a small evergreen like shrub from which the oils are extracted. There are over 30 species of lavender, but the one that is used most frequently is the one named lavandula angustifolia. The oil itself is almost colorless. But the hue is detected as a pale-yellowish tint. And, the aroma is said to have an uplifting fragrance upon just smelling it.

Lavender Lauded through the Ages

Lavender was so powerful in ancient times that many writers were inspired to create tales about their mystifying aura. For instance, the Greeks felt that lavender was a potion that could conjure up their god of the underworld Hecate. Clearly this implies that the oil has a long history. Contemporary uses for the oils include, but not limited to, stress relief, the treatment of epilepsy, giddiness or fainting spells, relieving a toothache and application to the joints as a way of promoting limberness and reducing stiffness.

A Relaxer and Stress Reliever

Because lavender oils have an amazing ability to affect more than just one area of concern, it is a popular oil to use. Some of its popular uses include stress relief. For relieving stress, lavender has been proven to help most effectively. Some of the methods employed for relieving stress are inhalation through a diffuser, bed pillow dropping and bath diffusion. When using it as a diffuser, it can help reduce stress levels by simply breathing in the vapors. Just a few drops on your pillow at night can help reduce your stress. The vapors are diffused in the air while you sleep which makes it easier to use as a therapy. Off course, diffusing it in a bathtub while taking a bath is clearly a perfect way to help with stress. Not only does the therapy consist of balancing out various chemicals in the body and brain that help regulate moods, but also the very act of laying down in a comfortably warm bath is obviously a great way to help with such a situation.

Soothing and Healing

Not only do lavender oils help relieve stress, but they can also provide healing in the body. Lavender is known to help soothe and reduce the inflammation of insect bites and burns that result in skin irritations. By simply rubbing a concentrated dose of lavender oil on the infected area it can help promote healing of that malady. It is very likely that lavender oil would be a great addition to first aid kits, not only as a natural alternative to some of the chemically enhanced medicines typically used for burns and bites, but would also help with the high levels of anxiety that come with such ailments.

Lavender for Digestive and Respiratory Problems

Unbelievably, lavender is also useful for respiratory and digestive problems. For instance, such ailments as bronchial problems, hay fever and asthma can be treated with it, as that, it has that calming effect which relaxing muscles helping one breathe better. This also is true for the digestive system. If applied to one, it can help with nausea, vomiting and flatulence. As well, lavender is thought to be a helpful essential oil for the production of bile. With this in mind, it is may be associated with the metabolizing of some fats. Yes, even the circulatory system can benefit from the use of lavender. It is said that it can help reduce blood pressure and inhibit palpitations.

Lavender for Joint Pain

Lavender has also proven to be successful at helping patients who suffer from such minor joint problems such as muscular sprains, rheumatism and dysmenorrhea. A blend of lavender oils applied to the areas of pain, or even breathed in, can help sufferers of these aches and pains.

Lavender for Skin Care

Lavender can even be effective in everyday skin care. For instance, it can be used as a means of reducing acne, inflammations caused by sunburns and a host of other minor skin problems. If blended with peppermint with a 1:1 mixture, it has been known to be a successful treatment against sunburn and sunstroke. In addition, it is even helpful for the growth of new skin cells. By mixing lavender with bergamot, it has been said to balance sebum production.

These, and probably many more, are just some of the popular uses for the essential oil lavender.

The Versatility of Lavender

Lavender is only one of the most versatile essential oils in the world today. It is extracted from the lilac colored flowers of a tall plant. Lavender has an effect on mind, emotions, and the body. It’s also often used as a disinfectant, treatment of insect bites, and used to repel insects. This versatile essential oil is a product you should always have on hand if you use aromatherapy. English Lavender is a perennial plant favorite in gardens and loves dry soil and much sunshine. It blooms from July through September and fills your garden with a beautiful soothing scent. The color is a brownish lilac and when the essential oils are distilled, it turns into a yellow thin liquid. The botanical name is Lavendula Officinalis and is extracted through steam distillation. The scent is fresh, sweet, floral, and slightly fruity. A book titled “Essential Oils” will give you safety instructions before using lavender and never use undiluted essential oils.

There is no suggestion that use of lavender oil is unsafe if used in the proper amounts. You should never take any oils internally and never apply undiluted essential oils direct to the skin. Before using any essential oil, you should conduct a skin patch test to see if you have any reaction. Use of essential oils are not recommended if you are pregnant, epileptic, have cancer or liver damage or any other medical problem for which you are being treated. Essential oils are safe if used under the proper guidance of someone who is qualified to advise you of safety issues.

Here are some of the effects lavender has on the mind and emotions.

In small amounts, it is very calming.
In larger amounts, it can be very stimulating.
It promotes restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Balances mood swings.
Soothes the nervous system.
Reduces stress and tension
A mood enhancer.

It also has definite effects on the body as well. Some of those favorable effects are:

Healing of the skin.
Relaxation of tight muscles.
Improves digestion.
Lessens aches and pains.
Breaks up congestion.
Reduces inflammation.

Lavender is also used as a disinfectant, soothing the itch of insect bites, and even helps repel insects. Many other uses of lavender include helping treat acne, asthma, bruises, burns, colic, cuts, earache, flatulence, oily skin, and sprains, stress, stretch marks and even whooping cough.

Wonderful recipes for lavender use can be found on the Internet. Here are just a few that are common recipes for common ailments.

Depression: Blend one drop of lavender, one drop of ylang ylang, three drops of grapefruit blend and two drops of frankincense. Last, add one drop of lemon or jasmine.

Combat Anxiety: Families of service personnel, here is a good one, not only for your family member in combat but for family members waiting at home as well. Three drops of lavender, two drops clary sage, blend in another drop of lavender, one drop of rose, two drops of mandarin, and one drop of vetiver.

Calming, Relaxing Aromatherapy blend to be used with a diffuser: Use a blend of a ration of two drops roman chamomile to each drop of lavender. It’s then ready for use in the diffuser.

Acne cure using aromatherapy essential oils: Two recipes were found for acne treatment. The first one is; ten drops of lavender, seven drops of tea tree, or New Zealand tea tree, two drops of bergamot oil and one drop of geranium oil. The second is; twelve drops of lavender, seven drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree oils, leave out the bergamot oil and put in one drop of geranium essential oil.

Lavender is the best all-round aromatherapy treatment. It’s subtle smell but strong property ingredients make this an essential part of your aromatherapy supplies.

For those that already have English Lavender growing in their gardens, you already know the calming effect the scent of these beautiful flowers can give you. Why not go a little further and make them an important part of your indoor environment as well. You will reap many benefits from this beautiful flower and powerful essential oil.