Lavender is derived from the Latin word “larvae” which means “to wash”. Lavender oils fill up a room with its clean, fresh fragrance wherever it is used. Lavender essential oils are extracted from lavender blossoms through steam distillation. For years the fragrant lavender flowers have been used to make potpourris in lavender products such as sachets and clothing dryer bags.
Traditionally lavender essential oils were used in making perfumes; though it is more popular now for its use in aromatherapy, soaps, lotions and gels. It can be mixed with a number of other essential oils like the pine, cedar wood or nutmeg to enhance its remedial properties.
Lavender is a great herbal remedy to beat the stress out of our daily lives. Various lavender applications are available for your home, car, self and as gifts for your loved ones: from oils to lotions; bath and body kits; personal diffusers; lip balms; mood lifting blends; body butters and even a road rage relief personal diffuser to help you keep your “cool”!
There are a variety of health benefits of lavender essential oils as an herbal remedy:
• Sleep -lavender essential oil is recommended for insomnia and is reported to induce sleep.
• Urine flow - lavender oil is said to reduce cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder and any associated cramps. Lavender oil may stimulate urine production and restore hormonal balance in the body and is recommended for urinary disorders.
• Skin care - since lavender oil contains antifungal and antiseptic properties, it is widely used to treat skin disorders like wrinkles, acne and psoriasis. Lavender oil also aids in formation of skin tissue hence heals wounds, cuts, burns and even sunburns rapidly. When blended with chamomile, it can aid in treatment of eczema.
• Blood circulation - lavender essential oils have been found to lower blood pressure and enhance blood circulation in the body. Lavender essential oil is suggested as a remedy for hypertension.
• Immunity - as an herbal remedy or simple everyday use at home, lavender oil is used by herbalists to increase immunity to increase resistance from diseases.
• Nervous system - due to the calming fragrance of lavender essential oil, it lessens nervous tension, exhaustion and restlessness. It can also act as a tonic for those suffering from migraines, anxiety, depression and emotional stress.
• Pain relief - massaging with lavender oil provides relief to sore and tense muscles, sprains and backaches. It also aids in the treatment of rheumatism and lumbago.
• Respiratory disorders -lavender essential oil is used in vapor form or applied to the neck, back and chest to treat throat infections, flu, cold, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, tonsillitis and sinus. Almost all vaporizers and inhalers for cough and cold include lavender oils.
• Hair care - lavender oil can also be used to rid your hair of lice and lice eggs and nits.
• Digestion - lavender oil stimulates production of gastric juices and bile. Due to this property may be useful in the treatment of digestive disorders like stomach pains, colic, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea.
• Insect repellent - lavender oil is also effective against insect bites. Many mosquito repellents consist if lavender oil as an important ingredient. It is used to repel moths as well.
A small fraction of people could however be allergic to lavender oil and must avoid it. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are also advised not to use any kind of essential oils. Always consult with a physician before using any herbal remedy for a physical ailment.
By Laura at lauraslavender.com.
