Lavender essential oil has been used for centuries by all different cultures to heal or treat many different medical conditions. It can still be used today in several different ways to improve a person’s overall health and has scientific research to back up some of these claims. The oil can be consumed in small amounts or placed directly onto the skin. It can also be inhaled. Listed below are the most common ways that lavender essential oil can be used as a natural medicine.
Internally
Asthma
A person may be able to fight asthma attack triggers by using lavender essential oil on a regular basis. The oil eases anxiety while strengthening the immune system. It can also treat respiratory problems that can aggravate asthma, such as bronchitis, laryngitis or a sinus congestion. The oil can be inhaled moderately to experience instant relief from any type of congestion. By gargling with water mixed with a couple drops of lavender oil, sore throats can be soothed when caused by nasal dripping.
Antioxidants
The body needs free radicals (toxins and chemicals) to fight infections and bacteria but most people have an excess of free radicals in their system. While the body does create antioxidant enzymes that prevent free radicals from wreaking havoc on the immune system and organs, sometimes there is a deficiency. Lavender essential oil can help the body to produce three main antioxidants within one day. A study in Romania had participants inhale lavender essential oil vapor for an hour each day for a week. The results showed that the oil helped to keep cells from becoming damaged, which can lead to the development of cancer cells. This has opened up the doors for research to be done on the possible link between lavender oil and cancer treatment.
Diabetes
Results from studies show that lavender essential oil can protect the human body from serious symptoms of diabetes. The oil prevented increases in blood glucose and helped to combat weight gain. It also prevented antioxidant depletion in the kidneys and liver. While lavender essential oil is not considered a treatment for diabetes at this time, studies show that there is a possibility that this oil can help people suffering from the disease.
Stomach Issues
Lavender oil can sooth upset stomachs and relieve nausea. It can also help to eliminate gas and bloating. The oil can also help prevent motion sickness by rubbing it on the neck, palms and temples.
Externally
Athlete’s Foot and Fungus
The antifungal properties of lavender oil can help to get rid of any type of nail fungus and has been used by people suffering from Athlete’s Foot with promising results. Apply the oil daily until desired results are achieved.
Acne
Lavender oil can not only help to eliminate acne by eliminating blemish causing bacteria but can reduce redness and inflammation that can be common with acne. While results may be a little slower than over the counter products, there is no risk of certain side effects that come with the strong chemicals used in these solutions. Also, the oil can be used to brighten the skin and even help to smooth out wrinkles.
Heals Wounds
Lavender has been used throughout history to prevent infections and help to heal wounds and burns. Over a hundred studies have been conducted that would seem to prove the effectiveness of this treatment. The oil is incredibly antimicrobial and when applied directly to a cut it begins to instantly eliminate bacteria and therefore speeds up the body’s natural healing process. It also helps to prevent scarring. It can also be mixed with aloe vera to help soothe skin when it is sun burnt. It can also be mixed with coconut oil to create a healing cream.
Hair Health
Lavender oil can be applied directly to the scalp. It can help to moisturize the scalp and eliminate dandruff. It has also been shown to stop hair loss and help the body to regrow hair. It can also be used as a natural conditioner that will keep hair healthy and shiny while preventing tangles and knots.
Muscle Soreness and Inflammation
When applied directly to the skin, lavender oil can help to sooth sore muscles and joints. It should be gently massaged into the area. It can also help to relieve pressure on joints where there may be inflammation.
Mental Health
Improves Brain Function
For years, lavender essential oil has been used to treat issues like migraines, anxiety, depression and general stress disorders. Only recently though have studies been conducted that prove that lavender can alleviate such issues. Patients were administered capsules of lavender essential oil and experienced less anxiety and developed better sleeping patterns. Depression also lessened. The capsules do not come with any undesired side effects like current prescribed medications.
Research has also shown that lavender essential oil can not only reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease but may actually slow down the development of the crippling disease.
Improves Sleep Quality
Lavender essential oil can help the body to fall asleep faster and sleep longer. It also reduces symptoms of insomnia. The oil can be rubbed directly onto the neck or temples or can be mixed with diluted water and sprayed onto linen or pillowcases.
Depression
Lavender oil can be incredibly calming. It can lessen stress and anxiety and can therefore eliminate moderate stages of depression. The oil should be inhaled for an hour a day with cleansing breaths in between. It may also serve as a natural treatment for post traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition that has become of great concern.
Lavender oil can be easily found in health stores or purchased online. Be sure to confirm the quality of the essential oil before purchasing it. Some companies use less potent solutions that will weaken the oil’s strength when it comes to healing. Always speak to a health professional before medicating with lavender essential oil and discontinue use if there are any negative side effects.
