Benefits of Lavender Oil

The lavender plant is basically a herb, and its botanical name is Lavandula latifolia. This flowering plant belongs to the mint family and has very attractive light purple-colored flowers. It is native to some tropical regions of Africa, India, and also to a few Mediterranean regions. Lavender oil is considered as one of the most popular essential oils which is known for its wide variety of benefits.

This oil is one of the best aromatherapy essential oils. Its fragrance has a calming effect that can help reduce mental disorders like stress and anxiety. Its antidepressant properties help in the treatment of headache and gives instant relaxation. Its use has also proved to be beneficial in alleviating insomnia and other sleep disorders.

These therapeutic benefits of lavender oil can be enjoyed either by inhaling the oil vapors, using few drops of oil in bathing water, rubbing it over the skin, or even adding few drops on the pillows before sleeping.

The oil has antiseptic properties, and hence, can be applied topically to treat burns, scars, insect bites, stings, etc. Not only does it help in healing the wound, but also in relieving the pain. The antibacterial properties of this oil helps to treat various skin problems like acne.

To use it for acne, simply add 3 to 4 drops of the oil to some carrier oil and apply it on the affected area. Topical application of this oil keeps bugs and mosquitoes away. Its application on the scalp helps get rid of head lice and lice eggs. It can also help to reduce dandruff problems.

There is a broad array of medicinal benefits of lavender oil. A variety of health ailments like alopecia, insomnia, postoperative pain, etc. can be effectively treated by using this oil. Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that causes extreme hair loss.

According to studies, a scalp massage with a combination of various essential oils that includes lavender oil helps such patients in regrowth of lost hair. Massaging with this oil also helps to reduce the pain experienced in joints and muscles.

The anti fungal properties of this oil makes it an effective treatment option for skin ailments like scabies and eczema. Its antibacterial and anti fungal properties also help to alleviate ear infections.

Although ready-made lavender oil is available in the market, making it at home is economic. But, make a note to wait for more than a month to use this homemade lavender oil. The process of making this oil is quite simple and the requirements are as follows:

• Glass jar
• Sieve
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lavender flowers
• Plastic paper
• Rubber band

First, place all the lavender flowers into the glass jar. Then pour the extra virgin olive oil into the jar. The jar should be completely filled with olive oil. Then, take a small piece of plastic paper and wrap it to cover the mouth of the jar by using a rubber band. Leave this mixture to steep for a month.

Remember to shake the bottle every two days, so that the aroma of the flowers and the olive oil get mixed properly. Then, strain the mixture and transfer the fresh oil into a bottle. Make sure to use a bottle that has tight lid.

Bath soaps, perfumes, bath gels, lotions, etc. are also available in the market which contain this oil. It is recommended that one should not use concentrated lavender oil for any external or internal use. It is always wise to consult an expert to know the proper usage of any essential oil.