Touted as one of the most popular and versatile herbal oil used in aromatherapy, lavender essential oil bequeaths one with a soothing experience and has the power to heal the mind and body. Extracted from the Lavender plant which goes by the botanical name Lavandula augustifolia, the oil not only promotes relaxation but also treats skin infections, fungal infections, hair problems, pain, allergies, depression, insomnia, anxiety, nausea and menstrual cramps. Also Read: Top 5 Essential Oils To Revamp Your Skin Health
The name ‘lavender’ is derived from the Latin word ‘lavare’ which means ‘to wash’ and it most likely earned this name because of its extensive use in baths or showers to purify the body and help relax the soul. Folklore has it that ancient Egyptians used this aromatic oil in the embalming process of mummies since they believed that the incense of this aromatic herb is a powerful aid to restore their bodies and help them in their journey of the afterlife. It was also used by ancient Romans, Greeks and Persians as a bath additive and a perfume.
Owing to its invigorating aroma, the pure essential oil distilled from Lavender flowers has paved its way into a variety of formulations. Be it shower gels, shampoos, talcum powder, creams, lotions, scrubs, massage oils or infusions, this magical tincture bestows one with a soothing aromatic experience. A diluted form of the oil is even used to make teas, lemonades, syrups and other beverages. Even the bright purple coloured flowers have made way to embellish our homes in the form of potpourris due to their stimulating fragrance.
Also Read: 5 Must-have Essential Oils for Monsoons
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Till date, across many cultures, this aromatic oil has been touted as a mood enhancer, tension reliever and a bestowed of radiant skin and glossy smooth hair. Thanks to its reported anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, analgesic, hypotensive, and sedative properties, the oil is not only beneficial to promote health but also enhances skin and hence forms a core part of the beauty and spa industry.
Lavender Essential Oil Beauty Benefits
Diminishes Signs Of Ageing
With age, our skin tends to become saggy and develops spots and blemishes that easily give away the age and put down one’s self-confidence. Lavender essential oil is hailed for its use in skin cell regeneration. Blessed with umpteen active ingredients, it facilitates wound healing, effectively reduces wrinkles, scars, blemishes, and other signs of ageing and bestows one with a crystal clear radiant skin.
Evades Acne And Pimples
Acne and pimples not only occur due to clogged pores but also due to hormonal imbalance. Being a natural stress buster, this oil is famed for its use in relieving stress and anxiety which in turn maintains proper hormonal levels in the body, and also helps remove toxins from the blood. Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, the aromatic oil plays a vital role in fighting off bacteria and germs that ultimately lead to pimples, acne and other skin infections.
Promotes Hair Growth
The wealth of essential nutrients in lavender oil make it a one-stop remedy for all your hair woes. Sanctified with anti-microbial properties, this oil not only improves blood circulation in the hair follicles but also prevents various hair infections and actively takes part in collagen formation. It is extremely useful for revitalizing dull, lifeless hair. Regular use of the oil improves hair texture, adds shine and stimulates hair growth. By effectively alleviating stress, it also prevents hair fall and premature greying of hair.
Wards Off Dandruff And Lice
Dandruff usually occurs due to excessive dehydrated scalp, humidity in the air and lack of hygiene and eventually leads to itching and flaking. Blessed with potent anti-microbial properties and high specific gravity, this cool aromatic oil seeps deep within the hair follicles, moisturises the scalp, relieves dryness and prevents itching. Due to its strong scent and potent antibacterial properties, it also keeps head lice and other scalp infections away.
Mix 5 drops each of tea tree oil, lavender oil and almond oil and massage it all over your scalp before sleep. Follow this for a fortnight to get rid of dandruff and lice.
Heals Wounds
Flaunted for its anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and disinfectant effects, this aromatic oil plays a crucial role in alleviating pain and healing wounds due to burns or insect bites. Apart from augmenting skin and hair, this unique herbal oil effectively heals wounds, prevents skin infections and treats allergic conditions, like rashes, itching and burning sensation.
Apply a wet cotton ball dabbed with lavender oil onto the affected part, to get relief from the pain and inflammation in case of burns.
Subdues Headaches
Owing to the natural stress-boosting properties, this oil obtained from lavender flowers is widely used in aromatherapy procedures. A head massage with this oil clears brain toxins and improves cognitive abilities like memory, concentration, focus etc. It also normalizes the vata and pitta doshas in the body which is beneficial in subduing pain due to headaches.
Improves Sleep
Be it an approaching deadline at your workplace or some kind of stress in your life, sleeplessness is common in quite a few individuals in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Loss of sleep can be extremely debilitating and can lead to exhaustion, lethargy and can also disturb your physical and emotional well-being. Using this oil along with other essential oils in several massage therapies help reduce the levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone and thereby attenuates stress and improves the quality, duration and provides peaceful sound sleep.
Soothes The Mind
The abundance of adaptogenic, and sedative qualities in lavender essential oil not only improves the mood but also relieves stress. It holds high significance in providing mental stability by regulating the stress hormone, i.e., serotonin which in turn reduces various symptoms of anxiety including restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, etc. and bestows a fresh and happy feeling.