Lavender oil is the most widely used essential oil in the world today. The benefits of lavender were actually discovered 2,500 years ago. Due to its powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, calming, soothing and antidepressant properties, lavender oil is very beneficial and has been used both cosmetically and therapeutically for centuries. The Egyptians used lavender oil for embalming and as a perfume. In fact, when King Tut’s tomb was opened in 1923, it was said to have a faint lavender scent that was still detectable 3,000 years later.
Modern aromatherapy articles advocate the use of lavender as an antibacterial essential oil. The leaves and stems of the plant have been used to treat digestive disorders and rheumatism. The Romans used lavender oil to purify the air, cook food, and cleanse the body. And the Bible includes lavender oil among the aromatics used for oils and anointments. Today's lavender oil benefits include:
Reduces anxiety and emotional stress
Provides protection against diabetes symptoms
Improves brain function
Helps to heal burns and wounds
Makes sleeping easier
Restores skin and reduces acne
It slows down aging thanks to the powerful antioxidants it contains.
Relieves pain
Relieves headaches
If you are just starting out using essential oils, especially for health purposes, lavender oil is one of the oils you should try, as it has versatile properties and is gentle enough to be applied directly to your skin. Scientific studies have recently begun to evaluate the health benefits of lavender oil, and there is a wealth of evidence that points to the amazing properties of this oil. Today, lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Provides Protection Due to Its High Antioxidant Content
Free radicals, such as toxins and chemicals, are arguably the most dangerous and prevalent risk factor for every disease affecting the world today. Free radicals are responsible for crashing your immune system and can be incredibly damaging to your body.
The body's natural response to free radical damage is antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidants, specifically glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), prevent these free radicals from causing damage. Unfortunately, if the free radical load is large enough, your body can become deficient in antioxidants.
Fortunately, lavender oil is a natural antioxidant that works to prevent and reverse disease. A 2013 study published in Phytomedicine found that lavender oil increases the activity of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. And more recent studies have concluded that lavender has antioxidant effects and helps prevent or reverse oxidative stress.
Treats Diabetes
In 2014, Tunisian scientists tested the effects of lavender oil on blood sugar to see if it could help reverse diabetes naturally. During the 15-day animal study, the results observed by the researchers were absolutely astonishing. In summary, lavender oil treatment protected the body from the following symptoms of diabetes:
Increased blood sugar
Metabolic disorders (especially fat metabolism)
Gain weight
Depletion of liver and kidney antioxidants
Liver and kidney dysfunction
Liver and kidney lipid peroxidation
Boosts Your Mood and Reduces Stress
In recent years, lavender oil has begun to be touted for its ability to protect against neurological damage. Traditionally, lavender has been used to treat neurological conditions such as migraines, stress, anxiety, and depression.
A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Clinical Applied Psychiatry found that taking 80 milligrams of lavender oil in capsule form relieved anxiety, sleep disturbances and depression. The study also found that lavender oil did not cause any side effects or drug interactions.
Supports Brain Function
The neurological benefits of lavender oil aren’t limited to its ability to treat depression and improve mood. Research has also shown lavender oil to be a natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Studies in mice have shown that inhaling lavender oil vapors can help prevent brain oxidative stress and improve cognitive impairment.
In 2012, a Swiss newspaper published the results of a study that proved that lavender oil is a suitable treatment option for neurological disorders such as stroke. Researchers believe that these effects of lavender are due to its antioxidant properties. To support the nervous system with lavender oil, use lavender oil at home or inhale its scent directly from the bottle, and you can also apply it topically to your neck and temples.
Heals Burns and Cuts
With its antimicrobial properties, lavender oil has been used to prevent various infections and combat bacterial and fungal disorders. In fact, nearly 100 studies have been conducted proving this benefit of lavender over and over again. Studies show that lavender oil accelerates the healing of burns, cuts, irritations and wounds, and this is due to its antimicrobial compounds.
Researchers have proven that lavender oil is the most effective weapon against many fungal and bacterial infections that cause pneumonia and skin fungi.
Necessary for Skin and Hair Health
Perhaps because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, lavender oil can have profound benefits on your skin when mixed with another carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, or grapeseed oil). Applying lavender oil topically can help improve a variety of skin conditions, from canker sores to allergic reactions to acne and blemishes. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may reduce wrinkles.
Mix 3-4 drops of lavender oil with half a teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil and massage it into the affected area. You can also add lavender oil to your bath rinse. You can apply it to your skin first thing in the morning, right after showering and before going to bed. It will help reduce inflammation and signs of aging.
Relieves Headache
If you are one of the millions of people who struggle with stress or migraine headaches, lavender oil may be the natural remedy you are looking for. It is one of the best essential oils for headaches because it helps with relaxation and relieves tension. It works as a sedative, anticonvulsant, and calming agent.
According to one study, people struggling with migraine headaches saw a significant reduction in pain when they inhaled lavender oil for 15 minutes. Of the 129 headache cases, 92 showed signs of improvement, thanks in part or in part to lavender oil.
Cures Insomnia and Improves Sleep Quality
Due to its calming and soothing properties, lavender oil works to improve sleep and treat insomnia. A 2015 study of 158 postpartum mothers found that women who inhaled lavender oil before bed for eight weeks experienced a significant improvement in their sleep quality.
Inhaling lavender oil vapors can be used to reduce sleep disturbances, improve sleep quality and duration, combat insomnia, and improve overall well-being. Also, unlike most sedatives, lavender does not cause unwanted side effects.
Relieves Pain
Several studies have found lavender oil to be helpful as a natural pain reliever. Simply applying lavender oil to the affected area has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain intensity.
A 2015 study found that topical application of lavender oil reduced the pain of dialysis needle insertion. Researchers found that lavender may be an option for reducing the pain of dialysis needle insertion, which may provide relief for many hemodialysis patients. Rubbing or massaging the painful area with lavender oil may be effective in relieving pain.
