Did you know the Egyptians used Lavender during the mummification process and as perfume? It was discovered over 2000 years ago and the because of its benefits, it has been used for centuries for its calming, antidepressant, and antimicrobial properties. It is the most commonly used essential oil in the world. Lavender is the universal essential oil. It can be used for almost anything and is considered very safe if used correctly.
Lavender is my personal FAV! I keep bottles of it stashed everywhere, my house, purse, massage room and car. Its mostly my favorite nowadays since it safe to use on kiddos (IF USED CORRECTLY). I have an eight month old and a 2 year old! I know right, 2 babies in 2 years..yikes!! When using it with my kiddos, I mostly diffuse it in the room to help the sleep, when they are sick or just to calm them down. On occasion, I have given them a foot massage with Lavender essential oil that is diluted with a carrier oil. PS. THEY LOVE IT!
Nature’s Sunshine Lavender Essential Oil
100% pure organically-grown Lavandula angustifolia flower oil. Certified organic by Ecocert
Benefits/Uses:
- Relaxation – the most common use for Lavender is relaxation. It goes great with a massage, diffusing, add a few drops to a bath, rub on bottoms of feet, spray on pillow. So when your massage therapist asks if you want Lavender added to your massage oil – say Yes!
- Skin Health– Lavender can help reduce the signs of aging because of its anti-inflammatory properties. To use it for this reason alone is good enough for me 😉 Using lavender oil topically can help to improve a number of skin conditions, from to allergic reactions, acne and age spots. You can use neat or dilute in a carrier oil.
- Headaches/Migraines – Lavender promotes relaxation and relieves tension. It works as a sedative, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant and calming agent. When suffering with a headache or migraine – inhale Lavender for 15 minutes.
- Promotes sleep – Not to sound like a broken record, but again, because of its anti-anxiety and calming properties, Lavender is great for sleep. In a 2 oz bottle – fill with water and add about 10 drops of lavender. Spray on pillow before bed. Or diffuse in your room at night.
- Massage – Welp, I’m a massage therapist sooo I of course had to add this to the list. Massage alone, has countless benefits so adding some lavender is like the wonderful cherry on top!
- Bath – If you need to wind down, a nice warm bath (and maybe a glass of wine) are the perfect combination. But make it better with lavender. Ya know, why not?! Plus, it will make your house smell amazing. Tip: Take a relaxing, lavender, wine bath before bed! (wink, wink).
- Sunburn/wound healing – Lavender is well known for its antimicrobial properties which is mostly why it is great for wound healing and sunburns. A study done on rats found that lavender oil promoted wound healing in the early phase by accelerating the formation of granulation tissue (tissue from the healing surface of the skin) and promoting collagen. *For burn relief and to heal cuts, scrapes or wounds, mix 1 drop of lavender oil with ½ teaspoon of carrier oil and apply the mixture to sunburn area or cut.
- Perfume/Non-toxic Air Freshener – Along with all it’s fantastic benefits, Lavender can also be used as a perfume or air freshener minus all the toxic chemicals that usually accompany such products. I personally love the smell of lavender. The sense of smell is very powerful and can even take you down memory lane in a matter of seconds. Lavender, for me, reminds me of a relaxing bath, massage and good health (because I use it constantly when my husband, myself and kiddos are under the weather–and it works!) Other popular essential oils that are used for perfume are Bergamot, Lemon, Patchouli, Grapefruit and Jasmine.
- Supports Brain Function – Lavender’s benefits don’t stop at helping boost mood and treat depression. It can also be a natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that inhaling lavender essential oil vapor can help to prevent brain oxidative stress and improve cognitive impairment (in rats).
- Antimicrobial – Good news! All essential oils are antimicrobial, including lavender!