Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy. Its powerful healing properties promotes relaxation and is believed to treat headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, pain, menstrual cramps and is one of the best natural remedies to improve mental well-being and mood.
Helps with Insomnia
Several studies have shown lavender essential oil may help promote sleep and fight insomnia. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine found a combination of sleep hygiene techniques and lavender essential oil therapy helped college students get a better night’s sleep than sleep hygiene alone. The study of 79 students with self-reported sleep problems also found inhaling lavender at bedtime improved daytime energy and vibrancy. Good quality sleep is widely recognized to be the most important thing for optimal health. Many studies have shown that lavender is a natural choice to improve the length of sleep, the time it takes to fall asleep, and reduce insomnia – all due to its calming and sedative properties. It’s been found to increase the percentage of deep sleep amongst both men and women and improve sleep quality.
Relieves Stress, Improves Mood and Ease anxiety
Lavender is known for its ability to calm the nervous system, lift the mood and even lower blood pressure. Research links lavender usage to less anxiety and depression. Studies show that inhaling lavender has a soothing and calming effect on the nervous system, making it a great option for alleviating stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. There’s plenty of research that shows that lavender has a soothing, calming effect on mood, stress, anxiety, and depression. One study found that lavender oil performed exactly the same as a prescription medication in reducing anxiety. Another observed that lavender lessens anxiety, sleep disturbances and depression. Lavender has even been found to improve emotional health and mood.
Relieve nausea and ease headaches
Studies have demonstrated that inhaling lavender scents can relieve feelings of nausea or motion sickness. Recent research says that inhaling lavender or massaging the oil into the temples, forehead, and neck (specifically behind your ears) can treat headaches. When a tension or migraine headache strikes, lavender has been proven to be one of the best essential oils to help. As a natural sedative, it works quickly to relieve tension, ease anxiety, relax the body and calm the mind. Lavender actually carries anti-inflammatory and sedative properties which can solve migraine and headache issues. It’s especially beneficial if your headache onset is around nighttime, as it can aid in your sleep as well.
Relieves Pain
Several studies have found that Lavandula helps as a natural painkiller. Simply rubbing it into the area of concern can reduce inflammation and pain intensity, helping alleviate the symptoms of many health conditions. One study found lavender to be an effective remedy for postoperative pain. It can function as a pain reliever because the oil contains linalyl acetate and linalool — anti-inflammatory components that are found in many essential oils. Lavender also contains polysaccharides. Another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research stated that plants containing these molecules are “the most potent in curing inflammatory diseases,” which includes arthritis and rheumatism. Since lavender carries anti-inflammatory and relaxation properties, it is commonly used to relieve pain in the joints and muscles. Whether it’s a muscle or joint pain, sprain or back ache, lavender oil is a safe and effective natural painkiller. Many studies support its use for a wide array of pain conditions, including post-operative pain, menstrual cramps, neck pain, arthritis and rheumatism, and labor pain.
It reduces blood pressure and heart rate
Hypertension puts added stress on the heart, increasing the risk of a stroke or heart attack. A few studies have shown lavender to lower blood pressure and heart palpitations, including amongst postoperative open heart surgery patients.
It helps relieve respiratory symptoms
As a potent anti-inflammatory, lavender has been found to help with bronchial asthma to reduce inflammation of the airways and mucus. This could also apply to other respiratory conditions like colds, flu, coughs and sinus congestion, especially when lavender is used together with other essential oils.