Your one and only multipurpose essential oil. You’ll be surprised as to what you can do with lavender - and what this pretty purple flower is good for…
Most of us with family and kids have a first aid kit at home with a bunch full of OTC medications. We want to make sure we’re ready for any mini health emergencies that may arise – a minor cut or scrape, a headache, muscle pain, sunburn or bug bites. And when winter hits – a cold or the flu…
It turns out that you actually only need one home remedy to fix all those everyday health and healing concerns – lavender essential oil. And it comes with a bonus. The uses and benefits of lavender oil help out with other problems as well – like many hair and skin issues (want to get rid of wrinkles?), banishing anxiety and stress, getting rid of mosquitoes and roaches – and even freshening your home.
Add to this is lavender’s most well-known benefit of them all – helping you and your family get a great night’s sleep – and you have a one stop natural solution for many of your health and healing needs…
LAVENDER USES FOR SKIN
1. Reduces acne
Lavender oil’s potent antimicrobial powers are well known for effectively killing acne-causing bacteria – it not only to helps unclog pores and heal acne, but also prevent future breakouts. It even helps clear acne scars, age spots and hyperpigmentation.
2. Soothes eczema & psoriasis
A powerful natural anti-inflammatory, lavender oil effectively soothes and reduces itchiness and inflammation. It can also help calm rosacea.
3. Supports healthy skin
Lavender also supports skin health as it includes potent antioxidants that fight the oxidative stress that leads to aging skin. It softens the appearance of wrinkles and also smooths roughness. It helps heal wounds and scars as well.
LAVENDER USES FOR HAIR
4. Improves scalp health
A powerful and proven antimicrobial and antiseptic, lavender oil helps treat dandruff, dry scalp and can even get rid of head lice.
5. Supports hair growth
A study has shown that lavender could help stimulate hair growth and promote thickness. It also nourishes hair and lubricates the scalp to naturally restore your hair back to good health.
LAVENDER USES FOR PAIN
6. Soothes headaches
Well-known for easing both tension headaches and migraines – and doing so fast. A 2012 study found that inhaling lavender essential oil for 15 minutes can help reduce migraine headache pain. Simply place a heated lavender spa mask on your forehead and feel the relief.
7. Eases period pain and cramps
Relieves menstrual cramps and bloating. A study found that inhaling lavender oil significantly lowered the severity of period pain and cramps. A heated lavender spa wrap will also help ease menstrual (and other) pain.
8. Relieves joint & muscle pain
Lavender’s powerful anti-inflammatory and sedative properties help soothe sore, achy, arthritis, knee and joint pain, as well as muscle spasms, thanks to flavonoids and linalool – its two powerful natural compounds.
LAVENDER FOR ANXIETY & STRESS
9. Eases Stress
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, lavender is most well-known for its ability to calm your nervous system – promoting relaxation, calming the mind and significantly melting away stress – creating a grounded, peaceful atmosphere. It also helps with nausea and motion sickness.
10. Reduces anxiety
Lavender oil is widely recognized a natural mood stabilizer that helps quieten irritability and anxious thoughts. This study found that using lavender oil helps reduce anxiety and decrease blood pressure. Also great for calming a frightened, anxious dog.
LAVENDER USES FOR HEALING
11. Supports respiratory health
Lavender is also very effective in easing coughs, colds and congestion. It’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties help relieve sinus pain and inflammation caused by a blocked nose.
12. Boosts wound healing
Got a cut, scratch, scrape, or minor burn? Lavender oil speeds up wound healing, reduces scarring and promotes quicker skin regeneration.
13. Soothes insect bites
As a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, lavender oil is really good for those nasty mosquito (and other insect) bites. It helps soothe itchiness and also reduce redness and irritation. A big plus – it’s one of the few oils gentle enough to use on babies over 3 months and young children as well.
14. Eases sunburn
Been out in the sun too long? Lavender oil gently cools, calms and soothes overheated, red skin. Especially helpful as a natural sunburn remedy for sensitive skins and young children.
LAVENDER USES FOR SLEEP
15. Improves sleep quality
Well-known as the Queen of Sleep, lavender helps with not only falling asleep – but also staying asleep. A 2019 study found that lavender improves melatonin levels for a higher quality, better night’s sleep.
16. Safe for babies
Lavender is also by far the most widely used baby safe essential oil to ensure a good night’s sleep for your infant or child (and you). One study found that both mothers and infants experienced multiple calming benefits.
LAVENDER FOR HOME USE
17. Freshens air naturally
A much safer natural alternative to synthetic air fresheners – either by diffusing, using a spray mist, hanging sachets or lavender candles – and displaying dried lavender flowers.
18. Freshens laundry and clothes
Adds a calming, subtle lavender aroma when a few drops are added to your wash or dryer balls. Lavender sachets in your drawers keep your clothes smelling fresh for months (just squeeze every so often).
19. Natural insect repellent
Lavender is a safe, natural alternative to help keep mosquitoes, roaches and other bugs away – in some instances even better than DEET. Mosquitoes also hate its smell.
Never used lavender essential oil before – or unsure of what you should do with lavender to treat different concerns or any medicinal issues? Here’s all the ways you can safely use lavender using aromatherapy (AKA inhaling) or topically on your skin.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Best Use Essential Oils – Read More