Lavender species are common in herb gardens because of their fragrant leaves, attractive purple flowers and are native to countries bordering the Mediterranean, and are widely used for their essential oils. The use of lavender dates as far back as 2,500 years ago. Fun fact: the ancient Romans used lavender in their baths and to freshen up personal items. The ancient Romans believed lavender helped purify the body and mind. In addition to lavender being used as an essential oil, lavender is also commonly used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Keep reading for 10 health benefits of adding lavender to your everyday routine:
- Improve sleep: Having trouble sleeping? While cutting out caffeine and getting more exercise into your routine might help induce sleep, sometimes it’s not enough. Lavender has been proven to aid in improving sleep and helping with sleep disorders due to its sedative and calming properties. A 2015 study demonstrated that lavender aided in better sleep quality at post intervention and two-week follow up. It concluded that lavender and sleep hygiene improved sleep quality for college students with sleep issues. Try adding a few drops of lavender to a diffuser or to your pillow before going to sleep. Be careful not to ingest the essential oils.
- Treat skin blemishes: Lavender contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Due to these natural properties, applying lavender oil to affected areas may treat blemishes, ease inflammation, and reverse signs of aging. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to moisturizer or shampoo may help treat acne and/or skin inflammation.
- Helps with headaches: Thousands of people struggle with migraines and headaches caused by various health reasons, whether it’s stress, anxiety, or chronic conditions. If you are still looking for a way to get rid of headaches try using lavender oil. It is one of the best essential oils for headaches because it induces relaxation, relieves tension, is an anticonvulsant, and calming agent. In one study, researchers found that the inhalation of the lavender oil for 15 minutes during a migraine headache showed significant results compared to the placebo group. Try adding 2 or 3 drops of lavender oil to the temple of your head and massaging for five minutes or adding to a diffuser to calm headaches.
- Helps with nausea: Often feeling nauseous due to stress or anxiety? Lavender helps relax and reduce the symptoms of these problems. In a 2018 study, aromatherapy with lavender, ginger, and rose oils were tested on patients with nausea and vomiting problems. The study resulted in a significant improvement of nausea and vomiting in 82.6% of participants in the lavender group.
- Improves anxiety and depression: Everyday stress can take a toll on your mental health and physical health. This may lead to higher anxiety levels, higher risk for headaches, depression, and exhaustion. There is plenty of research to confirm the positive effects of lavender on mood, stress, anxiety, and depression. In section 18.3.11 of the research book Herbal Medicine, one study proved that lavender oil aromatherapy has been shown to produce significant reduction in anxiety.
- Combats fungus growth: The antifungal and antimicrobial properties of lavender oil have been shown to have a positive effect against infections on the body. This particular study showed that lavender inhibits the growth of certain types of fungus (in this study the fungus was C. albicans). In addition to stopping the growth of the fungi, the natural oil compounds reduce the spread of infection in the tissues.
- Antioxidant protection: Free radicals, which are toxins, chemicals, and pollution are among the most dangerous risk factors for chronic diseases and other health complications in America today. Free radicals are responsible for lowering the protection of the immune system and can cause further damage to your body if not controlled. Lavender oil has been proven to contain natural antioxidants that work to prevent and reverse disease. Studies have proven that lavender’s antioxidant activity helps aid in the oxidative stress inside the body.
- Supports brain function: Not only does lavender oil aid in improving mood, anxiety, and depression, but it also improves and supports brain function. A study involving mice with neurological dysfunction, such as a previous stroke, were tested to confirm the neuroprotective effects of lavender on the brain. This resulted in significant reduction of neural damage due to the antioxidant effects of the lavender oil. Try applying 2-3 drops of lavender oil to the temples or the back of your neck.
- Helps lower blood pressure: Lavender oil is believed to help relieve symptoms of chronic conditions, such as blood pressure and heart rate. Although there are not a lot of studies to understand the full capacity of lavender oil for prevention, there are studies that show promising results. For example, a 2017 study demonstrated significant differences in systolic, diastolic, and heart rate before and after aromatherapy. Try diffusing lavender oil around the house or apply a few diluted drops into your hair care routine or tea.
- May improve hair growth: Are you tired of losing hair in the shower or seeing some bald spots? Lavender oil is the solution! Amongst many studies, lavender oil along with thyme, rosemary and cedarwood, was proven to significantly improve alopecia and hair loss when massaged into the scalp. Some participants experienced hair regrowth over the course of seven months. Try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your selection of shampoo and conditioner and massaging thoroughly for 5 minutes to improve scalp health.
