Yoga
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy Essential Oils
Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most well known and popular essential oils to be used today. Lavender essential oil is derived from the concentrated essence of the lavender plant.
Lavender essential oil is known for its numerous health benefits, wonderful aroma, as well as soothing and relaxing properties. Lavender essential oil has been used through the years as a detoxifier, antidepressant, as an antibiotic, a natural antiseptic as well as a sedative.
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Pure lavender oil is generally considered safe to use but it is always advisable to do a patch test first. Keep in mind that pure oils are very potent and concentrated and could burn the skin. To a patch test, apply a drop of the oil to a small area of the skin and let it remain there for a few hours. If there is no reaction visible on the skin after this time, it can be used safely on the rest of the body.
What is the process of making lavender oil?
Lavender oil, as mentioned earlier is taken out from the lavender flower. The lavender flowers are placed on a grid and then steamed. During this process, the essence of the flowers is released as vapor. This vapor is then collected and stored in tanks. The cooled vapor forms the lavender essential oil. This process is known as steam distillation. The process needs pure water, clean storage water, the flower stems and a gas stove. Keep in mind that these flowers should be harvested as soon as the buds open. Only healthy stems should be chosen for this process.
Lavender Oil Benefits
There are many benefits of lavender oil and these are outlined in detail below. One of the main benefits includes lavender oil aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that makes use of essential oils to bring about changes in a person's mood and health. The oil that is most used in aromatherapy is lavender. This is due to its ability to enhance a person's mood as well as because of its numerous benefits. Lavender oil is suitable for all three methods of aromatherapy i.e., inhalation, topical application as well as aerial diffusion. When applied topically, lavender can help speed up the healing process on cuts and burns. This is due to the antiseptic properties of lavender. Lavender oil aromatherapy can also be used as a herbal remedy to help cure a cold as well as the flu. It is also used in aromatherapy to help cure hay fever and asthma. Lavender is also helpful in curing nausea, vomiting and an upset stomachache.
Lavender oil uses are myriad, as can be seen from above. Other uses of lavender oil are also as follows.
Not many people are aware of the fact that lavender is a good household disinfectant. It can be used to wash work surfaces and floors. Lavender can also help ease the pain of a migraine attack. All one has to do is to apply a cold compress to the forehead, using some drops of lavender oil. Lavender oil is also good for treating chapped or sunburned lips. Apply some lavender oil on the lips if you are suffering with this problem. Lavender oil also improves indigestion. It is used to give stomach massages to treat abdominal pain that is caused by colic.
Lavender oil also has antibacterial properties and can be used in the treatment of acne. It is considered one of the best home remedies for treating acne. Simply mix 3-4 drops of lavender oil with 10 ml of carrier oil and apply on the affected area daily.
Using lavender oil for hair growth is beneficial as well. Lavender essential oil can be massaged into the scalp to treat dandruff, lice, nits, and hair loss too. Using lavender oil daily on the hair will help to treat alopecia. Lavender oil is known to improve the texture of the hair too.
Lavender Oil Side Effects
You are now well aware of the myriad uses of lavender oil. However, lavender oil should only be used under the guidance of a qualified herbal practitioner as this oil can also cause side effects in certain cases. Lavender oil side effects are rare but it has been known to cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Side effects include drowsiness (after excessive intake), nausea, headaches, chills and vomiting. It is not advisable for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to use lavender oil.
Lavender Oil Recipes
Lavender essential oil recipes can easily be found online however, here is a simple one you can try at home. An easy recipe for lavender bath oil involves mixing 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (like olive oil) with about 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil. Put the mixture into a jar and ensure that you stir vigorously so that the two oils blend well. The lavender bath oil is now ready. Pour about one teaspoonful of this bath oil into your bath water. Then sit back and enjoy the experience.