Lavender
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Lavender is usually known for its scent and beautiful color, that can make any garden look more alive. However, lavender offers more than just its beautiful, fragrant leaves and flowers. In today’s post we will dive into the many benefits of lavender.
Lavender is considered a medicinal plant and is native to countries in the mediterranean region and has been used since ancient Rome as a bathing additive. Today it is used to flavor foods and beverages, to fragrant soaps and cosmetics and is promoted as a supplement for anxiety, depression and digestive symptoms. Lavender is furthermore promoted for its hair and skin benefits and of course promoted in the world of aromatherapy.
Lavender contains many bioactive compounds, which makes the plant beneficial for humans. Some of these compounds are coumarin, tannin, linalool, flavonoids and essential oils. These compounds have shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sedative and analgesic effects. It is especially the essential oils in lavender, that has been studied and used for therapeutic contexts.
Benefits of lavender
Managing stress
Lavender has shown to have a positive effect, when it comes to managing stress. A study from 2021 showed a significant decrease in stress score, after the use of lavender. The reason for this, is when lavender is inhaled or applied topically, the bioactive compounds interact with the skin receptors and induce a state of relaxation and calmness, which makes it easier to deal with stress.
Natural aid for anxiety
The relaxing and calming properties of lavender also have a positive effect when used for anxiety. A study showed that inhaling the scent of lavender significantly reduced the anxiety levels in the participants and therefore is a beneficial, natural aid for people experiencing anxiety.
Natural support for a good nights sleep
It is almost intuitive to think, that the relaxing and calming properties of lavender would also have a positive effect, when it comes to getting a good nights sleep. This is in fact true, and a study even suggested that lavender can improve the body’s melatonin levels, which supports the quality and quantity of your sleep. Using a lavender mist on the pillow, adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your diffuser or even lathering your body in a good bodylotion with lavender essential oil before bed, can all be a natural aid for getting a good nights sleep.
Lavender for healthy hair
Lavender oil can, for many reasons, be your new favourite thing to add to your haircare regimen. Lavender essential oil has shown to stimulate hair growth and in a study from 2016 it was found, that mice grew more hair, when treated topically with lavender oil. Their hair even grew thicker and faster than normal. Another study showed, that lavender may have a positive effect for treating alopecia areata, which is when hair is lost from some or all areas of the body.
A healthy scalp is a must, when it comes to healthy hair. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of lavender also plays a role, when it comes to hair health. A study from 2011 showed, that lavender essential oil can help prevent and maybe even kill head lice. The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender can be used as a home remedy for scalp inflammation and dryness. A study from 2012 showed, that lavender oil can help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of ulcers.
Essential oils should always be diluted by a carrier oil, when used topically. Read the section on how to use lavender, to find inspiration for how to use topically.
Lavender for skin health
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of lavender can be used for skin health. Lavender oil can work to kill bacteria and fungus on the skin, making it perfect to use for preventing and treating acne and breakouts. It works to unclog the pores and reduce the inflammation on the skin. It even has wound-healing properties, making it a natural aid for burns, cuts and other wounds. A study from 2016 showed, that lavender oil helped to speed up the process of healing a wound.
Essential oils should always be diluted by a carrier oil, when used topically. Read the section on how to use lavender, to find inspiration for how to use topically.
How to use lavender
Aromatherapy (essential oil)
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic materials, including essential oils and other aroma compounds, to improve your health and well-being. Lavender is the most popular plant purchased for essential oil extraction and is therefore one of the most popular oils to use in aromatherapy. When lavender is inhaled or applied topically, the bioactive compounds interact with the skin receptors and induces a state of relaxation and calmness.
Essential Oils are concentrated plant extracts known for their therapeutic properties and versatility. They are commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood. Beyond aromatherapy, essential oils can support wellness in various ways such as added to skincare and household cleaners and fresheners as well as wellness support.
Always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin and consult guidelines for safe use. These powerful extracts are a natural way to enhance your daily routine!
Sometimes you need something to relax and unwind with. This small and compact roll on lavender essential oil from UpNature is just perfect for that!
Another great way to enjoy the benefits of lavender is by using a pillow spray! This all natural deep sleep pillow spray from ThisWorks is perfect for improving your sleep naturally.
Tea
Lavender can be consumed as a tea. Simply boil a cup of water and pour over about a teaspoon of lavender. Let it steep for 5-15 minutes, depending on your preference for how mild or strong you would like it to be - and then enjoy. Lavender is wonderful to mix with other herbs, and can especially do wonders in a tea for promoting relaxation and calmness. Check out my recipes for teas and other beverages here!
I love this soothing and relaxing tea with lavender and chamomile from Traditional Medicinals!
Capsules
Lavender can also be consumed as capsules. However, lavender essential oil should never be consumed. Always follow the instructions of the specific brand you buy.
Bodycare
Lavender is often found in bodycare products - both as a fragrant in perfumes, lotions and cleansers, but also as a healing aid for skin- and hair issues. You can purchase many different bodycare items containing lavender or try mixing your own! See my own recipes for homemade bodycare, where you can always choose yourself which essential oil you would like to use here.
If you are looking for a natural way to add bubbles and a calming scent to your baths, I recommend this gentle bubble bath from The Honest Company. Made for sensitive skin, without unnecessary harsh chemicals - it’s even gentle for babies!
Lavender Sachets
Lavender sachets are small, fragrant pouches filled with dried lavender buds. Perfect for calming your senses, they can be placed in drawers, under pillows, or carried in your bag to promote relaxation, improve sleep, and keep your space smelling fresh and soothing naturally!
Side effects
It is considered safe for most people to consume lavender in the amounts typically used in foods. Short-term use of oral supplements of lavender is also considered safe by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
However, essential oils can be toxic if taken internally. Essential oils should therefore never be consumed.
Some people experience allergic reactions to lavender, when applied topically. If in doubt, always do a patch test, before using lavender on your skin.
There is not enough research on whether it is safe to use lavender during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or making adjustments to your self-care regimen, especially if you are taking medication.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229922000346?via%3Dihub
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10079719/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229922000346?via%3Dihub
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711319303411?via%3Dihub
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780012/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843973/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828867/
https://bmcdermatol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-5945-11-14
https://europepmc.org/article/med/22558691
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880962/
https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/Aromatherapy/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9291879/
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender
The information presented on this website is for educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for licensed medical advice. This information may not be used to diagnose, cure, prevent, or treat any disease. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or making adjustments to your self-care regimen, especially if you are taking medication.
