Lavender Oil Uses

Author: Simply Essential UK

Lavender Essential oil is one of the most popular and versitile of essential oils with a range of properties and uses, which makes it a first aid must for every household.

Latin name (INCI) : Lavandula augustifolia
Note : Top
Method of extraction : Steam distillation of the flowering tops
Aroma: Sweet floral
Principal properties and indications : Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Balancing, calming, healing

Lavender essential oil has been used for centuries as a fragrance and a medicine. Here are some of the main uses for Lavender essential oil which can be administered through massage, douch, compress or inhalation.

Circulatory system: Excellent for high blood pressure and palpatations as Lavender is a relaxing oil and will help lower stress.

Digestive system: Lavender aids all digestive disorders, especially children, colic, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea, indigestion and vomitting.

It can also help with many of the minor infancy unsets such as colic, irrirability and infections, bearing in mind when used on children it should be very diluted to 1%. A single drop (mixed with a carrier oil) in a bath for an upset baby will help them to sleep.

Urinary system: Helps relieve cystitis, vaginal discharge and fluid retention. Add a few drops to a douche. During Labour, lavender will both help reduce pain and strengthen contractions when massaged into the lower back region and has been known to speed up delivery and calm the mother. It can also be used as a compress or massaged gently into the abdomen to help with the expulsion of the afterbirth. It is also useful for PMS and menopause.

Muscle and joints: Lavender aids all aches and pains, relieves spasm, inflammation, rheumatism, arthritis, cramps, sprains and strains. Lavender is useful in relieving pain whatever the cause and is best used in a massage oil, either alone or with a combination of oils.

Massage Lavender oil into the temples to relieve headache, or in combination of a cold compress of Lavender placed on the forehead or back of the neck. Massaging Lavender into the lower back can relieve rheumatism, sciatica, arthritis, menstral pains, etc.

Respiratory system: Lavender essential oil helps boost the immune system therefore protects against infections, colds, flu, coughs, colds and throat infections. To treat cough, colds, tatarrh, sinusitus and flu use steam inhalation as hot as you can bear without scalding the throat. The Lavender essential oil will soothe and attack any bacteria which can cause secondary infection. Also it will help as a sedative so used last thing at night will aid recovery.

A little neat lavender massaged into the throat can relieve a tickly cough. The sedative action calms the tickle. A drop or 2 along the eyebrows and either sides of the nostrils can help with catarrh.

Skin : Lavender aids with the repair and rejuvenation of the skin, helps to heal bruises, burns, cuts, sunburn, boils, acnes, eczema, fungal infections, psoriasis and infections skin conditions such as chickenpox, wounds and sores.

Lavender is one of the most valuable oils for the treatment of acne. It inhabits the bacteria which cause the skin infection, while soothing the skin and help balance the over secretion of sebum.

Lavender, along with Tea tree and Neroli essential oils are the three most powerful essential oils to stimulate growth of healthy new cells. Lavender will also help many cases of eczema, although Chamomile or Melissa may be the first choice oil in some cases.

Lavender oil is not only improved by being mixed with other essential oils, but also heightens the actions of any oil with which it is mixed.

Insect repellant and insecticide : Lavender has been used for centuries to protect clothing and household linens from moths and other small pests. Its been used to perfume and freshen rooms in pot pourri and dried flowers.

Lavender mixed with Grapefruit and Eucalyptus essential oils, applied to the skin will help avoid midges, insects and mosquitos. If you are bitten or stung apply a few drops of neat Lavender oil to take out the pain of the sting and stop irritation.

Lavender, along with Tea tree essential oil can also help with an outbreak of head lice.

Sleep and insomnia : Lavender essential oil is excellent for calming and many people benefit from its effects, which can help you relax and induce sleep. Add a few drops in a bath at bed time or a few drops on a hankerchief or pillowcase will help soothe a sleepless child.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/lavender-essential-oil-6480674.html

About the Author

Simply Essential UK is an online company offering aromatherapy essential oils, massage oils, and natural bodycare products such as SLS, SLES and Paraben free skin and haircare.