This calming oil can lessen tension and enhance sleep. One of the best-known and most useful essential oils for aromatherapy is lavender. The oil, which is extracted from the Lavandula angustifolia plant, is believed to relieve anxiety, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps. It also promotes relaxation.

Lavender is a multipurpose oil in essential oil practises. It is said to be anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, as well as antispasmodic, analgesic, detoxifying, hypotensive, and sedative.

Health Advantages

The properties of lavender essential oil have received a lot of attention. Here's an overview of the research.

Anxiety

While there are currently no large-scale clinical trials testing lavender's effects on people suffering from anxiety, a number of studies indicate that the oil may have some anti-anxiety properties.

Several studies have been conducted to investigate lavender's anxiety-reducing effects in various populations. For example, a 2005 study published in Physiology & Behavior found that breathing in the scent of lavender reduced anxiety and improved mood in 200 people awaiting dental treatment.

A 2012 pilot study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice suggests lavender-oil-based aromatherapy may help high-risk postpartum women. Four weeks of twice-weekly, 15-minute aromatherapy sessions helped alleviate depression and anxiety in 28 new mothers.

Ingesting lavender oil may reduce anxiety, too. In 2012, scientists analysed 15 clinical trials and concluded that lavender oil supplements may help patients with anxiety and/or stress.

A recent review found 5 studies (2010, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016) with moderate to severe anxiety showed benefits.

Insomnia

Lavender essential oil may promote sleep and fight insomnia, according to studies.

A 2015 study found sleep hygiene plus lavender essential oil therapy helped college students sleep better than sleep hygiene alone. Inhaling lavender at bedtime improved daytime energy and vibrancy in 79 sleep-deprived students.

Holistic Nursing Practice confirms lavender's sleep-inducing effects. Lavender aromatherapy improved sleep onset, quality, and duration in 30 nursing home residents.

Possible Side Effects

Lavender essential oil may cause skin irritation or allergies. Stop using lavender if it causes nausea, vomiting, or headaches.

Lavender essential oil is toxic and should only be used for aromatherapy or topically, not ingested.

Dosage and Preparation

Lavender essential oil has no RDA. According to aromatherapy, breathing in lavender essential oil or applying it to the skin sends messages to the limbic system, which influences the nervous system and regulates emotion.

Lavender oil is often mixed with jojoba or sweet almond oil. Lavender essential oil can be massaged into skin or added to a bath.

Sprinkle lavender essential oil on a cloth or tissue and inhale its aroma, or use an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.

What to Look For

Check the label for Lavandula angustifolia when buying lavender essential oil. List no other oils or ingredients. If you see fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil, the lavender is diluted and shouldn't be diffused.

Essential oils should be stored in amber or cobalt bottles out of sunlight.

Other Questions

Lavender oil for allergies?

Lavender is a natural antihistamine, according to proponents of essential oils. Lavender oil inhibits immediate allergic reactions in mice and rats, according to a 1999 J Pharm Pharmaceuticals study.

Adding lavender oil to mascara to grow lashes?

Add lavender oil to mascara to grow lashes faster and thicker. Tiny mites live on and eat eyelashes, inhibiting growth. Killing the mites with lavender will allow lashes to grow faster. This claim lacks scientific evidence.

Lavender oil: baldness cure?

Lavender oil may reverse hair loss, according to some studies. A 2016 study on mice found that lavender essential oil boosted hair growth. People with alopecia areata showed improved hair growth with lavender, thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood.

In Summary

Lavender may help mild anxiety, but it shouldn't replace professional mental health treatment. If you have anxiety symptoms like constant worrying, fatigue, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat, see your doctor instead of self-treating with lavender.