Lavender essential oil: what is it for and how to use it

In addition to a well-known aroma used in various home and cosmetic products, lavender gives its name to one of the most famous and used essential oils in the world. Is not for nothing. the fame of lavender essential oil lives up to the therapeutic properties contained in it.

It’s that good smell that exudes and makes everyone calm, relaxed, less anxious and even helps you sleep better. All thanks to the properties of lavender essential oil that balances and deflates all emotions.

I usually say that lavender is the aromatherapy joker oil, because it serves “almost” everything. She dives into our unconscious and brings issues to light, cleaning and balancing our emotional.

Lavender essential oil

Who wouldn’t want to wake up in the morning, open the window and visualize a beautiful field of lavender illuminated by the sun’s rays and bringing a brighter awakening? Isn’t it invigorating? Doesn’t it feel good first thing in the morning? This would be possible if we were in the lavender fields of Provence, France.

The color, the aroma, the texture of the twisted flowers is the face of this French corner. There is the cradle of essences, smells and aromas.

Plants and flowers are one of the oldest resources used in health. But what recent research reveals is that by inhaling the essential oils produced by them, they can act positively on the physical, in addition to influencing the emotional – which is the specialty of the lavender essential oil.

According to the Sense of Smell Institute, when we inhale an aroma, it goes, in seconds, straight to the limbic system, where the hypothalamus is, the part of the brain that processes thoughts and emotions.

The olfactory system transforms inhaled chemical components into neurological impulses, which reach different brain areas.

These impulses reach the glands, initially in the brain, which stimulate our defense system. This also ends up influencing the brain area where emotions are born.

If you combine the properties of the lavender flower with the potential for inhaling therapeutic aromas, you will have a powerful essential oil, the benefits of which we will see below.

What is lavender essential oil used for?

Some studies prove the effects of lavender oil in the state of relaxation and in the improvement of depressive states.

In research carried out at the University of Miami (Touch Research Institute) and published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, adults exposed to lavender showed increased beta potency, suggesting greater relaxation.

Lavender works the balance of the soul, it acts on yin and yang polarities. It helps fight inflamed feelings, mental stress and headaches.

Lavender essential oil properties

AntispasmodicCalmingRelaxingSedativeAnti-inflammatoryAnalgesicHealingAntihypertensiveAnti-infectiousAntifungalAntisepticBactericidalSkin regenerator

Function of lavender essential oil

The indications for using lavender essential oil are:

StressAnxietyAnguishFearsSleeping problemsInsomnia (induces a natural and restful sleep, nightmares, dyspnoea)WoundsBurnsSoothes itchesHelps with pregnancy sicknessMuscle painInsect bitesBruisesSprainsHeadacheMigraineNervous system regulator.

How to use lavender essential oil

O lavender essential oil it can be an ally in your day to day life, and can be used both in flavourings, diffusers or personal necklaces, as well as in oils for massages and baths.

It is recommended to consult an aromatherapist for guidance respecting your individuality and current moment.

But there are some general guidelines that can be followed if you don’t know how to use lavender essential oil in your routine:

Inhalation: put three to four drops of lavender oil in the electric air freshener or room air freshener for at least 2 hours to reap the benefits, such as balancing the environment and alleviating stress and anxiety.Lavender essential oil massage: when you need to relax, massage using 1 tablespoon of grape seed vegetable oil with 2 drops of lavenderLavender essential oil on feet: a good tip is to make a foot bath in 500 ml of warm water with 5 drops of lavender before going to bed to have a better nights sleep. Some people can’t do foot scalds, if that’s your case, just inhale the oil before bed or drip 1 drop on the pillow.oBath with lavender essential oil: In the bathtub mix 3 to 4 drops of lavender oil in 1 tablespoon of milk and soak for a few minutes, if you don’t have a bathtub, you can drip 2 drops of the oil on the shower floor and turn on the shower and let the water run a few seconds to benefit from the aroma.

Where to buy lavender essential oil

It is important to know some information before buying essential oils. See the following tips:

First, always consult an aromatherapist to indicate the essential oil according to your questions and individuality, through a consultation / consultancy that the specialist can help you with.

Research the essential oil brand and talk to your aromatherapist to check if it is suitable, or ask the professional to recommend trusted brands.

When purchasing an essential oil, check if the producer states on the label:

Common name and scientific nameCountry of origin of the productPart of the plant used in the extractionExpiry dateSpecification of chemotype or content in active ingredientMethod of extraction of essential oil

Oils with very low values ​​may be adulterated oils, compromising the degree of purity. There are technical reports that help identify whether it is a reliable oil. Again, the aromatherapist can help you.

Some aromatherapists manipulate the oils in carrier bases and develop ready-to-use products.

Lavender essential oil in pregnancy

Lavender is the only essential oil that is safe to use in pregnancy. But ideally, it should be used in low concentration. It can be in the form of foot massages, inhaling with the personal diffuser or aromatic necklace. My indication is that it is only 1 drop for 20 minutes.

As for other contraindications, lavender oil can cause skin sensitization (moderate risk), so the maximum level for dermal use should be 0.1%.

Always remember to consult an aromatherapist to guide you in choosing and using oils safely and correctly.

We talk about the properties, benefits and what lavender essential oil is for, among other tips, but the fact is that it doesn’t have to be used alone. Lavender oil is great to use in synergies and blends.

Lavender is an oil that harmonizes any synergy. One tip is to use lavender with orange or bergamot to help ease everyday anxiety and stress.

Put 5 drops of each of the oils in an environment flavoring and leave it for 2 hours, if you can do a brief 10 minute meditation feeling the aroma, it will make all the difference in your day.