Lavender Oil – Uses and Benefits

April 3, 2018
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Nature always has a lot of gifts in store for us. Lavender is one of those precious gifts from Mother nature to mankind. Lavender plants grow as small shrubs and some of the species are herbaceous. There are more than 40 known species of this plant. Lavender has been used by mankind since time immemorial. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most cultivated species. The color of lavender flowers is so pleasing that in fact there is a color named ‘lavender’.

aroma-aromatherapy-aromatic-531539Though lavender flowers and dried buds have many uses, the component which is mainly used is lavender oil. It is extracted from the flowers of lavender usually by distillation process. Lavender oil has several uses and benefits–ranging from aromatherapy to acne therapy. Here’s a list of the popular methods of usage and the benefits derived thereof:

 Method #1: Aromatherapy Massage

  • Relaxation: Primarily used for relaxation in spas and massage centers. Lavender oil is infused with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil and applied on the body with circulation movements. This provides instance relaxation and rejuvenation.
  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Lavender oil massage has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels by stimulating the release of endorphins (the feel-good hormones).
  • Relieves from Menstrual Cramps: Several studies have proven the benefit of Aromatherapy in relieving/reducing menstrual cramps. For every 2 drops of lavender oil, mix with 5 mL of almond oil. Take an adequate quantity of this mixture and apply around the navel area and lower abdomen in slow circular motion for 15 minutes. This decreases the menstrual cramps within 30 minutes and the effect lasts for around one day.
  • Headache Relief: Massaging the forehead and temple areas with lavender oil infused in olive oil or almond oil effectively decreases headaches and is sometimes used in the treatment of migraines.
  • Sleep Aid: The camphor, linalool and linalyl acetate present in lavender oil are very effective in treating insomnia (sleeplessness).
  • Antidepressant: Due to its ability to promote sleep and stimulate endorphin release, lavender oil works as a potent antidepressant.

 Method #2: Inhalation

  • Reduces High Blood Pressure and Stress: Inhalation of lavender oil has been shown to reduce high blood pressure by decreasing the levels of cortisol, ‘the stress hormone.’
  • Nausea and Motion Sickness Relief: People suffering from nausea and motion sickness benefit from inhalation of lavender oil.
  • Soothing Effect: Add a few drops of lavender oil to your vaporizer and enjoy its soothing properties.

 Method #3: Spray

  • Insect Repellent: Mix lavender oil with water and spray around the house to keep away insects, especially mosquitoes.
  • Air Freshener: You can use the same spray as air freshener too.

 Method #4: Bath Oil and Scrub

  • Beautiful Skin: Blend lavender oil with shea butter, coconut oil and vitamin E oil (Argan oil). Use the mixture as a bath scrub and moisturizer. Mesmara offers pure shea butter and Argan oil, which are the perfect match for the pure form of lavender oil offered by Mesmara.
  • Wrinkle-Free Skin: Blend Mesmara Lavender oil with Mesmara Frankincense oil and mix in bath water. This holy dip will yield youthful, wrinkle-free skin.

 Method #5: Skin Application

  • Relieves from Itching: Experts suggest always using lavender oil in a diluted form, as it can sometimes cause skin irritation. Always do a skin patch test before applying on skin.
  • Acts Against Dandruff: Rub a few drops of diluted lavender oil on the scalp to relieve irritation from dandruff and skin flaking.
  • Stops Acne: Apply on the face to get rid of acne.
  • Treats Cuts and Wounds: Due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, lavender oil can be used to treat skin burns, small cuts and wounds.

 Method #6: Culinary Uses

  • Adds Fragrance: Generally, English lavender is used in cooking due to its sweet fragrance and lemon-like taste. Add an innovative and interesting flavor to your dishes by adding a few drops of lavender oil to your pastas, salads and desserts.
  • Adds Flavor: Lavender buds can also be used in savory dishes and their aromatic flavor is best appreciated in custards and sorbets.

 Pro Tip:

  • Decorating your house with lavender flowers brings in a serene, peaceful atmosphere to your interiors.
  • Spraying a dash of lavender oil on greeting cards and marriage invitations brings a whiff of fragrance, which the recipient is bound to remember forever!!
  • Mesmara offers two types of Lavender Oils – Mesmara Lavender Essential Oil and Mesmara Bulgarian Lavender Oil. These are purest lavender oils and will work wonders in whatever form they are used!!

 

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