Lavender Oil – the Unexpected Qualities of a Friend with Benefits

Article by BR Georgiana

To me lavender smells of love. Every time I feel this unique scent I remember a trip I took one summer with my boyfriend to the South of France and a super-romantic run (well, more of a chase) in a lavender field where the breeze was absolutely intoxicating and the strong purple shade was a delight for the eyes and soul. If back then I used to love lavender only for its nostalgic fragrance and spectacular colour, today I cherish all its amazing benefits as well. Being one of the champions in the natural remedy world, this sweetheart offers both emotional and physical relief. If you are in the mood to discover the secrets and benefits of delicate lavender, read on to find out some amazing stuff.

The Exciting Properties of Lavender Oil
Lavandula Angustifolia gets its name from the Latin verb “lavare” (to wash) due to its clean, fresh smell, and is grown for the production of lavender oil.  When the lavender flower spikes are distilled, a colourless essential oil is obtained. Used in aromatherapy and alternative medicine, lavender is praised for its benefits. Here are some of the things it helps ease: 
Stress and Anxiety Relief

With its refreshing notes, lavender is calming and extremely relaxing. You only need to rub 2-3 drops between your palms and inhale. The scent will be transmitted to your brain, calming the mind. If crowded spaces like subways or planes make you anxious, carry the oil with you and rub it on your wrists or temples for instant relief.

Tip: smooth the oil over your pillow, if you are an insomniac. The scent will help you sleep better.

Burns and Cuts
When French scientist René Gattefossé got burned in his laboratory, he immersed his aching hand in a vat of lavender and was surprised at how quickly the tissue regenerated with no scarring at all. Apply 1-2 drops of lavender oil on the cut or wounded surface to prevent bacterial infection and help skin heal beautifully.

Acne
Aromatherapists acknowledge the benefits of lavender oil in treating acne. It is a great bacteria-inhibitor, stabilizing sebum excess which bacteria thrives on, and also reducing acne scars - an extra bonus. If you have acne-prone skin add some drops of lavender oil to a neutral moisturizer (try the chemists) and use it on a daily basis.

Sore Muscles
If your muscles are achy (you might be used to this if you are the sporty type), soak into the bathwater where you added some drops of lavender oil. It takes all the tension away and relaxes your whole body. You will feel as good as new!

Migraines and Headaches
Lavender oil makes even annoying headaches go away. Massage some oil drops into your forehead, nape or temples, or soak a piece of cloth in cold water then sprinkle it with a few lavender oil drops and keep it over your forehead. It should almost instantly soothe the pain.

Bug Bites
Apparently mosquitoes find lavender smell a tad too strong for their taste, so rub some drops into your exposed skin to prevent irritating bites. If you have already been bitten, apply a drop on the inflamed area and bid adieu to swelling and irritation.

Breathing Disorders
Fighting coughs, flus, throat infections, sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis or asthma? Hopefully not but still, in case it happens, know you can count on lavender oil. Add it to an inhaler or vaporizer and inhale the antibacterial vapours, or rub it into the chest, back or neck.

Hair Loss
Patients suffering from alopecia (hair loss) reported an increase in their hair growth after rubbing lavender oil onto their scalp on a regular basis. The oil is also known to be effective in preventing male baldness. Spread the word!
As a bonus, lavender oil is also known as a taste booster. Today’s chefs promote many dessert recipes and tasty salad dressings with an enhanced lavender taste. Add some drops of pure oil to your sweets, but also to sparkling water or tea. They will taste divinely!

Make sure you only use therapeutic grade lavender oil and not something cut with synthetics, like lavandin, which is often sold as lavender oil.

With its sweet, herbaceous scent, lavender is ready to give you a helping hand in the most natural way possible. Have you already tried out its benefits?