10 Benefits of Lavender Oil
The natural world holds many secrets to cures for various ailments. Scientists do what they can to extract properties that can be used in cures and remedies, while some naturally occurring substances can be used more directly. One of these is lavender oil, which can help relieve a wide range of symptoms.
Lavender oil can be inhaled, applied topically, or combined with various other remedies. However, although lavender oil has proven effective in treating certain conditions, it should be used as a supplement and not as a replacement for modern medicines. Used correctly, though, it can help us be healthy. It also makes the home smell great.
Lavender Oil Benefit #1: Healthy Brain
A healthy brain is important for good quality of life. Most people have a healthy brain throughout their lives, but for some, the condition of the brain can deteriorate. This can lead to a serious decline in mental ability and can have a devastating effect on families.
Luckily, lavender oil helps improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that lavender oil can improve mental ability and prevent oxidative stress. To use lavender oil to treat Alzheimer’s, rub some on the temples and back of the neck. You can also use a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle.
Lavender Oil Benefit #2: Headache Relief
Headaches are quite common, but their severity can range from mildly uncomfortable to extremely painful. Some people struggle with them more than others. Many medicines and remedies can help to varying degrees, and lavender oil is one of them.
Studies have shown that inhaling lavender oil can significantly reduce headache pain for about fifteen minutes. It encourages relaxation and works as an antianxiety remedy, an anticonvulsant, and as a sedative. It is particularly effective when mixed with peppermint oil and rubbed on the temples and back of the neck.
Lavender Oil Benefit #3: Diabetes
Sugars and other carbohydrates provide a valuable source of energy. As they are ingested, our bodies regulate the amount of sugar in our blood, but these regulatory functions can sometimes go wrong. Diabetes is a condition that makes people unable to regulate their blood sugar level, and it can lead to some very serious complications.
While there are medicines available that help control blood sugar levels, additional remedies can provide further assistance. Lavender oil helps prevent a number of symptoms caused by diabetes, including complications with the kidneys, high blood sugar levels, and weight gain. You can mix lavender oil with other supplements, rub it on the chest and neck, or use a diffuser.
Lavender Oil Benefit #4: Antioxidant Production
Oxidation is a process that can create free radicals, which harm our bodies. This process contributes to aging, may cause significant damage, and can lead to health complications. Antioxidants prevent oxidation from occurring, and they can be found in a range of substances, including lavender oil.
Studies have shown that lavender oil stimulates the production of antioxidants in the body, particularly superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione. Antioxidants reduce the number of free radicals in the body, which diminishes cell damage.
Lavender Oil Benefit #5: Healing Wounds
Our skin performs a variety of functions, such as providing a seal that keeps out potentially harmful pathogens. While it is usually very effective in this role, the skin is quite thin and prone to being cut open. This allows pathogens to enter, which can lead to infections.
Even the smallest of scratches can lead to a nasty infection, so it is wise to take precautions when necessary. Lavender oil can help in this regard. Studies have shown it to be effective at combating fungal and bacterial infections. In addition, it is also able to accelerate the healing of wounds.
Lavender Oil Benefit #6: Stress Relief
Life can be tough at times, and persistent concerns can lead to stress. Stress is particularly prevalent among people who are going through a hard time, although some people are prone to anxiety as part of a mental illness.
The good news is that stress-relief remedies are available, including lavender oil. Lavender oil also helps relieve other conditions, such as depression and difficulty sleeping. To relieve stress, rub some lavender oil behind the ears or use it in a diffuser.
Lavender Oil Benefit #7: Pain Relief
As unpleasant as pain can be, it also prevents us from causing serious damage to ourselves. Sometimes, however, pain can be constantly present even when there is nothing harming us, and this can be difficult to live with. There are a wide variety of conditions that cause pain for no apparent reason.
Lavender oil can help relieve this pain. Studies have shown that lavender oil reduces the intensity of the pain from various procedures and medical conditions. For example, it reduces the pain caused by needles during dialysis. If you are suffering from neck pain, try rubbing on lavender oil that has been mixed with peppermint, marjoram, and black pepper.
Lavender Oil Benefit #8: Good Complexion
Some people are blessed with a flawless complexion of smooth, unblemished skin. Others, however, are less fortunate and struggle to maintain a clear complexion. There are various remedies and cosmetic products on the market that have varying degrees of effectiveness. Lavender can also help.
Lavender’s antioxidant properties prevent damage to the skin cells. Lavender also has antimicrobial properties that combat conditions such as acne and slow the effects of aging on the skin. It can be used topically after mixing it with an oil, such as grapeseed oil or coconut oil.
Lavender Oil Benefit #9: Insomnia
There’s nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. Most of us are able to sleep fairly well at night, but not everybody is so lucky. Some people can have real difficulty sleeping, which can have a severe effect on their quality of life. Fortunately, lavender can help people sleep.
Studies have shown that people who inhaled lavender before going to bed had a marked improvement in their ability to sleep. One of the main advantages of using lavender over other sleep remedies is that there are no side effects. It can be used in a variety of ways, including using a diffuser or adding fifteen drops to a bath before bedtime.
Lavender Oil Benefit #10: Insect Repellant
When summertime comes around, it is great to go outside and make the most of the good weather. As enjoyable as good weather can be, however, it is not without its drawbacks, such as insects. During good weather, more insects are present, and their bites can be quite uncomfortable, but lavender oil can help prevent them.
Rub some lavender oil on your skin, and the bugs should hopefully keep clear, leaving you free from bites. If you do get bitten, then lavender oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce swelling and relieve itchiness.
