Lavender Essential Oil Uses

An essential oil is a solution that is usually distilled (normally by steam or water) from the roots, bark, stems, leaves, flowers or other elements of the plant. Unlike other oils, essential oils are not greasy or oily at all. Most essential oils are clear but some are amber or yellow in color. Like the name suggest, essential oils contain the real essence of the plants they are derived from. They are highly concentrated and most of them have medicinal qualities.

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Lavender essential oil is derived from the flower spikes of a certain species of lavender. It has therapeutic and medicinal properties.

Lavender oil is used in the production of perfume, lotions or hair products. It can be used as a mosquito repellent, when worn as a perfume.
It is also used in aromatherapy, as its scent has a calming effect, which can help in relaxation and the reduction of anxiety.
It can be used to relieve the pain from tension headache, when breathed in as vapor or diluted and rubbed on the skin.
When it is added to a vaporizer, it helps in the treatment of cough and respiratory infections.
Lavender oil can help induce sleep. Therefore, it is often recommended for insomnia
It can be used in the diluted or undiluted form, as a pain reliever as well as an antiseptic, to soothe minor burns and insect bites and stings. If a small quantity is applied to the skin, even an hour after the initial burn, it prevents the formation of blisters and following bacterial infection.
Though it is not an effective sunscreen, it can be used to treat sunburns and sunstrokes.
Lavender oil can help with eczema, when added to chamomile.
It is very effective in the treatment of head-lice. 5 - 10 drops of water can be used to make a hair-rinse, whereas a few drops of the undiluted oil can be added to a fine comb, to remove nits.
Lavender oil can be used to create an effective massage oil, which is an excellent remedy for tense muscles, backache, sore muscles, rheumatism, muscular aches and sprains. This massage oil also provides relief from pain in the joints.
This oil stimulates the production of urine and can help cure urine disorders.
Lavender oil helps in improving the circulation of blood. It lowers blood pressure and is used in hypertension.
It is useful for digestion, as it stimulates the production of bile and gastric juices. Therefore, it can be used to treat stomach pain, indigestion, colic, etc.

It is strongly recommended that lavender oil should not be used within the first trimester of pregnancy. In fact, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should stay away from lavender oil. Lavender oil has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, who have sensitive skin. People with diabetes should avoid this oil. The use of lavender oil may cause nausea and headaches.

Lavender Essential Oil Uses

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