Lavender Oil: Properties, Uses, and Secrets That Will Surprise You!
One of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy is lavender oil. Its relaxing scent and health-promoting properties make it widely used for inhalations, baths, massages, as well as for scenting the air. Among all the species of this modest shrub, the most valuable for essential oil production is true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also known as narrow-leaved lavender.
What does lavender essential oil help with and what properties does it have? For which ailments is inhalation with lavender oil effective? Can lavender oil used externally cause side effects?
Table of contents
- What is natural essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Properties of lavender oil – a natural way to fight stress, insomnia, and headaches
- Lavender oil – what it helps with and when it’s worth using
- Lavender oil – how to use it
- Lavender oil – contraindications and precautions
- Choose 100% natural lavender oil from OstroVit – guaranteed quality and effectiveness
What is natural essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender, also known by its Latin name Lavandula angustifolia, is a flowering plant with a beautiful fragrance, found mainly in Mediterranean countries. It is also cultivated in Africa, France, Bulgaria, Australia, and many regions of Asia. It reaches a height of about 50–90 cm and produces elongated, lance-shaped leaves with curled edges and small calyx-shaped flowers in a blue-violet color.
For lavender, the herbal raw material is the fresh or dried tops of flowering plants. Natural lavender oil is most often obtained by steam distillation. The resulting preparation has a characteristic scent, which makes it highly valued in aromatherapy. The composition of lavender oil varies depending on the plant species, its location, and the time of flower harvest.
The main biologically active substances present in pure lavender oil include:
- linalool
- lavandulol
- borneol
- 1,8-cineole
- camphor
- carvacrol
- myrcene
Lavender is a valuable source of tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, phytosterols, and phenolic acids. Thanks to its rich composition, the essential oil obtained from it is considered a preparation with versatile effects. The medicinal properties of lavender oil are used in the treatment of sleep disorders, rheumatism, migraines, and stomach problems. This natural product is also widely used in skin care, soothing insect bites, speeding up wound healing, and reducing skin inflammations.
Properties of lavender oil – a natural way to fight stress, insomnia, and headaches
Essential oils obtained from lavender flowers have been used for centuries in traditional medicine as remedies for various diseases and ailments. They were used, among other things, for respiratory infections. Lavender also has calming and relaxing effects. It helps relieve depressive states, anxiety, feelings of restlessness, and makes falling asleep easier.
On the other hand, lavender oil stimulates the nervous system, helping to reduce excessive movement activity and lowering nervous tension. Existing scientific studies confirm its anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties, which make lavender a valuable aid in dealing with stress, anxiety, and low mood.
Regular use of lavender oil can also be helpful for rheumatic pain and muscle aches. Specialists often recommend it for people recovering from injuries. Simply mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or almond) and gently massage it into sore muscles. Such a massage not only relaxes the muscles but also improves circulation.
Research results also indicate the bactericidal and fungicidal effects of lavender oil. Many sources confirm its antibacterial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium smegatis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli.
Lavender oil – what it helps with and when it’s worth using
Lavender oil is one of the strongest natural antiseptics, which is why it is often used to help relieve symptoms of mouth, throat, and upper respiratory tract conditions. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, it is also applied in dermatology, as it speeds up the healing of wounds, ulcers, and burns.
Natural lavender oil works great for sleep difficulties and insomnia. Historical sources show that the ancient Greeks used it for sleep problems. The scent of lavender allowed for deeper, longer, and more stable sleep.
What else does lavender help with? The essential oil obtained from Lavandula angustifolia is perfect for the care of acne-prone, oily, and combination skin. Thanks to its properties, it regulates sebum production, speeds up wound healing, and reduces wrinkles. Additionally, lavender oil for the face tightens the pores of the sebaceous glands, increases skin elasticity, and reduces signs of fatigue.
Lavender flower oil is also a natural insect repellent. Many insect species, such as mosquitoes and ticks, dislike its scent, so placing the plant in the garden or near the patio can effectively deter moths and other pests. You can also prepare a water-based spray with lavender oil by mixing it with a few drops of peppermint, sage, or thyme essential oil.
Lavender oil can also be used to fill a room with a relaxing scent, which is why many people use it to freshen the air.
Lavender oil – how to use it
Thanks to its calming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil enjoys great popularity. However, despite its many benefits, it should be used with caution, as it can cause skin irritation and allergies. Therefore, before using lavender oil, it is recommended to perform an allergy test by applying a few drops to a small area of skin (such as the crook of the elbow) and observing the reaction for 24–48 hours.
Before using lavender oil, always read the information on the packaging carefully. The product should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Once opened, lavender oil should be stored in a tightly closed dark glass bottle, in a dry place at room temperature, and kept out of the reach of small children.
Lavender oil – contraindications and precautions
Many people, especially those just starting to use essential oils, often wonder if lavender oil can be harmful. The essential oil with a soothing scent obtained from lavender flowers is generally safe, but it can cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Contraindications to its use include acute stomach inflammations, gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as intestinal, liver, and kidney diseases.
Choose 100% natural lavender oil from OstroVit – guaranteed quality and effectiveness
Whether you are looking for a natural way to relax or you are interested in supporting better sleep quality, lavender oil may be the perfect solution. However, before you decide to use it, remember that choosing the right product is very important, as it can affect both its effectiveness and safety. Lavender oil should be obtained from narrow-leaved lavender flowers, and its composition should be free from chemical additives. Additionally, it’s worth checking for quality certificates confirming the product’s origin and composition, to ensure you are getting a top-class product.
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