If you only use one essential oil, Lavender is it! It is often referred to as the Grandmother of all oils. The Latin name of lavender is Lavare, which means “to wash”, due to its particularly pleasant floral aroma. It is so vast and versatile in all its healing properties, and most commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body and mind. The health benefits of lavender EO include its ability to eliminate nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect the scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory issues.
Here are some great ways I like to use Lavender essential oil to benefit my health:
Calming Effects of Lavender Essential Oil
Rub 2-3 drops of lavender oil in your cupped palms, use the inhalation method to draw the scent all the way into your amygdala gland (the emotional warehouse) in your brain to calm the mind. Then, rub on the feet, temples, wrists (or anywhere) for an immediate calming effect on the body.
Lavender Essential Oil for Bee sting / Insect bites
Lavender essential oil is potent for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges, and moths. Apply some lavender oil on the exposed skin when outside to prevent these irritating bites . Put a drop of Lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching reduce swelling.
Minor burns reduced with Lavender
Put 2-3 drops Lavender oil on a minor burn to decrease pain. I recently did this after I spilled scorching hot tea on my hand and luckily had my lavender with me. Result: NO redness, swelling or pain. NO sign of any burn.
Soothing Eczema / Dermatitis with Lavender
Mix several drops of Lavender oil with a carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, etc) and use topically on eczema and dermatitis. A dear friend of mine who suffers from severe eczema swears by this method.
Natural Sleep Remedy with Lavender
Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a tissue and tuck it in your pillowcase before bedtime. To heighten the experience I love adding a few drops of this potent oil to my bath ritual at night as I am winding down in the evening.
Lavender Relieves Aches and Pains
Lavender essential oil is known as an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore and tense muscles, rheumatism, sprains and spasms. A study done on post operative patients showing that combining lavender essential oil vapor into the oxygen significantly reduced the amount of pain experienced, versus those patients only revived with oxygen after a major surgery.
Carrying a bottle of lavender EO around with you is like having your own personal first aid kit, perfume and stress reducer.
*Always test your sensitivity to an essential oil before using in large amounts. Apply a tiny drop to a small patch of skin to make sure you have no adverse reactions. People with extra sensitive skin tend to benefit from using a carrier oil.
All of our massage therapy services, such as couples massage, therapeutic massage, and foot massage, include the option to add on essential oils.