Lavender Oil Uses for Mood, Sleep and Skin

The Lavender plant is commonly used in fragrances, shampoos, soaps and other perfumed products for its pleasant smell. Traditionally, it was added to bath water which is where it gets the Latin name lavare, meaning “to wash.”

It was considered to help purify the mind, body and spirit, in addition to providing a favorable scent. Today, Lavender oil is recognized as having several medicinal benefits which derive both from the active chemicals in the plant as well as the soothing scent.

Lavender essential oils are used to treat insomnia and sleep disorders, promoting a sedative effect when it is inhaled in aromatherapy. Historically, pillows would be filled with the flowers of the lavender plant to promote the onset of sleep.

It is also used today to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue. It is said to have a calming effect on the mind, enhancing mood and helping to reduce agitation. Additional uses include topical applications for the skin, pain relief, headache relief and improving hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata.

Lavender Oil

Essential Oil

Relax- ation

Sleep

Mood

How It Works:

• Calming essential oil to promote relaxation
• Supports mood, pain relief & restful sleep
• Used to cleanse cuts, bruises & skin irritations

Dosage:

2 - 4 drops for aromatherapy

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top Lavender Oil Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What is Lavender?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis) is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1-2 meters in height.

The name angustifolia means narrow leaf and is indicative of the thin, green leaves that sprout from the upright leafy green branches. Lavender oil is made from the bright violet blue flowers of the plant, which are also the source of its pleasing fragrance.

The plant is also known as English Lavender, even though it is not native to this region. It was originally found in the mountains of the Mediterranean where it thrived with high amounts of sunlight and relatively dry, rocky soil.

It is now cultivated throughout Europe, the United States and Australia. There are 39 different species of plants in the Lavandula genus, but Lavandula angustifolia is the most widely used one.

Lavender Oil Uses

The health benefits attributed to Lavender Oil stem from its reported natural sedative effects. It is seen as beneficial in the treatment of insomnia, hair loss, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and pain following a surgical operation. Studies have also looked at the antiviral and antibacterial effects of the herb.

It has also been used in natural aromatherapy remedies and as a topical oil for acupuncture, massage and chiropractic applications. Research studies into the medicinal properties of the essential oil are limited at this time, but the record of historical use and anecdotal reviews are significant.

Lavender product are available in a number of different forms both online and in local stores. Different formulations may be more effective for certain conditions. Below are some of the most popular purchasing options:

• Lavender Essential Oils
• Combination Aromatherapy Oils
• Scent Infusions
• Lotions and Creams
• Body Soaps and Bath Gels
• Herbal Teas
• Liquid Tinctures
• Powdered Extracts
• Dried Flowers

Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep and Mood

Traditional use of Lavender involved drying and preparing the flowers to fill sachets or pillows which were placed on or near the bed. The aroma of the flowers was said to help individuals fall asleep.

Research now backs up this historical use; it has been shown that the fragrance of the plant can alleviate insomnia and improve sleep quality.

Properties from Lavender oil have a sedative effect on the nervous system, which can help users achieve a more tranquil state of mind and fall asleep easier.

In Germany, Lavender tea has been formally approved for the treatment of insomnia, as well as restlessness and stomach irritation.

In addition to boosting sleep quality, the herb can also enhance mood. It promotes a state of relaxation and can alleviate anxious thoughts. In some small studies, it has been found to reduce agitation in elderly patients diagnosed with dementia.

Massages with lavender essential oil have been found to promote relaxation and positive thoughts more than massages that did not use lavender.

Other studies have linked the use of this oil to improved concentration, better mood balance and reduces stress and anxiety levels.

Topical and Aromatherapy Uses

Lavender oil also has beneficial properties for the skin and hair. It has long been used to alleviate muscle and joint pain, by placing several drops of the liquid tincture or essential oil in warm bathwater. In one study of 50 patients who had breast biopsy surgeries, the group given oxygen supplemented with lavender essential oil experienced less pain than a group given only oxygen.

It has also been used to address skin ailments including wound healing, eczema, acne and certain fungal infections such as candidiasis.

In studies of the hair loss condition alopecia areata, using Lavender and other essential oils in a scalp massage was found to increase hair regrowth rates. Alopecia areata is an auto-immune disease in which hair begins to fall out and the patient usually becomes completely bald.

Those who massaged their scalps with a mixture of lavender and other essential oils every day for 7 months saw improved hair growth. However, researchers caution that it is impossible to determine whether it was lavender or one of the other oils used in the mixture that improved hair regrowth.

Lavender Oil Side Effects

Lavender oil is generally considered to be safe, but there have been some reports of allergic reactions. If you experience irritation or itching on the skin following use, discontinue and seek medical attention to determine whether an anti-histamine is necessary.

Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should not use lavender oil as there have not been studies examining safety for women in these conditions.

It is not recommended to take Lavender essential oil as an oral supplement; it may be toxic in high dosages and can cause headaches, constipation, digestive problems, and increased appetite. Avoid contact with the lips, nostril and eyes.

Other mild side effects have been reported when using Lavender in aromatherapy or applying this product to the skin. If it is inhaled or absorbed through the skin in high amounts, side effects reported can include nausea, chills, vomiting and headaches. These side effects are generally rare, but you should consult with a health care provider before using this botanical product.

Rate This Article

(3 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5, rated)