Five Amazing Benefits of Lavender

It’s the time of year when the lavender shrubs are starting to come into bloom again and the bees are busy collecting pollen from the beautiful purple flowers. I am a huge fan of lavender. I love the plant, the flowers, the fragrance and more recently the taste of lavender.

I find lavender very comforting and soothing but there is much more to lavender than you might realise. The list of benefits is huge and the ‘actions’ listed in The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils include analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, deodorant, sedative and tonic amongst many others.

Here are five specific benefits of lavender which also happens to be one of the most popular essential oils.  

Healing

The founder of modern aromatherapy and French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the amazing healing powers of lavender essential oil. After burning his hand in the laboratory he treated it with lavender oil following which his hand healed very quickly.  

Headache Relief

Lavender is a natural pain reliever and it brings great relief for headaches. I use a mini roll-on which contains lavender essential oil called Migrastick which you apply to your temples. It’s small and fits neatly into your handbag so it’s easily to hand as and when you need it.

Dandruff

Lavender can help itchy and dry scalp conditions such as dandruff and dermatitis. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a carrier oil such as olive oil and massage into the scalp and leave for about 30 minutes before washing your hair. Lavender has powerful anti-fungal properties and can help clear the yeast-like fungus which is one of the many causes of dandruff.  

Sleep Aid

We all have trouble sleeping now and again but you can ensure that you have the best possible sleep by implementing a few simple tricks into your bedtime routine.

Diffusing lavender essential oil in your bedroom a few hours before you retire as well as allowing your body to naturally wind down during the evening will help enormously.

We are all guilty of checking emails late into the night but if you get into the routine of switching off all your devices at a set time every evening it will signal to your body that it’s allowed to start switching off for the day.

Insect Repellent

Dried lavender bags have been used in wardrobes as a traditional remedy to repel moths. The insects don’t like the fragrance of lavender and will leave your clothes alone plus you will have a beautiful smelling wardrobe into the bargain.  

Lavender Love

I hope you have enjoyed reading about some of the many benefits of lavender.

Please remember that essential oils are very concentrated and powerful oils and should always be diluted with a carrier oil. They should not be used at home to treat serious medical or psychological conditions. If you are pregnant it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor or midwife before using essential oils.