The Health Benefits of Lavender
From body wash to supplement bottles, products with lavender have lined the aisles of health food and mainstream stores for decades. What is it about this beautiful flower that so draws people to it for medicinal uses? Yes, lavender is as wonderfully fragrant as it is beautiful, but there are also many health benefits of lavender.
Relaxation
One of the primary things lavender essential oil is used for is to calm the nervous system. The scent of lavender is known to be calming. In tonics, it is used to treat headaches, anxiety, depression, emotional stress, and nervous tension. The health benefits of lavender in this capacity can be gained through any type of scent releases such as a diffuser, candle, perfume, tonic, or personal product.
Pain Relief
Another known health benefit of lavender is its ability to relieve pain. The lavender essential oil can ease pain from sore muscles, tension, arthritis, sprains, and pain in the joints. To take advantage of the pain-relieving properties of lavender, you could use it in oil. You can massage lavender essential oil directly on sore muscles or use it in combination with other essential oils for combined benefit.
Skin Care
Lavender essential oil is also commonly used in skincare products. The reason for that extends far beyond its fragrance. One of the lesser-known health benefits of lavender is that it is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, you will see lavender in everything from acne and wrinkle treatment to psoriasis and sunburn salve. In addition, it is also excellent for promoting the healing of cuts, burns, and other wounds.
Promoting Internal Health
Some believe that lavender can help a number of internal health problems. It is said to calm digestive problems and lavender essential oils are used to promote the mobility of the intestines and stimulate the production of bile and gastric juices. It is also used to treat symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, gas, colic, stomach pain, and indigestion. The lavender essential oil also helps improve blood circulation, which can help relieve high blood pressure.
Exercise Caution When Using Lavender
As with any essential oil or natural supplement, caution should be used when you are using lavender essential oil medicinally. Certain groups within the population should avoid using lavender for its health benefits. This includes those who are diabetic and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, those who have sensitive skin should use lavender essential oil with increased caution.