lavender oil's benefits extend beyond sleep aid: discover top 8 uses
Purple Wonders of Lavender delve beyond its delightful aroma, serving ancient civilizations with more than merely its irresistible scent. As Kavita Sahai, a certified aromatherapist articulates, "Lavender has been employed by countless civilizations for millennia." The ancient Greeks utilized lavender as a remedy for everything from sleeplessness to agony; Romans bathed in its flowers, bestowing lavender its name from the Latin 'lavare', which signifies wash. However, it was in 1910 where modern medical advancements involving lavender occurred, thanks to French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé who healed a burn with lavender, inspiring the discipline of aromatherapy we know today, which Gattefossé coined as 'aromathérapie'.
Today, lavender oil is mostly utilized to facilitate sleep due to its soothing scent; nevertheless, this heavenly essence offers numerous surprising health advantages, stretching far beyond its calming fragrance. To explore the intricate tapestry of lavender oil's benefits, we spoke with Sahai for five clinically-substantiated reasons to employ lavender oil, exceeding simple insomnia aid.
5 Unexpected Lavender Oil Health Benefits
Taming the Frazzled Nervous System
Although there is an abundance of natural remedies for addressing an overstimulated nervous system, lavender oil ranks high on the list. "Lavender isn't just soothing; it exhibits a measurable effect on the central nervous system," Sahai states. "It's often utilized in treating stress-related afflictions owing to its stimulation of parasympathetic balance and emotional fortitude. Lavender has been demonstrated to promote calmness and clarity, helping regulate the body's stress reaction." The next time you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed or anxious, applying some lavender oil can help your nervous system find peace.
Soothing Aches and Discomfort
Inflammation commonly stems from chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or temporary illnesses. Although lifestyle alterations, physical therapy, and pharmaceuticals can make substantial improvements, lavender oil is a natural means of alleviating some of the physical discomfort. "Extensive clinical research has corroborated lavender's analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, transforming it into a potent natural ally for individuals grappling with muscular tension or menstrual discomfort," Sahai comments. "Not only does it reduce physical pain, but improves emotional resilience towards chronic conditions."
Migraine Alleviation
If you suffer from frequent migraines or persistent headaches, lavender oil will quickly become your new companion. "A placebo-controlled clinical study demonstrated that inhaling lavender essential oil significantly diminished both the severity and frequency of migraine attacks within 15 minutes," states Sahai. Best of all, "unlike some over-the-counter medications, it arrives without undesirable side effects and is portable."
Memory Enhancement
A 2021 study demonstrated that lavender oil inhalation could help improve memory performance and other neurological enhancements. Whether studying for an exam or reminiscing, do not hesitate to inhale some lavender.
Fighting Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria
While lavender oil is known for its soothing properties, it also boasts sterilizing characteristics, Sahai explains. "Species like Lavandula coronopifolia have shown antibacterial activity even against drug-resistant strains, offering fundamental, natural support for skin and wound care," she adds. Its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities make lavender oil an effective cleaning and healing agent.
Lavender Oil Usage
Midday Mind Reset
Should you feel weary or panicked in the afternoon, applying some lavender oil on your wrists or behind your ears can help you reset and feel rejuvenated in those moments. "Roll on your wrists or behind your ears for a subtle but continuous sensation of calm," Sahai advises.
Exercise Recovery
Post-workout recovery can be taxing; however, lavender oil steps in to ease the process. "Combine it with peppermint (and a carrier oil) and apply to sore muscles," Sahai recommends. "Lavender helps alleviate inflammation and muscle fatigue."
Performance Nerves
Whether you're a frequent performer, speaker, or just addressing a large audience, pre-performance jitters are commonplace; however, lavender oil can help temper some of those nerves. "Inhale deeply from cupped hands before a presentation or daunting conversation," Sahai suggests. "Lavender decreases cortisol levels and might improve mental clarity."
- Lavender oil, beyond its calming fragrance, offers unexpected health benefits, as demonstrated by Sahai, a certified aromatherapist.
- Taming an overstimulated nervous system, lavender oil ranks high among natural remedies due to its measurable effect on the central nervous system.
- Extensive clinical research has corroborated lavender's analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potent natural ally for those dealing with muscular tension or menstrual discomfort.
- Inhaling lavender essential oil significantly diminished both the severity and frequency of migraine attacks within 15 minutes, according to Sahai's statement from a placebo-controlled clinical study.
- A 2021 study demonstrated that lavender oil inhalation could help improve memory performance and other neurological enhancements.
- Species like Lavandula coronopifolia have shown antibacterial activity even against drug-resistant strains, offering fundamental, natural support for skin and wound care.
- To reset during the afternoon and feel rejuvenated, apply some lavender oil on your wrists or behind your ears, as advised by Sahai for a subtle but continuous sensation of calm.