Lavender oil is said to have a soothing and calming effect and leads to an improved sleep cycle as it helps fight insomnia. It is majorly used in aroma therapy and is a very popular and versatile essential oil.
Extracted from the Lavender plant, the oil not only promotes relaxation but is also believed to help treat anxiety, allergies, insomnia, fungal infections, depression, eczema, nausea and cramps. Lavender oil is a multi-purpose oil. It is used for aroma therapy because it has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help to fight minor burns and/or bug bites. It also helps detoxify and has sedative effects to it.
AROMATHERAPY:
Aromatherapy can be used through inhalation of an essential oil or through its application.
The inhalation process requires the oil to be evaporated into the air either using a diffusing container or spray that would help you breath it in. Apart from providing a pleasant smell, the inhalation process in aromatherapy also provides respiratory disinfection and psychological benefits. Inhaling essential oils stimulate the olfactory system that is a part of the brain that is connected to the nose and senses smell. So when the aroma reaches the brain, it affects the whole limbic system of a human body which is linked to emotions, memory, the heart rate, blood pressure, stress, better breathing and hormone balance. This is how an essential oil can have a subtle, yet a holistic effect on the human body.
Topical application can be practiced through massaging the oil, adding them in bath and skin care products through which they are absorbed in the skin. Massaging the oil on a certain area of the body can help boost circulation of blood.
An essential oil should never be used directly, it should always be diluted with a carrier. The ratio should be a few drops of an essential oil with an ounce of a carrier oil. Sweet almond oil or olive oil can be used as a carrier oil.
Lavender essential oil can promote to a stress free life, happy living!
