Lavender: Everything You Wanted to Know

Lavender is so powerful and versatile, it's a must-have for any essential oil collection. But there are many people who love working with lavender who aren't aware of just how many uses it actually has.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is probably the most famous oil in the aromatherapy world. Most people love the scent of lavender and its most popular benefits. Many people know that lavender can help with:

• Relaxing the nervous system

• Calming stress

• Supporting sleep

• Helping to repair damaged skin

However, lavender has many other uses as well! Did you know it can also calm a lot of different types of pain, including:

• Stings and bites

• A sore, stiff neck

• Burns

• Muscle and joint pain

• Menstrual cramps

• Headaches

• Cuts and scrapes

• Post-operative pain

• Swelling

• Irritated, painful skin conditions

• Short-term, acute issues

• Chronic, on-going issues

Lavender’s ability to calm inflammation extends to the respiratory system.

When there's inflammation in your nose and sinuses - maybe from allergies, a cold, or the flu - lavender can soothe the discomfort and reduce the inflammation itself. This can reduce mucus production and ease pain.

Lavender reduces interleukins and cytokines in lung tissues. This is a good thing! Interleukins and cytokines are substances that the immune system creates to deal with invaders. When they appear in low levels, it means the immune system doesn't have to defend the lungs too much.

For respiratory support, use lavender throughout the day as needed...but, as you might imagine, it's especially comforting at night! Try breathing with a lavender inhaler, diffusing lavender essential oil, using room sprays, or applying it to your skin in a body oil, butter, or lotion.

Lavender's Antimicrobial Effects Help Keep Your Home Clean.

Lavender has antimicrobial effects against some bacteria and fungi. And the component linalool has also shown some antiviral activity.

Include lavender in your natural cleaning blends or diffuse it to reduce germs in your home. You can apply it topically if you're experiencing an irritating fungal issue. It feels incredibly soothing on feet, especially when combined with tea tree oil!

Lavender's Ability to Calm Muscle Spasms Makes it Surprisingly Effective for an Upset Stomach!

Lavender can relax muscle, explaining lavenders ability to ease indigestion. Since lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, it can also calm pain and relax muscle tension. It makes sense that lavender is so comforting for belly cramps. A lot of women turn to lavender during their periods (especially combined with clary sage oil, Salvia sclarea. You can also use lavender to relieve nausea by simply inhaling it. This can have a profound effect for soothing your stomach. You can also opt to make a belly rub to absorb its benefits over a long period of time.

Lavender Supports Our Immune System.

Since lavender is such a potent stress-reliever, you can make it a key part of your natural immune support routine. Lavender helps reduce stress hormones, decrease overall inflammation (which weakens the body and makes it more open to invaders), and helps you get a good night's rest - which is when important healing processes take place to strengthen your body.

There Is Another Species of Lavender called Spike Lavender.

Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) actually makes you feel more awake and alert! Both types of lavender have the same benefits, but spike lavender is not as calming. You may want to use spike lavender during the day and the more common lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in the evening.

Curious to learn more about essential oils and which ones can improve your health? Book your essential oil consultation now!