LAVENDER OIL
Lavender oil is an essential oil obtained by distillation from the flower spikes of certain species of lavender. There are over 400 types of lavender worldwide with different scents and qualities. Two forms of lavender oil are distinguished, lavender flower oil, a colorless oil, insoluble in water, having a density of 0.885 g/mL; and lavender spike oil, a distillate from the herb Lavandula latifolia, having a density of 0.905 g/mL. Like all essential oils, it is not a pure compound; it is a complex mixture of phytochemicals, including linalool and linalyl acetate.
LAVENDER OIL
Pure lavender essential oil is produced through steam distillation.[1][2] This generates a greater amount of oil compared to other methods due to reduction of polar compound loss.[3] Harvest of lavender blooms is typically between late June and August.[4] The cut lavender flowers and stems are compacted into a lavender still. A boiler is then used to steam the bottom of the lavender flower filled still at a very low pressure.[1] The lavender flower pockets containing oil are broken from this heating process and a pipe of cold water is run through the center of the still.[1] The hot lavender oil vapor condenses on the cold pipe with the cold water and is collected into a holding tank where it is allowed to settle.[1] Due to polarity and densities of the water and oil, these two will separate in the holding tank whereupon the water is piped out, leaving just lavender essential oil.[5]
A 2021 meta-analysis included five studies of people with anxiety disorders. All five studies were funded by the manufacturers of the lavender oil capsule used, four of them were conducted by one author of the meta-analysis,[12] and blinding was not clear.[13] In this analysis, an oral 80 mg dose of lavender oil per day was associated with reduced anxiety scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.[12] According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the effectiveness of using oral lavender oil for treating anxiety remains undetermined due to the limitations of these studies.[10]
Symptoms of lavender oil poisoning by ingestion include blurred vision, difficulty breathing, burning pain in the throat, burns to the eye, confusion, decreased level of consciousness, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and rash.[15] Topical application of lavender oil may cause contact dermatitis.[17]
The phytochemical composition of lavender oil varies from species to species (table), consisting primarily of monoterpeneoid and sesquiterpeneoid alcohols.[19] Linalool (20-35%) and linalyl acetate (30-55%) dominate, with moderate levels of lavandulyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol and lavandulol, 1,8-cineole, camphor, limonene, and tannins.[19] Lavender oil typically contains more than 100 compounds, although many of these are at negligible concentrations.[19][21]
Although more research is needed to understand the full capacity of lavender for the prevention or reversal of diabetes, the results of this study are promising and indicate the therapeutic potential of the plant extract. To use it for diabetes, use it topically on your neck and chest, diffuse it at home, or supplement with it.
In 2013, an evidence-based study published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found that supplementing with 80-milligram capsules of lavender essential oil help alleviate anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression. Additionally, in the study there were no adverse side effects, drug interactions or withdrawal symptoms from using lavender oil.
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology published a human study in 2014 that revealed that Silexan (otherwise known as lavender oil preparation) was more effective against generalized anxiety disorder than placebos and the prescription medicine paroxetine. After treatment, the study found zero instances of withdrawal symptoms or adverse side effects.
Another study published in 2012 involved 28 high-risk postpartum women and noted that by diffusing lavender in their homes, they had a significant reduction of postnatal depression and reduced anxiety disorder after a four-week treatment plan of aromatherapy.
Lavender has also been shown to improve PTSD symptoms. Eighty milligrams of lavender oil per day helped decrease depression by 33 percent and dramatically decrease sleep disturbances, moodiness and overall health status in 47 people suffering from PTSD, as shown in a phase two trial published in Phytomedicine.
Widely known for its antimicrobial properties, for centuries lavender oil has been used to fight various infections and combat bacterial and fungal disorders. In fact, almost 100 studies have been conducted establishing this benefit of lavender over and over again.
A 2016 study conducted on rats found that lavender oil promoted wound healing in the early phase by accelerating the formation of granulation tissue (tissue from the healing surface of the skin) and promoting collagen synthesis. The area of wounds treated with lavender oil was significantly decreased compared to the control group.
For burn relief and to treat cuts, scrapes or wounds, mix three to five drops of lavender oil with teaspoon of coconut oil, and apply the mixture to the area of concern. You can use your fingers or a clean cotton ball.
Using lavender oil topically can help improve a number of skin conditions, from canker sores to allergic reactions, acne and age spots. Research indicates that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help ease skin conditions and reverse signs of aging.
To use lavender oil for skin health, combine three to four drops with teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil, and massage the mixture into the area of concern. You can also add lavender to your face or body wash.
Try mixing lavender oil with frankincense and applying it to your skin first thing in the morning, right after you shower and right before bed. This will help to reduce inflammation and signs of aging, like dark spots.
A study published in European Neurology found people struggling with migraine headaches saw a significant reduction in pain when they inhaled lavender oil for 15 minutes. The difference between the control group and lavender oil treatment group was statistically significant.
One of the most effective natural headache remedies is combing two drops each of lavender with peppermint oil and rubbing the mixture into the back of the neck and the temples. Diffusing lavender or inhaling it directly from the bottle can also help relieve headaches.
A 2015 study involving 158 mothers in their postpartum period were divided into the control or intervention group. The intervention group inhaled lavender oil before bed four times a week for eight weeks.
There are several studies, just like this one involving mothers, that demonstrate the sleep-inducing, calming effects of lavender oil. Inhaling lavender has shown to reduce sleep disturbance, improve quality and duration of sleep, fight insomnia, and improve overall well-being.
Making a mixture of lavender oil, Roman chamomile and magnesium oil is the best combination for improving sleep. Just rub this mixture into the back of your neck and wrists to induce a calm, peaceful feeling.
A 2015 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine indicates that topical application of lavender oil decreases moderate intensities of pain during the insertion of dialysis needles. Researchers point out that lavender may be an option to reduce the pain of inserting dialysis needles, which causes constant fear and anxiety for many hemodialysis patients.
Another study, published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that a combination of lavender, marjoram, peppermint and black pepper essential oils improved neck pain when applied to the affected area daily.
And yet another study proved that lavender oil, when massaged into the skin, can help relieve dysmenorrhea, which is associated with menstrual pain and cramping in the lower abdomen. The results of this study suggest that lavender oil can be used as a natural remedy for PMS and menstrual cramps.
A 2012 study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines shows that aromatherapy, particularly using lavender oil, helps patients with cancer cope with stress, nausea, chronic pain and depression. Because lavender oil works to stimulate the immune system, boost mood, improve sleep and fight stress, it can be used as a therapeutic agent.
Massaging lavender oil into the back of your neck, chest, wrists and temples can induce relaxing and calming effects. If you are experiencing muscle or joint pain, or pain at the site of injections, apply two to three drops of lavender to the affected area.
To relieve stress and anxiety, and improve sleep, diffuse lavender, or inhale it directly from the bottle. This can be particularly useful before and after surgical procedures and chemotherapy treatment.
Consider combining lavender oil with other relaxing oils, like cedarwood essential oil or frankincense essential oil. My homemade lotion includes lavender, frankincense and peppermints oils, which smell great together and help reduce inflammation and improve the health of your skin.
You can try the same method in your bathroom as well and also on your bath towels. Before taking a relaxing bath or shower, spray your towel with lavender so its calming scent is waiting for you when you step out of the shower.
Many people find the scent of lavender to be soothing to the stomach. If you are feeling nauseous or know that you are going to be traveling in a car or plane and are prone to motion sickness, spray some on your skin and clothes, or rub it into your temples, neck and palms.
Lehrner J, Marwinski G, Lehr S, Johren P, Deecke L. Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Physiol Behav. 2005;86(1-2):92-95. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2005.06.031
Organic lavender essential oil is a middle note steam distilled from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia. One of our most popular essential oils, lavender oil has an unmistakable sweet, floral and herbal aroma found in body care and perfumes. 041b061a72