The Benefits of Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has long been cherished for its fragrant smell and relaxing effects. What some may not know is that lavender oil can also provide many medical and anti-aging benefits. The following list outlines some of the amazing attributes of lavender oil.

Relaxation and Stress Relief
Lavender has been appreciated by many for its relaxing effect. It is a natural way to gain relief from stress, anxiety and depression. The Bastyr Center for Natural Health found that when combined with an anti-depressant, lavender oil helped reduce the level of depression experienced by a number of depression sufferers.

Adding a little bit of lavender oil to a hot bath can make for an extra relaxing moment. By adding 6-8 drops of the essential oil to hot bath water, aching muscles find relief and the stress of the day melts away.

Treating Insomnia
This wonder oil can also help alleviate insomnia. According a study reported on by the Fragrance Foundation, lavender oil helped several men and women to increase the total time they spent in deep, slow wave sleep. It was shown to be an especially effective treatment for women.

Antiseptic Effects
Because lavender oil has a high concentration of the compound linalool, it has often been used as an antiseptic. During World Wars I and II, lavender oil was regularly used to clean open wounds.

Perfumes and Air Fresheners
Simply put, lavender oil smells great! That is why it is has been a key ingredient throughout the centuries in different perfumes. Today, it is commonly found in gels, lotion, soaps and infusion.

Anti-Aging Treatment
A popular use of lavender oil is in skin care. Lavender is believed to stimulate the regeneration of skin cells, thus slowing down the developing of wrinkles. By keeping the skin healthy and rejuvenated, lavender oil can help slow down the effects of aging.

Pain Relief
Lavender is also appreciated for its pain relieving properties. The Medical Center published in a study that lavender oil has shown to have a positive effect on treating the pain experienced by post-operative patients.

As lavender oil can also help ease the pain of sore muscles, it is a great addition to a massage oil. However, lavender oil should never be applied to the skin without being diluted with another oil. About 5 drops should be added to every 10 ml of a the primary massage oil, such as vegetable oil.