Lavender oil is frequently used in aromatherapy for its ability to invoke feelings of relaxation and stress relief. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lavender oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant and used to treat medical conditions such as insomnia, depression and anxiety. It may also help to soothe minor skin irritations. You should consult your physician or a licensed health care provider before using lavender oil. It should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Relaxation
Lavender has a relaxing and soothing effect when the aroma is inhaled. This may be due to the compound linalool, which produces relaxing effects, according to a study by Eva Heuberger, Sandra Redhammer and Gerhard Buchbauer at the University of Vienna, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology. Lavender oil can help you relieve stress and feel calmer; it may also help alleviate insomnia. You can inhale the oil through the use of an aromatherapy burner or use a few drops in a warm bath. Lavender oil can also be added to a carrier oil such as grapeseed to make a homemade relaxing massage oil.
Anxiety Relief
Lavender’s soothing properties may help to alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety. According to the study by Heuberger, Redhammer and Buchbauer, lavender has been found to have a beneficial effect on anxiety because of its calming and sedative properties. You can inhale the aroma after placing a few drops on a tissue. Using lavender oil in massage therapy has also been proven to reduce anxiety. The University of Maryland Medical Center’s reports that a study showing people who received massage therapy with lavender felt less anxiety than those who received massage alone.
Skin Irritation
Lavender is one of the few essential oils that is safe for use directly on the skin. Aromatherapy practitioners use lavender oil to treat skin irritations and conditions such as eczema, acne and wounds. It may help wounds to heal faster because of its antibacterial and skin-soothing properties. You can apply lavender oil directly to fresh wounds, irritations or cuts to help speed the healing process and to prevent infection.
About this Author
Stacy Mosel is a licensed social worker specializing in child and adolescent therapy. She holds a master’s degree in social work and a B.A. in music, and writes for several online publications, including Suite101 and Associated Content. She is a certified Reiki practitioner, yoga enthusiast, and makes her own bath and body products.
