Benefits, Uses and Disadvantages of Lavender Oil For Skin, Hair & Health
It has been said that lavender oil derived from lavender flowers is useful. Unique essential oils like lavender oil can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including weariness and stress. Although we are highlighting the advantages of lavender oil, it is crucial to understand that these benefits only apply to alleviating the symptoms of certain issues. The cures listed in the article are not medical care, and for better care, a doctor’s advice is required. Learn about lavender oil in this post and how to apply it on your body. You will also learn the possible drawbacks of lavender oil.
Lavender oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant through steam distillation. Lavender is a versatile herb that is well known for its calming and soothing properties, making it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy and natural health products.
Lavender oil has a fresh, floral scent and is used in a variety of ways. It can be used topically, either alone or in combination with carrier oils, to soothe skin irritations and promote relaxation. It can also be diffused into the air to promote a calming atmosphere and improve sleep quality.
Research has shown that lavender oil may have a number of health benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, relieving pain, and improving skin health. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential benefits and to determine the most effective uses and dosages for lavender oil.
It is important to note that essential oils like lavender oil should be used with caution and diluted properly before use, as they can be very potent and may cause skin irritation or other adverse effects if used improperly. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Types of Lavender
Although it has more than 30 species, but it can be divided into 4 special types, which are mentioned below:
- English lavender: This plant can survive even in extreme cold and has the best fragrance, but the oil extracted from this lavender is the least.
- French lavender: Its plants are slightly larger in size than other lavenders. Its leaves are green and gray in color. Their fragrance is the strongest. This type of lavender doesn’t need much chill. It also thrives in temperatures around 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spike lavender: This lavender plant looks like grass. They are found in the Mediterranean region. Its plants are smaller than English lavender and its height is about 200 to 700 meters.
- Lavandin: This type of lavender is a hybrid of English lavender and spike lavender. It is cultivated especially for the industry, because it is the most beautiful and most of the oil also comes out of it.
Benefits of Lavender Oil
Speaking of lavender oil’s advantages, it is an essential oil that has a lot of advantages. This particular oil can be used to treat bodily pain and swelling as well as issues like insomnia and hair loss. In addition to all of these benefits, lavender oil can help you unwind and treat burns, bug bites, infections, and stiffness. In the following sections of the article, learn more about the advantages of lavender oil.
Health Benefits of Lavender Oil
1. Benefits of Lavender Oil for Sleeplessness
Using lavender oil can prove to be a good solution for better sleep. Actually, the fragrance of this oil calms the mind and improves mental and physical health. Thus it can help promote sleep. Aromatherapy of lavender oil can be used for this.
2. Benefits of Lavender Oil for Anxiety and Depression
Lavender oil has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also reduce the restlessness and agitation caused by anxiety. Adding rosemary and tea tree essential oils to lavender oil can reduce mood swings and psychological stress. For this, you can put a few drops of lavender oil in the diffuser and keep it in the room.
3. Lavender oil for Headache
A scientific research has found that the aromatherapy of lavender oil can prove to be effective in reducing migraine headaches. For this research, 129 people suffering from migraine were given aromatherapy with lavender oil and 92 of them got benefited. If you are also suffering from headache, you can take aromatherapy by adding few drops of lavender oil in the diffuser.
4. Lavender oil Help in Wound Healing
Lavender oil helps to increase collagen, which helps in faster healing of wounds. Along with this, it also helps in reducing the swelling, redness and pain of the skin. Applying some amount of lavender oil on a fresh wound can help you. However, do talk to the doctor once about the process of applying it.
5. Lavender oil Reduce Nausea
Nausea or feeling like vomiting is common during pregnancy. Sometimes it can happen in normal condition also, for which there can be many reasons, such as food allergy, gas or side effect of any medicine. In such a situation, taking aromatherapy of lavender oil can provide relief. Research has found that it gives better results than rose essential oil. For this, you can put a few drops of lavender oil in the diffuser and keep it in the room.
6. Lavender oil Relieves Bloating and Indigestion
The problem of flatulence is called bloating. During this you feel full and bloated. This may be due to overeating, but there may be other reasons too, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (disorder related to the intestine) and stress etc. If you are also suffering from this problem, then you can take advantage of lavender oil.
By easing bowel movements, lavender oil can give you relief from bloating caused by constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Apart from this, this particular oil can also be beneficial in indigestion. In fact, stress can also cause indigestion, while aromatherapy with lavender oil can reduce stress.
7. Lavender oil Act like a Natural Perfume
Due to the enchanting scent of lavender, it can be used as a perfume. Used as a perfume, it not only keeps you smelling great, but it also lifts your mood and can help keep you fresh.
If you want, you can also put a few drops of it in your bathtub. By using it as a perfume, you will keep smelling it continuously, due to which you can also get relief from headache like the benefits of lavender oil, which we have told you above. You can also apply a few drops of lavender oil around your wrists and neck.
8. Lavender oil Beneficial for Muscles
If you are suffering from muscle stiffness, you can use lavender oil to get relief from it. The properties of lavender oil can help relax muscles. Along with this, it can also help in relieving joint pain. For this, you can apply a few drops of lavender oil on the affected area and massage it.
Benefits of Lavender Oil for Skin
Many types of essential oils are used to keep the skin healthy and one of them is lavender oil. Know below the benefits of lavender oil for the skin.
1. Lavender Oil Remove Acne
The benefits of lavender can also be seen in removing acne. Actually, it can get rid of the problem of acne by acting like an effective anti-acne. Know below how you can use it
Material :
- two to three drops lavender oil
- cotton wool
Method :
- Apply lavender oil on the affected skin with the help of cotton.
- You can do this experiment two to three times a day until you get complete relief.
2. Lavender Oil Relief from Eczema
Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes dry and scaly and rashes occur on it. During this, swelling can also occur on the skin. This problem is also called dermatitis. Lavender oil can be used to get relief from this problem. Research has found that using lavender oil can help reduce the symptoms of dermatitis.
Material :
- two teaspoons coconut oil
- two drops lavender oil
- two drops tea tree oil
Method :
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Massage it by applying it on the affected area.
- Note: Eczema has been shown to worsen with the use of lavender oil in some cases. Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor once before using it for eczema.
3. Lavender Oil Heals Insect Bite Wounds
Research has found that lavender oil can be used to heal insect bite wounds. It heals wounds and helps them to heal quickly. Lavender oil is also considered a good insect repellent. With its help, mosquitoes, flies and other insects stay away from the body.
Material :
- two to three drops lavender oil
- cotton wool
Method :
- Apply lavender oil on the affected skin with the help of cotton.
- This experiment can be done two to three times a day until there is complete relief.
4. Lavender Oil Natural Toner
Lavender oil has soothing effects, which help in relaxing the skin. It also has antiseptic properties, which can help keep the skin clean. Because of these properties, it can be used as a toner.
Material :
- two drops lavender oil
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
- cotton wool
Method :
- Mix a bowl of lavender oil and witch hazel well.
- Clean the face with the help of cleanser.
- After cleansing the face, apply toner on the face with the help of cotton.
- Finally wash the face with clean water and apply moisturizer.
5. Lavender Oil Relax the Body
You can use lavender oil to detox the body. The antibacterial properties present in lavender can help cleanse the skin. In addition, this oil relaxes muscles and its antidepressant properties help calm the mind.
Material :
- handful epsom salt
- half cup baking soda
- 10 drops lavender oil
Method :
- Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water.
- Pour all the ingredients into the bathtub when it is full and mix well.
- When all the ingredients dissolve well, take a bath for about 15-20 minutes. While taking bath, keep the body immersed in water for some time.
- Finally take a shower with clean water.
6. Lavender Oil Dry Skin
If you are troubled by dry skin, you can use lavender oil. This helps in reducing the swelling. It has antifungal properties. Mix two drops of it with two drops of tea tree oil. Mix it with two spoons of coconut oil. It can be used daily.
7. Lavender Oil for Pigmentation
You can use lavender oil for glowing skin. This can help in reducing the swelling. It helps in getting rid of black spots. If you have hyperpigmentation problem then you can try this oil. Take a few drops of it and add some moisturizer and coconut oil to it and use it once or twice a day.
Benefits of Lavender Oil for Hair
Essential oils can be used for health and skin as well as hair. Know about the benefits of lavender oil for hair in this part of the article.
1. Lavender Oil For the Treatment of Alopecia
Alopecia is a type of disease in which hair starts falling in the form of patches and baldness starts. In this, the hair falls in a pattern, due to which the scalp becomes visible. Lavender essential oil can be used to get relief from this problem. Research has found that lavender oil can be used in combination with jojoba or grapeseed oil to treat alopecia.
2. Lavender Oil Reduce Hair Fall
There are three phases of hair growth throughout our life. anagen (hair grows), telogen (hair falls out) and catagen (phase between anagen and telogen). Massaging lavender oil into the hair can prevent the onset of the catagen phase and help prolong the anagen phase. Thus it can stop your hair fall and help them grow.
3. Lavender Oil Remove Dandruff and Lice
Lice are a type of parasite, which thrive in the scalp and lay eggs there, due to which their number increases. Having lice in the hair causes itchiness in the hair and can later turn into an infection. Lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-microbial properties, which help in killing lice and their eggs. Along with this, you can also get the benefits of lavender oil in eliminating dandruff.
Material :
- 3 to 4 drops lavender oil
- two to three teaspoons olive oil
Method :
- Take olive oil in a bowl and add lavender oil and mix it.
- Massage your scalp with this oil for about 20 minutes.
- After massaging for 20 minutes, leave the oil on the hair for about 10 more minutes.
- Finally wash the hair with shampoo.
4. Lavender Oil Act as a Natural Conditioner
The job of conditioner is to increase the shine of the hair, untangle tangled hair and maintain moisture and beauty in them. Some types of oil can also be used for this. One such oil is lavender oil. It keeps the hair shiny. There isn’t much research available on how effective it would be as a conditioner.
Material :
- a cup of water
- 3 to 4 drops lavender oil
Method :
- Mix a few drops of lavender oil in a cup of water.
- Wash your hair with this water after shampooing.
- Leave this water in the hair for about 15 minutes and then wash the hair with clean water.
How to Use of Lavender Oil
You can use lavender oil for your body and health in the following ways.
- Aromatherapy: For aromatherapy, you can put three to four drops of lavender oil in a diffuser and keep it in the room. You can use lavender oil to relax the body and relax the mind. On the other hand, if someone wants to take aromatherapy for a specific problem like headache or stress, then first consult an expert.
- Massage: If you want, you can massage your body or scalp by adding three to five drops of lavender oil in coconut, olive or any other oil used for massage. This process can be repeated twice a week.
- Face Mask: You can add two to three drops of lavender oil to your face mask or face pack. This experiment can be repeated twice a week. If you are using lavender oil for a specific problem such as acne or dermatitis, be sure to consult a doctor once before use.
- Skin care: Add a few drops of lavender oil to your facial or body lotion, or use it as a toner to soothe and calm irritated skin, reduce redness and inflammation, and improve the appearance of acne and scars.
- Hair care: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with your shampoo or conditioner to promote hair growth, reduce dandruff, and add shine and luster to your hair
- Bath: Add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater to relax your mind and body, relieve muscle pain, and promote sleep.
- Insect repellent: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or grapeseed oil, and apply it to your skin to repel insects and mosquitoes.
It’s important to note that lavender oil should not be ingested, and you should always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. If you have any concerns or questions about using lavender oil, consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified aromatherapist.
Side Effects of Lavender Oil
You have come to know about almost all the benefits of lavender oil, but along with that it is also important to know about the disadvantages of lavender oil, which can be of some types.
- Long-term use of lavender oil can lead to hormonal imbalance. Because of this, the problem of gynecomastia has been seen in some boys. In this, the size of men’s chest becomes more than normal and looks bad.
- Lavender oil reduces the effect of androgen (male hormone) by increasing the effect of estrogen (female hormone) in the body. Because of this, symptoms of women can also be seen in men, as we mentioned in the above point.
- People who are allergic to lavender should avoid using this oil.
- The disadvantages of lavender oil can also be caused by consuming it. Consuming it can lead to nausea, vomiting and other problems related to digestion.
- Pregnant and lactating women are advised not to consume lavender oil. Even before using it in any other way it may be a good idea to consult a doctor once.
You must now be aware of the fact that lavender oil has the ability to alleviate various illnesses, acting as a panacea. Also, by utilizing it, you can avoid a number of disorders. There is also no need to be concerned about lavender oil’s negative effects. If you use it as directed and in the recommended quantity, you will be perfectly safe. You can start using lavender oil in your regimen right away on a doctor’s recommendation to start enjoying its benefits.