7 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a beneficial nectar extracted from the distinctive purple flowers of the lavender plant. This aromatic shrub, commonly known as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), originated in the western Mediterranean region and is now cultivated throughout the U.S., Europe, and Australia. A major reason for its popularity is that the oil from this plant boasts many health-supporting properties. [1]
7 Lavender Oil Benefits
Let’s take a closer look at seven health benefits of lavender oil.
1. Helps Alleviate Anxiety
Lavender has traditionally been used as a remedy for relieving anxiety, and there’s substantial evidence suggesting a massage with the oil can be beneficial.[1] To create massage oils, lavender oil can be combined with a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba. One recent study takes that even further, finding that a capsule of the oil can act in much the same way as some anti-anxiety medications![2]
2. Promotes Restful Sleep
It seems that the same capsule preparation studied for anxiety could also be useful for aiding restlessness and improving sleep quality and duration.[1, 3] Try adding a drop of essential lavender oil to your pillow at bedtime or use an eye pillow filled with fresh lavender flowers to block out light and support restful sleep. Don't put lavender oil near your eyes, however.
3. Encourages Hair Growth
Daily scalp massage with lavender oil may help avoid hair loss from the autoimmune condition alopecia areata, a disorder that causes hair to fall out, often in patches. It seems that it might go a step further than just discouraging hair loss and encourage new hair growth.[4]
4. Fights Some Types of Harmful Organisms
Lavender oil even shows potential against common skin and nail conditions. A recent study suggests the oil has strong action against nail fungus and can even attack fungal cells at the cell membrane.[4]
5. Supports Circulation
While the scent of lavender is very popular for its relaxation effects, aromatherapy could even support normal circulation, while helping balance levels of cortisol (a hormone released during stress).[6, 7] Adding lavender oil to your exercise or meditation routine may go a long way.
6. Promotes Comfort
Lavender aromatherapy could be useful in pain control. Foot massage with the oil could even be useful for dealing with symptoms of chronic pain.[8, 9]
7. Assists with Skin-Related Disorders
In addition to being a remedy for skin fungus, lavender also supports overall smoothness and offers protection because of its natural polyphenol content.[10] One of the ingredients of our all-natural face cream, Luminous, is organic lavender oil just for this purpose. Luminous is a 100% natural and organic premium skincare product that we’ve created to help keep a fresh, radiant complexion.
Additional Benefits of Lavender
Lavender has a lot to offer in terms of health, and it's not just the oil that’s good for you. The flowers themselves can also be very beneficial. In Germany, they enjoy a tea that uses lavender flowers to remedy "insomnia, restlessness, and nervous stomach irritations."[1] And lavender smells wonderful!
References (10)
- University of Maryland Medical Center. Lavender.
- Woelk H. & Schläfke, S. A multi-center, double-blind, randomized study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine. 17 (2).
- Kasper S et al. Efficacy of orally administered Silexan in patients with anxiety-related restlessness and disturbed sleep - A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. European Neuropsychopharmacology.
- Hay I. C. et al. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Archives of Dermatology. 134 (11).
- Zuzarte, M. et al. Chemical composition and antifungal activity of the essential oils of Lavandula viridis L'Hér. Journal of Medical Microbiology.
- Shiina, Y. et al. Relaxation effects of lavender aromatherapy improve coronary flow velocity reserve in healthy men evaluated by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. International Journal of Cardiology. 129 (2).
- Kim, I. et al. Essential Oil Inhalation on Blood Pressure and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
- Kim, J. T. et al. Evaluation of Aromatherapy in Treating Postoperative Pain: Pilot Study. Pain Practice. 6 (4).
- Koulivand, P. H. et al. Lavender and the Nervous System.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
- Afaq F1, Katiyar SK. Polyphenols: skin photoprotection and inhibition of photocarcinogenesis. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2011 Dec;11(14):1200-15.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
