Reasons Why You Should Use Lavender Oil

One of my favorite essential oils is also one of the most versatile – lavender.

And it doesn’t hurt that lavender oil smells amazing! There’s a reason why manufacturers make everything from shampoo to laundry detergent with lavender. Keep in mind, these items are not usually made with lavender essential oil, it’s typically a lavender smelling chemical – not recommended! 

Here are some of the health benefits from actual lavender essential oil:

1. Helps you calm down and relax

The International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice published a study finding that supplementing 80 milligram capsules of lavender essential oil alleviates anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression (source).

Another study found that by diffusing lavender in homes, postpartum women had a significant reduction of postnatal depression and reduced anxiety disorder (source).

In addition – unlike prescription medication – there are no adverse side effects, drug interactions or withdrawal symptoms from using any essential oils.

2. Improves sleep

Once your anxiety is lowered and you’re relaxed, it makes it easier to sleep. Simply put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse lavender oil while you sleep at night.  You can also apply topically to the bottoms of your feet or behind your ears.

Want an easy tip to help your kids sleep? Place a drop or two of lavender oil on their pillow or favorite stuffed animal.

3. Provides antioxidant protection

During cold and flu season, I rely on essential oils to keep my family healthy. It’s all about making sure your immune system is strong to fight off illness. Lavender essential oil is a natural antioxidant that fights free radicals. 

A 2013 study “found that lavender oil increased the activity of the body’s most powerful antioxidants — glutathione, catalase and SOD. And more recent studies have indicated similar results, concluding that lavender has antioxidant activity and helps to prevent or reverse oxidative stress” (source).

4. Relieves headaches

Lavender essential oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety qualities. Therefore, it’s beneficial in reducing the pain and tension of a headache or migraine. Apply 1-2 drops on your forehead, temples or back of the neck the next time you have a headache. 

5. Reduces pain

The same anti-inflammatory characteristics that provide relief from headaches can also be used as a natural pain reliever anywhere on the body. Simply apply 1-2 drops on the area, combine with a carrier oil and massage. 

6. Heals wounds

Due to its antimicrobial properties, when applied to a cut, lavender oil can kill bacteria. It also helps the wound heal quicker by speeding up tissue repair. Add 4 drops of lavender oil to 10gm of fractionated coconut oil and apply to the wound.

7. Provides natural cough relief

Lavender is useful for respiratory symptoms, like alleviating phlegm trapped in lungs and sinuses. Click here for some diffuser, massage, and bath blend recipes that include lavender and other helpful oils. 

8. Improves digestion

Tummy troubles? Add one drop of lavender oil to water or tea. Lavender oil has been found to be beneficial in helping with various gastrointestinal issues.

Click here to purchase lavender oil (and get your wholesale membership!).

Leann Forst, MBA, CHC, CEOC — Holistic Health Practitioner

Leann is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Essential Oils Coach. She holds a Master’s degree from Drake University and a Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa University. Accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, Leann is an award winning author of 2 books “How to Get Your Kids to Beg for Veggies” and “100 Ways to Lose Weight”.

Born and raised as an Iowa farm girl, she moved to Texas in 1998 where she lives with her husband and 2 kids.

As a wife of a brain cancer survivor, Leann has a special interest in anti-cancer nutrition and detoxification. She works with individuals and groups, and speaks regularly at hospitals, schools and organizations. Leann’s goal is to teach people how to attain optimal health by getting to the root cause of chronic and inflammatory conditions, while using healing modalities such as essential oils. Click here to get Leann’s free report, “37 Cancer Facts You Should Know…But Probably Don’t”

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

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