There are many questions about lavender oil, one of the most used oils in aromatherapy applications. It is known that lavender oil is especially associated with feeling good, and that it relaxes people in situations such as insomnia and makes it easier to fall asleep. It is possible to say that lavender oil is also very beneficial for the skin and hair. If you want to get more detailed information about lavender oil , which you have heard about more frequently in recent years; In our article, what is lavender oil ?, what is lavender oil used for ? You can find answers to frequently asked questions such as.
What is Lavender Oil?
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), an evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean, is very popular with both its flowers and oil. There are more than 400 species of lavender around the world with different characteristics. What is lavender used for, with its pleasant scent and the elegant color of its flowers? Although decorative uses such as landscaping come to mind when the question is first heard, this plant, which has also been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, offers much more to humanity than is thought . Lavender oil, obtained from lavender flowers, has been used as medicine for thousands of years to treat the symptoms of diseases.
Lavender, which is also widely used as medicine, is known to have calming effects. Lavender oil is a volatile oil obtained by steam distillation of the spikes of the flowers of the lavender plant. Lavender oil, which has been used in different civilizations and cultures for hundreds of years, has versatile uses.
What is Lavender Oil Used for?
Lavender oil is known for its very powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It has been used for hundreds of years both cosmetically and for therapeutic purposes in the field of health. It is also known that lavender, which is believed to help purify the mind and body in many cultures, has an important effect on the way it is used. When it comes to the benefits of lavender oil, how to use lavender oil to get the needed benefit? The question needs to be answered.
How to Use Lavender Oil?
Lavender oil has many different uses and applications. This oil, which is frequently used in aromatherapy applications, is among the most popular essential oils with its wide range of benefits, from treating insect bites to changing the smell of the living space.
Topical Applications with Lavender Oil
- Since the use of pure essential oil on the skin may cause irritation, it is recommended to dilute lavender oil by mixing it with a fixed oil such as sweet almond oil, sesame oil or coconut oil. After diluting lavender oil, it can be applied to the skin to strengthen the skin barrier.
- Lavender oil is non-comedogenic and has antibacterial properties. Due to this feature, it can be mixed into acne cream or skin cleanser and applied on acne.
- Diluted lavender oil can be applied to first-degree, mild sunburns. In general, it helps soothe minor burns.
- It can also be used to relieve pain after insect bites.
- The antifungal properties of lavender can be used to support fungal treatment. A few drops of lavender oil a day can be dropped on the area with fungus.
- A peeling can be made with lavender oil, a fixed oil and sugar, which will help the skin become softer and smoother.
- In the treatment of dandruff, diluted lavender oil can be applied to the scalp by massaging it once a week.
- In painful areas, massage can be done with diluted lavender oil to relieve pain.
Inhalation Applications with Lavender Oil
- Lavender oil can be smelled to relieve stress and anxiety. Using lavender oil with a censer or diffuser in the living space is the most common inhalation practice.
- Putting a drop of lavender oil on the pillow before going to sleep helps improve sleep quality and fall asleep faster.
- In cases where breathing becomes difficult, such as a cold or flu, the scent of a few drops of lavender oil applied to the neck area helps open breathing.
Benefits of Lavender Oil
Many benefits of lavender oil, which has been used for hundreds of years to reduce symptoms and support treatments, have been confirmed by modern medicine. Some of the areas where lavender oil is beneficial:
Insomnia
It is known that aromatherapy applications with lavender oil are good for insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Anxiety, Stress and Anxiety
Some studies have shown that people who use lavender oil have lower anxiety levels.
Migraine and Headache
Several studies have also revealed that the calming effects of lavender oil have positive effects on migraines and headaches.
Nausea
It is known that lavender has the effect of reducing nausea. Putting a drop of lavender oil on the tongue can help reduce nausea.
Cancer Treatment Side Effects
The National Cancer Institute has stated that aromatherapy practices may help manage the side effects of cancer treatments. Lavender oil may offer support to reduce anxiety during cancer treatment.
Skin Diseases
Lavender oil contains two compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate, which are known to be effective for inflammation. According to a study, these compounds help relieve skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
Benefits of Lavender Oil for Hair
It is known that lavender oil has many different benefits in the hair care routine. These benefits can be experienced by adding lavender oil to the products used in your routine. The benefits of lavender oil for hair may vary from person to person. Since every skin and hair type is different, it is recommended to proceed step by step before completely adding lavender oil to regular care practices.
Benefits of lavender oil for hair:
- Supporting hair growth,
- Helping reduce dandruff and itchy scalp problems with its antimicrobial effect,
- To prevent lice in case of lice,
- It can be listed as helping to soothe psoriasis occurring in the hair.
Is Lavender Oil Good for Eczema?
Considering the numerous benefits of lavender oil, is lavender oil good for eczema? The question may arise. Eczema is a skin problem that can occur on any area of the skin. Due to eczema, the skin becomes dry, itchy and flaky. Eczema can occur chronically or as a mild and short-term problem. Lavender oil's antifungal properties and reducing inflammation may help prevent eczema.