Essential oils are the volatile oils from the roots, bark, flower, leaves, stems, and any other parts of a plant. The use of essential oils for health & wellness is not something new. The practice has been around for thousands of years, as far back as Biblical times.
Today, the tradition of using essential oils for health & wellness carries on.
When starting out using essential oils you should take it slow as essential oils can be toxic if misused.
One particular essential oil you can start out with is lavender. Lavender essential oil, used for calming & balancing, is probably the most widely recognized and popular essential oil because it is truly so versatile.
Lavender oil, also known as lavandula officinalis, is available on the market in over 30 different varieties. Because of this it may be harder to find a high-quality oil. Get tips on how to purchase high-quality oils HERE.
To see just how versatile lavender essential oil is, check out at least 10 beneficial ways you can use lavender essential oil in your home:
10 ways you can use lavender essential oil right in your home:
Although lavender essential oil lacks toxicity, there are two precautionary measures to keep in mind before using it:
- it is a relaxing oil that will calm and balance you, but can become a stimulant when used in high concentrations
- it can increase the effects of barbiturates
MASSAGE
NOTE: For most essential oils it is highly recommended to dilute them in a carrier oil first (also known as a base oil) before placing on the skin. Lavender oil, however, is one of the exceptions to the rule where it can actually be applied to the skin without diluting first. It may be best to use lavender undiluted as a first aid remedy only and dilute if using it on a regular basis.
A carrier oil such as olive, almond, evening primrose, jojoba, coconut, or avocado oil will work – avoid mineral oil, which is a byproduct of petroleum production as it’s synthetic, clogs pores, prevents the skin from breathing naturally, and prevents essential oil absorption.
1. Massage onto the abdomen to relieve digestive problems that were the cause of nervousness, like diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, colic, and flatulence
2. If you or your child tend to suffer from earaches, massage a few drops of lavender oil around the ear for some relief
3. Massage a couple of drops onto your temples to provide relief from headaches & migraines
4. Massage onto the specific part of your body to provide relief from dermatitis, eczema, acne, psoriasis, scarring, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, pains, neuralgia, shingles, sciatica, and rheumatism
INHALATION/DIFFUSION
5. Turn on some warm water in a bath, drop a couple of drops of lavender, sit back, and relax
6. Have trouble falling asleep? Drop a few drops of lavender onto your sheets and/or pillow
7. If your humidifier allows it, place a few drops of lavender in it to provide relieve from the flu, bronchitis and pneumonia
8. Combine lavender oil with other essential oils and the base oil of your choice to make a room spray
GARGLE/MOUTHWASH
9. Dilute in a base oil, like coconut oil, to make a blend to use as a mouthwash. Lavender’s antiseptic properties will help maintain good oral health.
FIRST AID
10. You can use lavender essential oil without dilution for first aid treatment for abrasions, insect bites, stings, burns, and wounds
Never ingest essential oils without proper consultation with a qualified professional such as a certified clinical aromatherapist. If used as a mouthwash or gargle ensure proper dilution as well as proper spitting techniques are utilized to ensure minimal swallowing.
Leave a Reply