Lavender is one of my all-time favorite medicinal herbs. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but lavender also possesses many medicinal properties. The light fruitful smell of lavender aids in better sleep and can help to reduce stress. Because of this, lavender will forever be a staple in my home.
Lavender has an array of benefits, however, I want to take time out to mention my favorite benefits. Keep in mind that all the benefits I am listing involve using lavender essential oil. There are several benefits of the actual lavender plant, but let’s start small with the essential oil.
Help to relieve anxiety and stress
This is a HUGE one for me. Running one business is rewarding but stressful at times. However, running two businesses drives me crazy on a tough day. Adding a few drops of lavender oil into my oil diffuser after a long, stressful day always does the trick for me. The sweet floral aroma of lavender works wonders when helping me to destress. Honestly, I was not a believer in aromatherapy for stress until I tried it out for myself. My first introduction to lavender oil was not the best. It consisted of watching a guy I knew using lavender to calm himself down after raging. When I first saw this, I thought the guy was completely nuts, because he angrily grabbed a bottle of lavender oil to sniff it, for him to calm down. After doing my own research on lavender, I found that lavender can be very effective for some people dealing with stress and anxiety. Most studies have shown that using lavender oil aromatherapy is effective when wanting to relieve stress and anxiety.
Improves sleep
The aroma of lavender is perfect for those dealing with insomnia or those that want to improve their sleep. Over the years, I have always heard about lavender helping to improve sleep, however, I did not try this remedy until recently. Normally, I diffuse a few drops of lavender oil during the day to keep myself as stress-free as possible. One day I decided to diffuse it in the evening to see if it helps with sleep. Not even 30 minutes later, I found myself dozing off on my couch.
Can treat acne, eczema, and skin inflammation
That’s right, lavender has amazing skin benefits. Most people don’t know lavender is a great treatment for acne eczema and skin inflammation. The calming effects of this herb will create the best relief for those suffering from any type of skin inflammation. I love to put anything lavender on my face. In a way, it makes me feel like I am getting a two-in-one treatment. The amazing smell of lavender on my face helps to keep me calm while keeping my acne under control. Fun fact: this is the reason why I decided to make lavender an ingredient in my Clean Face Serum. Before you grab your favorite lavender essential oil to put on your skin, PLEASE remember to dilute your lavender essential oil (or any essential oil!) with equal amounts of a base oil (jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, etc.) before applying it to your skin.
How to use lavender
The great thing about lavender is it can be used in many different ways. Personally, my favorite way to use lavender is by adding it to body butter and salve mixtures. Every time I make a personal batch of body butter, I always add extra drops of lavender to help me stay calm throughout the day. If you are on the “lazier” side, a simple way to use lavender is by diffusing it using an oil diffuser. This is also an effective way to indulge in the benefits without having to place the oil directly on your skin. Here’s a pro tip, place around 5-8 drops of lavender essential oil into your oil diffuser before bed. I promise the beautiful aroma will easily help you fall asleep.
Now that you know a little more about the benefits of lavender oil, I hope you all decide to give it a try. Lavender oil holds wonderful medicinal properties that have helped me tremendously, and I believe that it will work wonders for you all as well. If you are looking for a great lavender oil to use, feel free to check out Spring Tyde's natural lavender oil on the apothecary line. Enjoy!