The most common names for Lavender are English Lavender and Garden Lavender, with the Latin name being Lavandula angustifolia. The name comes from the Latin word lavare, which means “to wash”, highlighting its cleansing, perfumed aroma. It’s native to the Mediterranean region, though these days it is common all over the world. In ancient Egypt Lavender Essential Oil was part of the process for mummifying bodies.

A recent study found evidence of the therapeutic use of Lavender Essential Oil, employed as folk medicine since ancient times in order to facilitate falling asleep or to minimize stress.

Lavender Essential Oil Benefits

With Lavender Essential Oil’s antiseptic and healing properties the Essential Oil is prescribed to help with post-episiotomy discomfort and any ill effects for maternal quality of life and mental health, as well as enhancing the mother baby relationship. Also, the use of Lavender Essential Oil was found to be effective in reducing perineal discomfort following episiotomy.

Some preliminary results indicate that Lavender Essential Oil combined with Essential Oils from other herbs, may help with hair loss and help hair grow thicker.

Lavender Essential Oil is also used for a variety of digestive issues including meteorism (abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity), loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas and upset stomach. Historically, Lavender has been used as an antiseptic and for mental health purposes. However today, Lavender Essential Oil is used as traditional remedies for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression,headache, and hair loss.

Some people use lavender for painful conditions including migraine headaches, toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. It is also used for acne and cancer, and to promote menstruation.

• Antiseptic-The antiseptic properties of Lavender Essential Oil will clean and fight infections in wounds.
• Stomachic– Using Lavender Essential Oil can clear the stomach from digestion issues and other problems, while helping the stomach function better.
• Antidepressant– Lavender Essential Oil fights depression and also can give relief from anxiety and sadness.
• Insect Repellant– can be used as a mild repellent to keep insects away.
• Anti-inflammatory– Lavender Essential Oil can reduce inflammation and ease pain.
• Sleeplessness/Insomnia– for mild insomnia, Lavender Essential Oil can aid in a restful night sleep.
• Antispasmodic– Lavender contains an Essential Oil that has sedating effects and relaxes certain muscles
• Antibacterial-the components found in Lavender Essential Oil kill bacteria and inhibit any further bacterial growth. This helps especially when treating infections in wounds, as well as other areas like thecolon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostate and kidneys.

Lavender Essential Oil Uses

• Lavender Essential Oil’s use as a bath additive originated in Persia, Greece, and Rome and is used around the world today. Manufacturers use Lavender in pharmaceutical products and as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri, and decorations.
• Lavender Essential Oil Uses are most common in aromatherapy, in which the scent of the Essential Oil from the flowers is inhaled. Lavender Essential Oil can also be diluted with other Essential Oils and applied to the skin. The dried flowers of Lavender can be used to make teas or liquid extracts for oral consumption.
• For improving well-being and treat circulation disorders, just add the oil to bathwater.
• Inhaling Lavender is great for insomnia, pain, and agitation related to dementia.
• For bald spots use a combination of three drops (108 mg) of Lavender, three drops (114 mg) of Rosemary, two drops (88 mg) of Thyme, and two drops (94 mg) of Cedarwood, all mixed with three ml Jojoba Oil and twenty ml Grapeseed Essential Oil. Apply every night by massaging into the scalp for two minutes and wrap a warm towel around the head for increased absorption.
• By using Lavender Essential Oil in a vaporizer overnight or on a cloth beside the bed helps with mild insomnia.
• To soothe minor burns, just take two- three of Lavender Essential Oil and gently rub on to the affected area.
• To freshen up your laundry, place a few drops of the oil on a wet clothes or dryer sheet.
• For a better night’s rest, take a few drops of the oil into your hands and rub together then rub the Essential Oil over your pillow.
• Massage Lavender Essential Oil to moisturize dry or chapped skin.
• To repel insects and moths, take a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil on a cotton ball and place it in closets and drawers or any place you need to protect linens or clothing.
• Lavender Essential Oil can help with hair loss from a condition called alopecia areata  when applied to the scalp in combination with Essential Oils from Thyme, Rosemary, and Cedarwood.

Lavender Essential Oil Side Effects

Lavender essential oil does not seem to produce any side effects, but like many essential oils, it is not recommended for use with pregnant women or children. Some essential oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin so it is wise to do a patch test before using regularly.