Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Learn About The Many Wonderful Health Benefits Of Lavender Oil

By Kristen Baird


In schools of natural and alternative healing, essential oils play a key role in treating physical conditions and promoting emotional well-being. Lavender oil in particular stands out because of the many positive effects attributed to is use both topically and in aromatherapy. Produced through the steam distillation of lavender flowers, this oil is believed to purify the skin, alleviate pain, and improve blood flow to name just a few of its benefits.

Amongst its many uses, one way in which this oil can be effective is as an insect repellent. If worn on the skin before going outside, it can keep pests such as black flies and mosquitoes away because they don't like its aroma. Similarly, it can be used to alleviate itching if someone does have an insect bite, as it is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Some people swear by lavender as a sleep aid too, adding a few drops to their pillows before bed for a restful, undisturbed sleep.

Lavender when used as an aromatherapy oil, has also been associated with numerous beneficial effects on the emotions and mental processes. Its refreshing scent has been instrumental in the improvement of anxiety disorders, depression, migraines, and fatigue. There is some evidence which suggests that it can help boost cognitive functioning as well.

Lavender is often added as an ingredient to many skincare products for its antifungal and antiseptic properties, and it can also be used alone as a topical healing oil. It has been known to heal inflammatory skin diseases including eczema, acne, and psoriasis, as well as burns and scars. Pain and stiffness in muscles and joints can be relieved too, when it is used as a rubefacient. Some studies have even suggested that it can be used post-operatively in surgical patients to help reduce pain.

Sufferers of urinary tract conditions may also experience some relief of discomfort as this oil can both regulate urine flow and production and reduce inflammation of the bladder. Colds, flu, bronchitis, and sinusitis can also be alleviated considerably through inhalation of the oil or by applying it to the chest and throat area. Phlegm is loosened naturally, relieving congestion which makes for easier breathing.

Where hair care is concerned, lavender has also proven itself to be an effective remedy for killing head lice, including the nits and eggs. Alopecia, or male pattern baldness, has also shown signs of reversal in studies where patients massaged the oil into their scalps regularly, indicating that it may help in preventing hair loss.

It is also associated with promoting healthy circulation of blood, which can reduce hypertension, and regulate blood pressure. This in turn, lowers the risk for developing arteriosclerosis or suffering a heart attack. The digestive processes are improved too, as the production of bile and gastric fluids is increased resulting in less incidence of indigestion and gas. Immunity against some infectious diseases is believed to be increased as well.

As with other natural healing products, there are some precautions when it comes to the safe use of lavender essential oil. Pregnant and nursing mothers, diabetic patients, and those with hyper-sensitive skin should avoid it unless instructed otherwise by a doctor. It must only be used topically or for aromatherapy purposes, never ingested, as this can cause illness.




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