Promotes Good Sleep
In the past, people filled their pillows with lavender flowers to help ensure quality sleep. Now it is scientifically proven— lavender aromatherapy can help you relax and sleep better.
A 2014 study published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that lavender aromatherapy can an effective way to improve sleep quality.
Plus, lavender oil helps stabilize your mood and balance strong emotions.
Put 3 or 4 drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue and put it under your pillow for inducing good sleep.
Also, add 10 to 12 drops of lavender essential oil to your aromatherapy diffuser in your bedroom.
Treats Respiratory Problems
Lavender oil can also be used to relax breathing passages and relieve respiratory problems. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help strengthen your ability to avoid asthma attacks.
A 2014 study published in the Life Sciences journal also found that inhalation of lavender essential oil can help suppress allergic airway inflammation and may help in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
Plus, lavender oil can help treat respiratory problems like cold and flu, bronchitis and throat infections.
Mix 5 or 6 drops of lavender oil in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil like jojoba oil or olive oil and gently rub the mixture on your chest twice daily for a few days.
You can also try steam inhalation treatment with lavender essential oil.
Another option is to add a few drops of this essential oil to your diffuser or humidifier.
Treats Fungal Infections
Lavender oil is also an effective remedy to fight antifungal-resistant infections. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil has potent antifungal effects against strains of fungi that cause common skin and nail infections.
It also helps soothe itchy skin, minor wounds, cuts, bruises or burns and reduces the risk of scarring.
Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil in 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the infected area.
Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry thoroughly.
Repeat twice daily until you get rid of the infection completely.
4. Fights Anxiety and Related Conditions
Lavender essential oil works as a sedative and helps reduce anxiety as well as panic attacks. Lavender aromatherapy unwinds the nervous system and induces relaxation, which helps lessen anxiety.
It also distracts your mind from anxiety-triggering situations. Plus, it helps suppress heart stimulation and lowers high blood pressure.
Put a few drops of lavender essential oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to ease anxiety.
Rub a few drops of lavender oil on your temples to help you relax.
Add a few drops of this essential oil to your massage oil and use it to massage your neck, back and shoulders.
Relieves Pain
Lavender oil has pain-relieving as well as anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. You can use it to treat sore muscles, leg pain, arthritis pain and even a backache.
In a 2006 study, patients who received oxygen with lavender aromatherapy after undergoing breast biopsy surgery experienced significant pain relief. This study was published in the Pain Practice journal.
A regular massage with olive oil mixed with a few drops of lavender oil can provide relief from joint and muscle pain.
Add several drops of lavender oil to warm bathwater and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes to keep aches and pain away.