Lavender oil is an essential oil derived from the lavender plant. It can be taken orally, applied to the skin, and breathed in through aromatherapy.
Lavender oil can benefit the skin in numerous ways. It has the ability to lessen acne, help even skin tone, and reduce wrinkles. It can even be used to treat other things, such as improving hair health and digestion.
What are the benefits of Lavender essential oil?
Lavender oil has traditionally been used for a variety of purposes, including:
Soothes eczema and dry skin
Can aid in evening skin tone
Protect you from the free radicals that cause wrinkles
Natural anti-inflammatory
Wound-healing properties
Insect repellent
Helps promote hair growth
May help prevent or kill head lice
Has a calming effect and divine fragrance
Like many essential oils, researchers have been working to evaluate the potential health benefits of Lavender oil and its components.
How to use Lavender essential oil?
For acne
Lavender oil works to kill bacteria, and this can prevent and heal acne breakouts. It unclogs pores and reduces inflammation when you put it on your skin.
To use lavender oil for acne, dilute it in coconut oil or another carrier oil, and apply it to your skin after washing your face.
You can also use lavender oil as a facial toner by mixing 2 drops of lavender oil with 1 teaspoon of witch hazel. Soak a cotton ball in the blend and then gently rub it over your face.
For eczema
With eczema, your skin gets dry, itchy, and scaly. It can appear mild or chronic and in multiple locations. Since lavender has antifungal properties and reduces inflammation, it can help keep eczema at bay.
To use this essential oil for eczema, mix 2 drops with an equal amount of tea tree oil, along with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. You can use it daily.
Anti-inflammatory
To treat the inflammation on a burn, combine 1 to 3 drops of lavender oil and 1 to 2 teaspoons of moringa or coconut oil. You can apply the mixture three times a day.
If you have a sunburn, a lavender oil spray can help. In a spray bottle, combine a quarter cup of aloe vera juice, 2 tablespoons of distilled water, 10 to 12 drops of lavender oil, and jojoba oil. Shake the bottle and spray onto your sunburn. Use the spray two or three times a day until the sunburn heals.
Insect repellent
Lavender oil does double duty for insect bites. It acts as an insect repellent, and it can relieve itching after a bite occurs. Many commercial mosquito repellents contain lavender oil.
Both candles and sprays can be used to repel mosquitos and other bugs. You can add 7 drops to the candle and put it outdoors.
For a spray, mix 8 ounces of water and 4 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle and shake it. Because it’s a natural remedy, you can spray it on your body and your clothes before you go outside.
For hair
Want to get the very best of lavender oil’s hair growth and scalp benefits? Massage diluted lavender oil onto your scalp.
You can dilute the lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. You should mix the essential oil and carrier oil in equal parts.
This is best to do following a bath or shower. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse out afterward (if desired). You can leave it in overnight with your hair wrapped in a towel if you want maximum benefits. You’ll also experience lavender’s calming and lovely scent as well as some scalp-healing effects.
Are there any side effects?
Make sure not to apply too much oil to the scalp or products. Too much essential oil can irritate the skin. To avoid this, always use a carrier oil when using plain oils.
If, despite using carrier oils, you get a rash, hives, or dermatitis, stop use immediately. It may be a sign that you’re allergic to lavender. Many people are.
Never ingest plain essential oils or get them in your eyes. If you accidentally get them in your eyes, wash your eyes out immediately with cool water.
Be cautious using or inhaling lavender if you take nervous system sedatives or depressants. There are known interactions with these medications that may exaggerate sleepiness or drowsiness. Other interactions are unknown.
Other than these considerations, using a diluted lavender essential oil topically is perfectly safe.
The bottom line!
Lavender oil has many uses for treating the skin. It naturally reduces inflammation, lessens pain, and cleans the surface of the skin. You can use lavender oil on your face, legs, and hands.
Lavender oil can be a safe and valuable add-on to your hair care regimen. Studies show it may promote hair growth and prevent thinning.
It may also have other perks for overall scalp and hair health. There are also many ways to apply it to your hair or use it with (or in) your favorite products.
Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns before using Lavender oil.