Lavender has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2,500 years. Today lavender is the most popular essential oil in the world. Compounds contained in the oil have antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibiotic effects. Scientific studies back up the wisdom of the ancients. Here are just 7 evidence-based uses for lavender essential oil:
1. Relieve Anxiety
A German study confirmed that lavender oil is more effective than placebo in relieving anxiety in elderly patients. The researchers concluded that it would be an effective and well-tolerated alternative to synthetic drugs.
2. Improve Sleep
Several studies show the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in sleep-related disorders. In one study of 158 new mothers, women were assigned to two random groups. One group dropped lavender oil on a cotton ball and inhaled 10 deep breaths before going to sleep. They also kept the lavender ball near their pillow until morning. They did this four times a week. A control group did the same thing with a placebo oil rather than lavender. After eight weeks, women inhaling lavender had a significant improvement in their sleep quality compared to the control group.
3. Ease Premenstrual Symptoms
It is estimated that 45 percent of women suffer from moderate to severe dysmenorrhea. This condition develops at the time of menstruation and can cause cramps, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and headaches. A lavender oil massage can help relieve dysmenorrhea. In one study from Turkey, 44 midwifery or nursing students administered a self-massage with either lavender oil or petroleum oil as a placebo. The lavender oil was found to reduce menstrual pain at a statistically significant rate. The researchers noted that topical application of lavender oil relaxes the muscles, improves blood supply to the tissues, and increases elasticity. And the active compounds in lavender oil remain on the skin for about 90 minutes after the massage. In addition, the oil – after topical use or inhalation – is absorbed into the blood stream.
In addition to pain many women suffer with emotional stress during their menstrual periods. A Japanese study found that inhaling lavender can help. Researchers studied 17 women in their early 20s with mild to moderate premenstrual symptoms. The women inhaled either lavender or water. They found that inhaling lavender for just 10 minutes significantly increased the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system compared to the water. In addition, psychological tests showed that lavender significantly decreased feelings of depression/dejection and confusion as long as 35 minutes after inhalation.
4. Reduce Pain
Lavender is proven to relieve pain. In one study 106 patients undergoing peripheral venous cannulation (PVC) were divided into two groups. PVC is a procedure in which a tube is placed inside a vein to draw blood or administer fluids, medications, nutrition, chemotherapy, or blood products. One group of patients received lavender aromatherapy and the other received sham aromatherapy. After the PVC procedure, the pain scores of the lavender group were significantly lower than the placebo group. In addition, patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the lavender group.
5. Lessen Stress
In addition to relieving anxiety and pain, lavender oil can help reduce physiological signs of stress. In a study of 20 healthy volunteers Thai researchers compared lavender to sweet almond oil. They measured the subjects’ blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature to determine the level of stress in the autonomic nervous system. In addition, subjects were asked to estimate their mood responses such as feeling pleasant or unpleasant, uncomfortable, sensual, relaxed, or refreshed. The results revealed that inhaling lavender oil caused significant decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature. In addition, the lavender group said they felt more active, fresher, and more relaxed than the almond oil group.
6. Clear Vaginal Yeast Infections
About 75 percent of women experience a vaginal candidiasis infection at least once in their lifetime. The culprit in 85 to 90 percent of these cases is the Candida albicans fungus. Conventional medicine uses the drug clotrimazole to treat vaginal infections. It has side effects like increased liver enzymes, painful urination, and depression. In a recent study researchers compared lavender essential oil with clotrimazole on the C. albicans fungus in the lab. After 48 hours the fungal cell count was lower for lavender than for clotrimazole.
7. Heal Mouth Ulcers
Lavender oil has been shown to help heal mouth ulcers. In a study of 115 patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers, subjects were treated with lavender oil or placebo. The lavender group had a significant reduction in inflammation and ulcer size. In addition, the healing time was faster by two to four days in the lavender group. And pain relief was noted from the first dose of lavender.
Be sure to pick up your bottle of Dr Jocelin’s Practitioner Grade Lavender Essential Oil on your next visit to Whitaker’s Natural Market.
Portions of this health tip are from GreenMedInfo.
