Lavender's native range in the rocky, mountainous areas around the Mediterranean contrasts with the plant's delicate color and fragrance. Dry lavender flowers are a favorite in potpourri, air-freshening sachets and even tea. Lavender essential oil carries the same scent and also has medicinal properties. Soothing the skin and calming the nerves are among this oil's greatest strengths.
Healing the Skin
According to the University of Maryland, René-Maurice Gattefossé, founder of the science of aromatherapy, discovered lavender oil's healing potential after using it to treat lab-accident burns. The oil may also help heal minor wounds, treat skin conditions like acne and eczema, as well as kill skin fungi like Candida albicans. For relief from mosquito bites and minor insect stings, once you've cleaned the affected area, dab on well diluted lavender oil before bedtime.
Relieving Insomnia
The soothing fragrance of lavender has long been a traditional sleep aid, and recent research supports this use. Study participants with mild insomnia experienced significant relief when they slept with a lavender-filled vaporizer in the room, found a study published in the August 2005 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." Women and younger people improved most. For better sleep, place an aroma diffuser in your bedroom or massage lavender oil into your skin before bedtime.
Easing Anxiety
Both the scent and active compounds in lavender oil appear to slow activity of the nervous system and promote relaxation. Anxious dental patients felt calmer in a lavender-scented waiting room, a 2009 study from King's College London, UK discovered. In those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the lavender oil preparation Silexan may be an effective alternative to benzodiazepines, reported researchers from a study published in the February 2010 issue of "Phytomedicine."
Reducing Dementia-Related Agitation
Agitated behavior is a frequent symptom of dementia, and lavender oil may provide some relief. Slightly over half of study participants with dementia showed less agitation when their rooms were scented with lavender, found 2002 research from the University of Southampton, UK. Conversely, lavender scented sachets did little to decrease agitation, a study published in the June 2004 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" noted. Researchers suggested that because dementia sufferers often have an impaired sense of smell, applying lavender oil to the skin may be more effective.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aromatherapy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lavender
- University of Vermont: Insect Bites and Stings
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; A Single-blinded, Randomized Pilot Study Evaluating the Aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a Treatment for Mild iInsomnia; Lewith GT, et al.; August 2005
- "Community Dental Oral Epidemiology"; The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety levels: a cluster randomised-controlled trial; Kritsidima M, et al.; February 2010
Member Comments