Lavender oil, which is extracted from flowers from the lavender plant, is commonly used as a fragrance in soaps and various cosmetics. Traditionally, the scent of lavender was used to purify the body and spirit, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Research has determined that the scent of lavender has calming and sedative effects and, because of this, lavender oil is used for a variety of conditions. The production of lavender oil is not regulated by the FDA.
Insomnia
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies published in "Sleep Medicine Reviews" and the "Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi" journal reported that lavender oil can improve sleep quality and promote relaxation in people with sleeping disorders, such as insomnia. The use of lavender oil slowed the activity of the nervous system and elevated mood in insomniacs. A study published in the "International Journal of Neuroscience" reported that a massage that involved the use of lavender oil can lead to reduced anxiety, increased concentration, elevated mood and improved sleep quality.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hair loss that occurs in patches. A study found in the "Archives of Dermatological Research" determined that the people with alopecia areata who massaged their scalps with lavender oil and other essential oils experienced significantly more hair regrowth over a period of seven months than those who massaged their scalp without the use of essential oils. Because lavender oil was used in conjunction with other oils, however, it is unclear whether this benefit came from lavender oil alone or the combination of oils.
Postoperative Pain
A study published in the journal "Pain Practice" found that lavender oil could decrease the amount of pain after a major surgery. The study monitored patients who were recovering from a breast biopsy procedure and were either given oxygen or oxygen supplemented with lavender oil. The results concluded that the patients given lavender oil in addition to oxygen reported a significant decrease in pain.
Warnings
Lavender oil is not intended for internal use and should not be swallowed. If you swallow lavender oil, it can lead to lavender poisoning, which is characterized by blurred vision, burning eyes, pain in the throat, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rash and difficulty breathing. If you swallow lavender oil, do not induce vomiting. Contact the poison control center immediately. Prognosis depends on the amount of the oil swallowed and the amount of elapsed time before treatment, according to the "New York Times Health Guide."
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