Essential oils have been used historically to treat a variety of physical and emotional ailments, and lavender essential oil is one of the most frequently mentioned essential oils in traditional folklore. Making essential oil involves extracting the oil directly from a fresh lavender flower. The oil may be inhaled, applied directly to an affected area or added to another product, such as soap or bubble bath. There are a number of uses for lavender essential oil.
Improving Insomnia
Lavender essential oil can encourage relaxation and improve sleep for some people who have insomnia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Aromatherapy--in which a person inhales the fragrance of essential oil through a diffuser or other means--or massage with lavender essential oil seems to generate the best sleep improvement, according to the Center.
Promoting Hair Growth
People who had alopecia areata--a condition that causes substantial hair loss--had a marked improvement in hair growth after seven months of daily treatment with lavender essential oil and other essential oils, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In the study, participants rubbed lavender essential oil directly onto the scalp. Because the study used a combination of oils, including thyme, rosemary and cedarwood, the National Institutes of Health says more research using only lavender oil is needed to confirm the role it may play in hair growth.
Soothing Stress
Using lavender essential oils in aromatherapy can help ease stress, erase headaches and soothe tension for some people. For some, lavender can also be effective in minimizing symptoms of depression. For this reason lavender essential oil is a popular ingredient in bath products and other personal care products. Be aware, however, that lavender may interfere with the effectiveness of some depression medications, according to the National Institutes of Health, so if you're taking medication or herbal treatments for depression, talk to your doctor before using lavender essential oil.
Treating Wounds
Lavender essential oil has natural fungal-fighting properties, making it useful for treating wounds such as scrapes and scratches to prevent infection, though NYU's Langone Medical Center says that no scientific studies have properly supported this thesis. Because of its antifungal properties, lavender essential oil may also be used to treat skin conditions like acne or eczema. According to the National Institutes for Health, at least one small study showed lavender improved the effects of childhood eczema.
Treating Joint Pain
Lavender essential oil is sometimes used as a rub for sore or inflamed joints, which it seems to have a soothing effect on, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The oil can be massaged directly onto sore joints and muscles to help improve circulation and reduce discomfort.
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