Lavender oil, extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant, has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Translated in Latin, the word means "to wash" and refers to the purifying and cleansing role it fulfilled during ancient times. Lavender oil is used during massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture. Lavender oil is used as a remedy for a range of physical and psychological ailments.
Burns and Wounds
In 1910, French perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattefosse discovered the antiseptic qualities of lavender. After burning himself in his lab, he applied lavender oil to his burns. The lavender cooled the burns and accelerated the healing of his wounds. Applying lavender oil to a burn's dressing reduces pain, helps prevent scarring and hastens recovery. Dropping a small amount of lavender oil on minor cuts and scrapes quickens their healing processes.
Insomnia
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, folklore indicates that populations have used lavender as a way to treat sleeplessness or insomnia. People used to fill their pillowcases with lavender flowers to induce sleep. In modern-day treatment, dropping a small amount of lavender oil onto a pillowcase has been linked to improvements in quality of sleep. A small amount of studies indicate that lavender oil calms the nervous system, causes relaxation and makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Anxiety
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that participants who received a massage with lavender oil reported less anxiety than participants who received a massage with no oils. Rubbing lavender oil on the skin may release muscular tension and decrease irritable feelings. While the National Institute of Health reports that more studies are necessary to determine lavender's definitive role in the treatment of anxiety, research indicates that it helps create a calming and relaxing environment. Placing lavender oil in a bath or soaking your feet in lavender-infused warm water are two ways to use lavender to reduce anxiety.
Headaches
Inhaling lavender or dropping lavender oil on a pillowcase may reduce headache or migraine tension. Lavender's calming effect helps fight tension and pain. To treat headaches on the go, place three or four drops of lavender oil on a tissue and then inhale it for five seconds. During headaches, it is common for the neck, jaw and shoulder muscles to tighten--inhaling lavender may help these same muscles return to a relaxed state.
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