What is lavender essential oil good for?
Lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils. It is known as the “universal oil”. It has good antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating, deodorizing and insect repelling properties, making it extremely useful. This natural essential oil is commonly used in soaps, lotions, shampoos and fragrances as well as for aromatherapy. In addition to being used in personal care items, lavender has been used to treat conditions ranging from anxiety and stress to insomnia.The name lavender comes from the Latin verb “lavare,” meaning “to wash. Lavender’s popular scent has commonly been used as an ingredient in bath products, perfumes, and aromatherapy. Lavender is promoted as an oral (by mouth) dietary supplement for calming anxiety, stress, and other conditions.Aromatherapy with lavender oil is considered possibly safe, but it may cause headache or coughing. Topical products containing lavender may cause allergic skin reactions in some people. A few cases of swelling of breast tissue have been reported in children who used topical products containing lavender.
Is lavender oil good for aging skin?
Yes, lavender oil is often used in anti-aging skincare. It’s rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce free radical damage. These free radicals can negatively impact skin tone and create dark spots. Lavender oil has many uses for treating the skin. It naturally reduces inflammation, lessens pain, and cleans the surface of the skin. You can use lavender oil on your face, legs, and hands. If you experience any side effects from using the oil, such as a skin rash, stop use and talk with a doctor.Diffusion: Add 5–10 drops to your diffuser to create a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for winding down before bed or alleviating everyday stress. Relaxing Bath: Mix 5 drops of lavender oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil) and add to warm bathwater for a serene soak.When topically applied through massage, lavender oil is found to rapidly be absorbed by the skin, resulting in a sedative and relaxing effect. You can either pat on oil from the bottle or use a rollerball. Apply to wrists, behind ears, and nape of neck throughout the day or as desired.You can mix a few drops into your favourite facial cleanser or moisturiser for a refreshing, calming boost. For a more targeted treatment, consider adding lavender essential oil to a carrier oil such as jojoba or rose hip oil, then applying it to specific areas of your face or body.
When not to use lavender essential oil?
If lavender oil gets into the eyes, it can cause irritation and burns. Lavender oil can also affect hormones. It has estrogenic and antiandrogenic effects. Prepubertal gynecomastia (breast development) has been reported with chronic use of lavender oil on the skin in both boys and girls. Lavender can cause allergic skin reactions and may increase sedative effects. It may also cause enlarged breasts in boys. Because it has weak hormonal activities, long-term oral or topical use of lavender should be avoided in patients with hormone-sensitive cancers.