What is Lavender Essential Oil?

Lavender oil is an essential oil that is mostly used in the perfume industry and is obtained from the flowers of the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis). It is obtained through the distillation process, in which steam is passed through the flowers and the oil is collected from the steam. Lavender oil is widely used mainly in aromatherapy and body care products.

Lavender Essential Oil Benefits

Lavender oil has many benefits in terms of therapeutic importance and health care. It has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, promoting physical fitness and mental health. Here are some of the top benefits of lavender Essential oil.

• Skin Care: With its antiseptic properties, lavender oil is beneficial for skin care. It is used to calm minor burns, cuts, and irritations. It can be used to treat acne, redness, and sunburn.
• Mood Enhancement: : Mood change due to lavender oil is well-known. It helps in minimising depression, anxiety and stress thereby maintaining a relaxed state of mind.
• Hair Care: Lavender oil helps to grow hair and controls dandruff well. It can be added to shampoo or used to make homemade hair masks to improve the nourishing scalp.
• Mental Health: Lavender oil can help reduce anxiety and depression with its exceptional properties, which directly involve improving overall emotional and mental health.
• Sleep Aid: Lavender oil is most commonly used as a natural sleep aid because it has a sedative effect on people. Diffuse lavender oil in the bedroom or spray a few drops on the pillow for restful sleep. 
• Digestive Health: Lavender oil has anti-spasmic properties, which help in solving digestive issues such as vomiting and intestinal gas. 
• Pain Relief: It has analgesic properties, so applying this oil through massaging will give relief from headaches, muscle pains, and joint aches.

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil?

The uses of lavender oil depend on the purpose for which it is used. You can put it on your skin or use it as steam for aromatherapy. but if we know the right way to use it, it will be more effective and comfortable for us.

Aromatherapy

• Diffusion: Put a few drops of the lavender oil into a diffuser full of water to diffuse in your home or at work. Inhale the aromatic vapour that helps one relax and reduces stress. 
• Inhalation: Put one or two drops of the lavender oil onto a tissue or a cotton ball and directly inhale

Topical Application

• Massage Oil: Use 2-5% of the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil and massage into the skin. Massage gently onto the skin for stress and anxiety relief.
• Bath: Add a few drops of oil to warm water with a carrier oil. Sit down in the water for 15-20 minutes for the absorptive option to massage your sore muscles.
• Skin Care: Take a mixture of lavender oil with a carrier oil to soothe minor skin irritations.

Precautions While Using Lavender Oil?

• Dilution: Lavender oil has to be diluted all the time with a carrier oil before use on the skin; it may cause skin irritation, especially to sensitive skin.
• Ingestion: Lavender oil is not preferred for internal consumption without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, as it can be toxic.
• Pregnancy: While lavender oil is usually considered safe for aromatherapy during pregnancy, for safety it's best practice to consult with a doctor before using it. It should also be used with caution while breastfeeding.
• Medical Conditions: If you are taking medications, consult your doctor before using lavender oil, as it may interact with certain medicines and result in a side effect. 
• Quality: High-quality, pure lavender essential oil from a trustworthy or branded company should also be used. Synthetic oils must not be used because they contain harmful ingredients that can cause serious problems.

Conclusion

Lavender oil is widely used as an essential oil. It has many benefits for health and wellness. Many trustworthy brands sell high-quality oil, which gives you relief and makes you feel comfortable. With some precautions and proper use, you can be sure to get the best benefits.