Lavender oil has been used for medicinal purposes as well as cosmetics for centuries. Lavender oil is extracted from a plant called Lavandula angustifolia. The primary components of lavender oil are linalool (51%) and linalyl acetate (35%). Other components include α-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, cis- and trans-ocimene, 3-octanone, camphor, caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol and lavendulyl acetate.
Linalool and linalyl acetate can affect as an analgesic. Linalool and linalyl acetate molecule found in lavender oil will get into the nervous system, through the sense of smell, respiratory system and skin.
Lavender Oil Benefits And Properties
Here are some of the benefits and properties of lavender oil for health:
1. Anxiety
A study conducted by the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan, showed that linalool, a compound found in lavender oil showed anti-anxiety effects. These findings support the use of lavender oil is traditionally a drug used to treat anxiety.
2. Treating Wounds
Lavender oil effectively used to treat wounds and fight infection. The content of linalool in lavender oil has strong antiseptic properties, making it ideal to kill viruses and bacteria.
Here are tips to use lavender oil to treat wounds.
Make sure you buy a genuine lavender oil so as to provide effective results. There are many types of lavender plants, but only Lavendula augustifolia, Lavendula Spica, and Lavendula stoechas are known to have healing qualities.
Perform tests before applying lavender oil on the wound. because some people may experience allergic. Dilute lavender oil with olive oil or jojoba if you see a mild allergic reaction. Mix 1 part lavender oil with 10 parts of other essential oils will help ensure you avoid allergy such as itching, dry skin, or redness.
Apply 1 drop of lavender oil on the wound to help stop bleeding. Repeat rubbing lavender oil on the wound two or three times a day to keep luks clean and prevent infection. Continue to use lavender oil each day even after closing the wound to help regenerate skin cells, accelerate wound healing and reduce scar formation.
3. Maintaining Healthy Skin
Linalool in lavender oil is also beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. When applied topically, lavender oil helps relieve skin irritations, clear acne, heal burns, bruises, and scars.
Using lavender oil to treat acne can be an alternative treatment if otherwise not being successful. Use of pure lavender oil to treat the acne that almost broke. However, be careful not to apply lavender oil all over the face. Pure lavender oil with a high concentration may not be suitable for all skin types.
For acne on other body parts such as arms or back, use lavender oil to bath. Add a few drops of lavender oil in the bath water and then soak in the tub for about 15 minutes. Lavender is known to relax the tension and stress. Lavender bath before bed will make your night's rest more soundly.
4. Insomnia
Lavender beneficial for reducing stress and tension, and is used in aromatherapy to help relieve insomnia.
5. Oil for Massage
Lavender oil is used as a massage oil to relax muscles and relieve tension. Lavender oil, rich in esters, compounds that help prevent muscle cramps.
6. Improve Mood
Esters in lavender oil also helps regulate mood, making it useful to relieve anxiety, tension, and depression.
7. Relieve Migraine
Since ancient oil of lavender is known as an effective analgesic. Here are tips to use lavender oil to relieve migraines.
Only use pure Lavender oil for treating migraines. Apply two drops of lavender oil on the temples, forehead, or nape of the neck. This allows the oil to penetrate the points that cause pain. or Apply 2-3 drops of pure lavender oil on the pillow before lying down. You can also add 2-3 drops of lavender oil on the diffuser so that the aroma of lavender oil spreads throughout the room. Set your breathing. Start by taking a deep breath slowly to take the scent of lavender oil.
8. Preventing hair loss
Besides being able to make your mind relaxed, lavender oil is one of the best natural oils for hair. Lavender essential oil content in it is also effective in preventing hair loss and works to combat excess oil. By mixing 15 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 tablespoons of almond or olive oil, you can start your own hair care.
Negative Side Effect of Lavender Oil
However, like other treatments, there are some side effects of lavender oil you need to know. Here are some of the side effects of lavender oil.
Side Effects in Children
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 stated that lavender oil may be safely used by children because it can cause hormonal disturbances resulting in abnormal breast growth. It is advisable to give lavender oil topically in children and only in diluted doses.
Allergy
Some people are allergic to lavender. Some allergy symptoms include nausea, vomiting, chills, and headaches when inhaling lavender oil or rub it on the skin. Those who are allergic or sensitive to lavender oil should stop using it and consult a doctor.
Surgery
Lavender can slow down the performance of the central nervous system and may enhance the effects of anesthesia. Do not take lavender oil for at least two weeks before making any medical operation.
Drug interactions
Sedatives such as barbiturates and chloral hydrate may interact with lavender oil. The combination of a sedative and lavender oil can increase the sedative effect. Lavender oil also has the potential to interact with other herbs. So be sure to consult a doctor before taking lavender oil, when you're doing other treatments.
Other Side Effects
Some people report increased appetite and constipation when taking oral lavender oil. Due to the effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding yet fully known, it is advisable to avoid lavender oil in these periods.
