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Using Lavender Oil to Destress, Unwind and Relax

Using Lavender Oil to Destress, Unwind and Relax

By Mathew Browns

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, for all those people who care about the real name of the plant) is an essential oil you will hear about all the time. The reason being is that there are so many uses for this oil. In this article we will talk about the two main ways of using it, topical use and aromatherapy. Now, why would you want to use lavender oil? Generally, most people use lavender essential oil for relaxation. Other uses for including but are not limited to: a more fulfilling rest and treating insomnia, anxiety, alopecia and postoperative pain.[2][3]

Lavender Oil is one of the most popular essential oils on the market. Due to this, there have been many studies done on the effectiveness of it. I will not bore you and list every single study I have read. However, I will tell you that lavender oil has proven to be effective. One of my favorite studies, looked at using lavender oil aromatherapy over a month. The subjects of the study, college students used it every night before sleeping. The results? Improved sleep overall for all the participants and reduced depression in those suffering from it.[2] Unfortunately, the benefits of lavender oil only persist as long as you keep up the on the use of it.

The second way, perhaps the more common way, is using lavender oil topically. Before I go any further, I must warn you that any essential used on the skin should be done in moderation, this is one of those times where less is more. One of the most prevalent, if not the most prevalent uses of lavender oil as a topical, is using it in an infused massage oil. There have been multiple studies done on using lavender oil as a topical treatment. In a study it was shown that within 20 minutes the main components of lavender oil can be detected in the bloodstream. However, by the time that 90 minutes has gone by most of the lavender oil will have been eliminated. [1] The nice thing about using lavender oil as a topical is that you get the benefits of aromatherapy at the same time as when you use it as a topical. This is why using it as a topical will generally give faster results since you will absorb it through your skin and breathe it in. 

Overall, you should use lavender oil to help you relax. A nice way to use lavender oil is to use it in your everyday personal care products. Getting lavender oil infused with soap, shampoo, or body wash are all easy ways to gain the benefits of lavender oil without getting yourself into a new difficult personal care regimen. 

Products you may like:

Lavender soap:  https://amzn.to/47zrgOR

Lavender shampoo and conditioner:  https://amzn.to/3Wkdr0w

Lavender Herb: https://amzn.to/491FDgf


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Resources:

[1] Jäger, W., Buchbauer, G., Jirovetz, L., & Fritzer, M. (1991, July 12). Percutaneous absorption of lavender oil from a massage oil. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 43(1), 1-6. Retrieved October 4, 2016.

[2] Lee, I. (n.d.). Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students. Europe PMC. Retrieved October 4, 2016.

[3] Li-Wei Chien L., Cheng, S., & Liu, C. (2011, June 6). The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Autonomic Nervous System in Midlife Women with Insomnia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1-8. Retrieved November 4, 2016.

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