The Remarkable Benefits of Lavender
Have you ever had the wonderful experience of visiting a lavender farm? The rows and rows of lavender plants offer an exhilarating view that fills the air with the lovely fragrance of lavender plants in full bloom. If you are lucky, the lavender farm also has a shop that offers delicious cupcakes topped with lavender buttercream frosting and sprinkled with speckles of culinary lavender. Perhaps the shop also has of a variety of lavender hand or body creams, or lavender shampoo, or those wonderful dryer sheets that give your clothes a hint of lavender. Lavender in any form is simply lovely.
Studies show that lavender has a wide array of benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Ancient cultures believed lavender purified the mind and body. It was used as a bath additive in ancient Persia, Rome, and Greece. Today you might find a complementary bottle of lavender essential oil on the pillow of your hotel room after a weary day of travel. Just another unused amenity? Not so fast! It’s not always easy to fall asleep after a hectic day of travel, work at the office, or the never a moment to yourself days of child care. As you try to fall asleep, your mind is racing with what filled the day and what needs to happen tomorrow. The lovely smell of lavender can help with falling asleep, waking energized to take on another day. Just think of the benefits of a good night’s sleep!
Lavender aromatherapy has been shown to alleviate the severity of migraine headaches and reduced levels of anxiety and depression. While diffusing is a perfect way to take in the benefits of inhaling the fragrance of lavender, just holding a bottle of lavender to your nose and inhaling also reaps benefits.
Lavender essential oil combined topically with aloe has been used to treat acne and burns. Other skin conditions that seem to be helped by topical use of lavender are eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. It also has been shown to promote the healing of wounds. Now, just a caution here. Everyone is different, so what works well for many in a controlled study may not work for you. So, be sure to consult your doctor before using any essential oil on a skin condition or wound.
doTERRA offers several lavender products. Be sure to give these products a try. Bring the joy of a lavender farm to your home and take in the fragrance and benefits of lavender. You just may join me in calling this amazing essential oil Lovely Lavender!
DIY Calming Lavender Linen & Room Spray
This calming spray is gentle, natural, and a great way to harness the benefits of lavender essential oil daily.
Instructions:
1 cup (8 oz) distilled water
2 tablespoons witch hazel (helps the oil disperse and preserves the spray)
15–20 drops lavender essential oil
Small spray bottle (preferably glass or PET plastic)
Instructions:
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the distilled water and witch hazel.
Add 15–20 drops of lavender essential oil and stir well to combine.
Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle using a funnel if needed.
Shake gently before each use to redistribute the oil.
How to Use:
Lightly mist your pillow and sheets before bedtime to help promote restful sleep.
Spray in the air to freshen and calm any space, especially bedrooms, nurseries, or meditation areas.
Spritz onto clothes or in the car for a quick dose of lavender serenity on the go.
Lavender & Coconut Oil Body Butter
Perfect for:
Dry skin, after-shower hydration, and soothing irritated skin.
Ingredients:
½ cup shea butter
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup sweet almond oil (or jojoba oil)
15–20 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together.
Remove from heat and stir in sweet almond oil.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then add lavender essential oil.
Place the mixture in the fridge for about 1 hour, until semi-solid.
Whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
Store in a glass jar and use as needed.unmolding.