Lavender Essential Oil

Description

Health Benefits

Like other essential oils, lavender essential oil is said to benefit your health in a variety of ways. However, many of its uses are not conclusive

Anxiety Management

Lavender essential oil can ease symptoms of anxiety, although how and why it helps is debated. One study reported that inhaling lavender reduced anxious feelings in the following situations:

Preoperative anxiety
Chest tube removal
Cosmetic procedures
Intensive care unit stays

In another study, postpartum women with anxiety demonstrated lower levels of anxiety after using a rose and lavender oil blend for 15 minutes twice weekly for one month.

As a bonus, using lavender essential oil offers a calming effect without sedation, dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal.

Sleep Aid

Studies have shown that inhaling essential oils — including lavender essential oil — may be a safe alternative to other medications for mild to moderate sleep disturbances.

Wound Healing

Using lavender essential oil can promote wound healing. It speeds up the rate of healing, increases the expression of collagen — which keeps your skin elastic and your joints healthy — and enhances the activity of proteins involved in rebuilding tissue.

Health Risks

Although using lavender essential oil can help manage your health, it can be harmful in rare cases.

Allergic Reaction

While most people that use lavender essential oil never experience negative symptoms, it can trigger an allergic reaction in some cases. When this does occur, it usually shows up as one of the following types of skin reactions:

Irritation (irritant contact dermatitis)
Allergic contact dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity)
Contact urticaria (immediate hypersensitivity)

Dermatitis is a common reaction your skin might have to any irritating. Usually, dermatitis involves dry, itchy, and reddened skin. You may develop a rash or experience some swelling. Sometimes your skin can blister or flake off.

You may be more familiar with urticaria’s common name — hives. These are swollen bumps that can appear suddenly on your skin. They can be reddish and may come with an itching or burning sensation.

Poisoning

Swallowing large amounts of lavender essential oil can be toxic for children and adults. The signs of lavender essential oil poisoning include:

Blurred vision
Breathing difficulties
Burning or painful throat
Confusion or decreased alertness
Diarrhea and stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting