Health Benefits of Lavender
The scent and flavor of lavender are wonderful, but the bonus comes from its wide range of health benefits, which we will explore in greater detail below.
1. Protects Heart Health
The relaxing qualities of lavender, which come from its organic compounds and antioxidants, also help the heart by reducing blood pressure and easing the tension on blood vessels. This can prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems, thus lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack.
2. Treats Sleep Issues
If you frequently fight with insomnia, apnea or restless sleep patterns, it can adversely impact your life, as suggested by a research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. By brewing a few lavender flowers in hot water, you can steep a wonderful tea that has been used to induce sleep and relaxation for thousands of years. This is closely linked to the flower’s impact on the nervous system, and can also help clear your mind of negative thoughts. It is commonly used in meditation techniques and its essential oils are used in aromatherapy.
3. Skin Care
An easy method to care your skin is by filling a spray bottle with lavender flowers. When your skin is feeling dry or irritated, simply spray some of the infused water on the area, and enjoy quick relief. This can also work for chronic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
4. Reduces Anxiety & Stress
According to research in the journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, there are a number of methods of using lavender to soothe anxiety and stress. The natural organic compounds in its leaves and flowers can be ground between the fingers and then rubbed onto the temples. This topical application can calm the body and mind by relieving anxious thoughts and balancing the mood. Apart from this topical application, you can also brew lavender tea and achieve much the same effect. The antioxidant components in it can impact the endocrine system to lower the levels of stress hormones in the body.
5. Lessens Menopausal Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are a common menopause symptom that affects many women. It causes a sudden feeling of heat over the body, and it can make the face flushed and trigger perspiration. But lavender aromatherapy for 20 minutes twice a day may help reduce menopause flashing and improve quality of life.
6. Anti-inflammatory Qualities
Everyone is looking for a reliable way to relax the body and mind, and lavender takes care of both. If you add these flowers to your bathwater and take a nice long soak, the anti-inflammatory components can help in decreasing the inflammation, according to research published in Phytochemicals in the University of Trieste, Italy. The antioxidant properties of lavender are also quite powerful and it is one of the most trusted applications of its flowers.
7. Antiseptic Ability
Although many people turn to lavender for relaxation and aroma therapeutic applications, its effect on treating infection is impressive, to say the least. Many people apply crushed leaves on wounds and injuries for speedier healing of wounds as well as to prevent the development of infections on them.
8. Prevents Digestive Issues
Polyphenols found in lavender have a wide range of effects on the body. It can prevent the development of harmful bacteria and the accumulation of gas in the gut, as per herbal medicine expert. This will ease stomach discomfort, reduce bloating, and eliminate cramping. Chewing on its leaves or drinking its tea can be effective too.
9. Hair Care
If you suffer from hair loss or any other condition that affects the quality of your locks, seek out lavender-based shampoos. Be aware that some of the organic cosmetic products can be quite expensive, while others which claim to be derived from it may still contain harsh chemicals. You can steep lavender flowers like a tea and then apply the mixture to your hair. This will function as an effective shampoo and significantly boost the health of your follicle beds and hair.
10. Help Combat Fungus Growth
There are number of research highlighting the potential antifungal activity of lavender. Research suggests lavender essential oil may be effective in inhibiting the growth of certain types of fungus, such as C. albicans. Oil could also act as remedy for treating athlete’s foot and ringworm, which are also caused by fungus, according to previous research.
11. Heals migraine headaches
Breathing in lavender essential oil is supposed to be an effective and safe treatment option for migraine headaches. In one research, patients suffering from migraine attacks reported significant improvements after 2-3 drops of lavender oil were rubbed onto to their upper lip in the early stages of an attack.
12. Bug Repellent
Smell of lavender essential oil is powerful for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges, and moths. Apply some lavender oil on the exposed skin when outside to prevent these irritating bites. Additionally, if you do happen to be bitten by one of those bugs, lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that will decrease the irritation and the pain associated with bug bites.
13. Treats Respiratory Disorders
Lavender oil is extensively used for numerous respiratory problems including throat infection, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. Oil is either used in the form of vapor or is applied to the skin of neck, chest, and back. It is also added to many vaporizers and inhalers that are commonly used for cold and cough. The stimulating nature of lavender essential oil can also loosen up the phlegm and relieve congestion related with respiratory conditions; therefore speeding up the recovery process and helping the body naturally eliminate phlegm and other unwanted material. Vapor of lavender essential oil also has antibacterial qualities which can fight respiratory tract infections.
14. Improves Blood Circulation
Lavender essential oil is also good for improving circulation of blood in the body. Research suggests that aromatherapy using lavender oil has beneficial effects on coronary circulation. It also lowers blood pressure and is often used as a treatment for hypertension. This means that not only do the organs increase their levels of oxygenation, promoting muscle strength and health, but brain activity can have a noticeable boost, skin remains bright and flushed with blood, and the body is protected from the risks of heart attack and atherosclerosis often associated with poor blood circulation.
15. Treats Eczema
It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns because it improves the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is also added to chamomile to treat eczema.
16. Effective painkiller
Lavender oil consists of analgesic property and is proven to be remarkable when it comes to treating different types of pains like headache, sprain, rheumatism, migraine, muscle pains, etc. Lavender oil relieves the pain and calms the affected area.