“When in doubt, try lavender out!”
In the
world of aromatherapy, few essential oils are as popular or as effective as
lavender. A familiar fragrance frequently associated with the English
countryside, the tiny purple flower has been dried and used in remedies and
concoctions for centuries.
Incredibly
versatile, today’s lavender essential oil is harvested using a method known as
steam distillation, a system a bit like a moonshine still which expresses the
fresh, floral and woodsy oil for use in a host of aromatherapy treatments (from
tinctures to “neat” dosages) using hot steam.
In the case
of lavender essential oil, its versatility is unmatched. In fact, it’s
sometimes easier to narrow down what it can’t do versus the exhaustive list of
what it can.
Despite
being the Swiss Army Knife of the aromatherapist’s arsenal there are three
primary purposes that lavender essential oil is put to: rest and relaxation, as
a remedy for insomnia and as a trust and security booster.
Lavender Oil for Rest & Relaxation
Not only is
lavender ridiculously effective for increasing the spirit of rest and
relaxation, it’s generally considered safe for small children and pregnant women
– two pretty considerable fan groups. You’ll frequently fin it in lotions and massage
oils and it’s a popular scent in candles. Because of the woodsy undertones, men
often don’t find it as offensive as they might more floral notes like rose or
ylang ylang.
Lavender
has been shown to calm down the nervous system an also to slow the heart rate
down.
Lavender Oil as an Insomnia Remedy
At bedtime
and bath-time, lavender is a clear winner. There is even some evidence to
suggest that lavender actually stimulates the brainwaves that naturally promote
deeper, more satisfying sleep.
What some
people don’t know is that large amounts of lavender in high concentrations can
actually have the opposite effect and serve as a stimulant. So, if your goal is
a good night’s sleep, less is more.
Lavender Oil as a Trust & Security Booster
A recent
study found that when measured against other essential oils, lavender is the
hands down winner to inspire feelings of trust and security. This could have
significant implications at negotiating tables, closing tables and even
first-date dinner tables.
Considering
how these three major benefits of lavender oil play upon one another’s
strengths, it should come as no surprise that lavender could be a powerful ally
in the quest to increase confidence in public speaking, presentations and other
intimidating social settings.
However,
for the sake of safety, be careful not to dose yourself with lavender oil while
driving or on long road trips. If you need to be alert and invigorated, either
skip lavender altogether or pair it with a stimulating citrus essential oil
like lemon, tangerine or grapefruit.
