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While there are limited studies and trials that prove lavender oil soothes anxiety for good, a study in 2005 tested patients at a dental surgery and found that it improved their mood and reduced some of the stress while they waited for treatment. This may be because the oil can have an impact on the limbic system, a part of the brain that controls emotion, in a positive, anxiety-reducing way.
Image source Scripps HealthLavender oil may contribute towards relieving headache pain. If you massage the oil into your temples, your forehead and the base of your neck whenever you have a headache, it could ease the symptoms. Lavender oil is also thought to be effective for nervous and stress related headaches.
Image source Derma.comA component found in lavender called linalyl acetate might reduce hyper-pigmentation and discolouration. It could also be effective in healing wounds quicker. Mixing a couple of drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil (like pomegranate) and then patting the solution on to the areas with a cotton pad , could help you notice a difference in the appearance.
Image source Getty ImagesIt's long been thought that lavender oil's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help soothe and heal acne. The oil could work towards unclogging pores, reduce redness and soothe irritations. It might be an idea to use this combination after cleansing your face to kill bacteria and excess oil build-up.
Image source sleepwell.comWrinkles And Fine Lines
mage source The GuardianLet the antioxidant properties work to help fade fine lines and wrinkles over time. Just a few drops with coconut oil can be your new daily moisturizer. While it won’t completely change your skin's appearance, it can be a great addition to your skincare routine.
Sunburn
Image source DermalightWe already know lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory benefits work to help reduce redness and irritation but it's also suitable for sunburn. After a refreshing shower, apply a combination of three drops of lavender oil and two teaspoons of coconut oil to the irritated area and it may give you some much needed relief.Deodorant
Image source HealthlineIf you are conscious about not damaging the ozone layer by using an aerosol deodorant you will probably use a deodorant stick. They do last for ages but, if it runs out unexpectedly, consider a natural alternative by dabbing a few drops of lavender oil under your armpits.Nasal Congestion
Image source HealthlineA 2016 study investigated how aromatherapy oils impacted individuals dealing with allergies, the common cold and overall nasal congestion. The patients added a few drops into a diffuser or bowl of hot water and let the steam open up the airways. Most reported a positive impact in the nasal passage.Digestion
Image source The StatesmanThe aromatherapy oil is known for assisting in relaxing and calming the body, so adding a small amount to your tea, coffee or hot water water may improve digestion issues you may be experiencing such as trapped wind, stomach pain or constipation. It's worth giving it a go.
Dry Scalp
Image source KDVRThe antifungal and antimicrobial properties of lavender oil may help kill off any unwanted bacteria, dirt and product build-up. A 2014 review explained that its antimicrobial actives work to prevent bacteria from developing so minimizing any scalp issues such as itchiness, irritation and dandruff. Apply two or three drops to your hair care products or massage, with a carrier oil, into the scalp. Rinse thoroughly.Fingernail And Toenail Fungus
Image source Medical News TodayIf you are experiencing fingernail and/or toenail fungus, saturate a cotton swab with lavender oil and apply to the nails. Use a separate swab for each hand or foot to avoid it and repeat every day. You may notice a slow but definite improvement in the appearance of the nails.Chapped Lips
Image source Lipani SkincareMany people use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) when they suffer from chapped and cracked lips. This is effective but can make the lips greasy. Try lavender oil, diluted in a carrier oil, to help soothe those sore lips. It's also suitable to dab at the corners of the mouth if you feel a cold sore coming on.Menstrual Cramps
Image source Flo HealthLavender oil may help reduce the severity of menstrual cramping. Research in 2015 showed participants who were asked to smell lavender scent in the first 3 days of menstruation reported reduced pain. Another study showed it helped ease cramping when diluted and massaged on to the abdomen.Hay Fever
Image source GPonlineLavender oil may reduce the symptoms of hay fever. Putting a few drops in boiling water and using the steam to reduce allergic airway inflammation could give relief to that constant blocked nose that keeps running and which is very uncomfortable in the evening, when the pollen has settled.Lavender Cleaner
Image source TheKitchenAdd lavender oil to your all-purpose cleaner for a lovey, calm smelling cleaner with anti-bacterial properties. Added to water in a spray bottle, you have an instant, clean smelling, air freshener. Did you know that lavender was used in hospitals during the First World War because of these properties.Freshen Laundry
Image source LoveToKnowTry using lavender oil for the final rinse to freshen your laundry. You can easily do this by adding a few drops to a teaspoon of vinegar in the fabric softener compartment. The vinegar will help soften your wash and the lavender will give it a lovely smell which will linger, once the laundry has dried.Ironing
Image source Embassy CleanersIroning isn't a favourite chore for most of us but make it more bearable and easier by adding a couple of drops of lavender oil to a water spray (or to your steam iron). It should make pressing linen, in particular, easier. This is useful for the times you want to freshen your clothing in between washes.Mothballs
Image source MothballsNobody realises they have mothballs until they come to putting on that favourite sweater, hung up in the wardrobe, to find it smells funny and there is a little hole in it, eaten by moths. To reduce the risk of mothballs, including moth larvae, add lavender pouches to your wardrobe. Moths apparently hate the odour.Hair growth
Image source wikiHowThere’s limited research available to prove lavender oil promotes hair growth, apart from the 2016 study on mice) but the antibacterial properties which may help encourage tissue growth for wounds can be used for healthy cell growth. Lavender might also be useful in increasing circulation to the hair folliclesHair Mask
Image source HealthlineIf you are looking for something different to your usual hair mask product, get creative and make your own! Mix a combination of lavender oil and a carrier oil, work it through your hair for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, leave it in overnight to help the benefits take place.Room Spray
Image source Scented.comFor a 'greener' way of making your house sweeter smelling, instead of nasty plug-ins, which can sometimes be overpowering, put together 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, 10 drops of lavender oil and 6 tablespoons of distilled water. Pour into a spray bottle, shake and get spraying ... on sofa cushions, curtains, throws and of course around the room.Flavouring Meals
Image source SunshineCoast.comWhether you’re making a savoury dish like pork chops or a sweet treat of shortbread cookies, try a few drops of lavender oil to your meal. It gives the food a hint of a floral flavour and might just improve the taste! Be sure to read the instructions on the bottle firstInsect Bites
Image source NousaThere's nothing worse than being eaten alive by mosquitoes! The itch can become unbearable and you'll try anything for a bit of relief. If you mix a cup of water and 4 drops of lavender oil into a spray bottle before spraying the mixture onto your bites, it could assist with the discomfort. Maybe add a drop of peppermint oil for a tingling effect (better than the itch!).Muscle Soreness
Image source HealthlineAfter a long day, a nice, relaxing soak in the bath sounds like a great idea. If you have body aches and sore muscles, add a few drops of lavender oil to the water. Light some candles, play some soothing music and soak in the bath for 20 minutes or until the water goes cold. Feeling good now?Healthy Glow
Image source The Chill TimesHow many times have you walked past someone and wondered how their face has got a subtle glow about it even though they aren't wearing any make up. They could be adding a few drops of lavender oil to their face cream and body lotion to help enhance the appearance of their skin.For Cancer Side Effects
Image source Everything LavenderLavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy to deal with the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment. Research states that lavender oil may be beneficial in reducing the distress in cancer patients. It is thought that massage with lavender oil could help with stress due to breast cancer.Diabetes
Image source Diabetes UKIn a 15 day study conducted on lab rats, researchers observed that lavender oil 'significantly protected against the increase of blood glucose' and also was thought to help reduce oxidative stress attributed directly to lavender oil's 'potent antioxidant properties'.Right Type Of Lavender Oil
Image source Ubuy UJKWhen buying lavender oil make sure it is not 'fragrance' and is the therapeutic-grade, GMO free, 100% pure natural oil. Once you are in possession of the correct type, there are so many ways in which it may assist various issues, as shown above. It could be one of your best buys ever!