Lavender Oil
Lavender is an herb native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. It has a calming and divine aroma.
Lavender is also grown for the production of its essential oil, which comes from the distillation of the flower spikes of certain lavender species.
The oil has cosmetic uses, and is also believed to have some medicinal uses.
Lavender essential oil, in contrast to the plant form, is toxic when swallowed.
The medicinal benefits of using lavender to treat anxiety, fungal infections, hair loss, and wounds have been demonstrated.
Lavender is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and should not be taken in place of approved and prescribed medicines, for this reason AROMAANCE does not recommend its use internally.
USES
The herb is highly regarded for skin and beauty and is commonly used in fragrances and shampoos to help purify the skin. Also some versions are used to add flavor to baked goods and foods.
There are also many medicinal properties associated with lavender.
BENEFITS
Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites.
Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.
Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling.
In addition to helping with digestive problems, lavender is used to help relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores. It can also be used to prevent hair loss.
It may help prevent or kill head lice, help curb skin inflammation,
Does lavender oil have side effects?
Never use the oils undiluted on your skin. If, despite using carrier oils, you get a rash, hives, or dermatitis, stop use immediately. It may be a sign that you’re allergic to lavender. Many people are.
Never ingest plain essential oils or get them in your eyes. If you accidentally get them in your eyes, wash your eyes out immediately with cool water.
Be cautious using or inhaling lavender if you take nervous system sedatives or depressants. There are known interactions with these medications that may exaggerate sleepiness or drowsiness. Other interactions are unknown.
Other than these considerations, using diluted lavender essential oil topically is perfectly safe.
Interactions
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warn people to be cautious when combining lavender with the following:
- drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and Ambien
- drugs to reduce blood pressure, such as captopril, enalapril, and losartan
If you are already taking the above, seek medical advice before adding lavender to your drug regimen.
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