Why Use Lavender Essential Oil

Essential oils are becoming super popular. Why? They're an awesome addition to people's every day wellness routines. But, if you're new to these amazing oils, it may seem overwhelming - there's an unlimited amount of knowledge surrounding essential oils out there and you may not know where to start. Well, not to worry friends! We are here to give you a rundown of one of the most commonly known essential oils (and one of our personal favorites) - Lavender!

Lavender essential oil comes from the lavender plant. Lavender's latin name is Lavandula angustifolia. This plant grows rampantly where it originated, all over the Mediterranean region and is not cultivated all over the world. The essential oil is made from the flowering tops of the lavender plant - this is what gives the essential oil its beautiful aroma. To extract the essential oil from the flowers, the plant goes through a process called steam distillation, in which the flowers are put into a steam distiller, where the steam flows through the flowers and isolates the volatile oils as it does this, in turn collecting and creating the final product. Lavender is one of the most versatile and safe essential oils to use, which is why I think it is a great started oil for anyone and everyone!

Lavender is a wonderful plant, it offers so much more than just a pretty smell. We've gather a few reasons why we like to use lavender essential oil...

1. Lavender is Relaxing

Lavender essential oil is known to calm the nervous system. It has been used to reduce headaches, stress, tension, nerve pain, vertigo, and other stress-related symptoms. The best way utilize lavender in this way is through an essential oil diffuser or added to a nice, hot bath!

2. Lavender is Anti-Inflammatory

Used diluted on the skin, lavender essential oil can support both a reduction of inflammation on the skin and also deeper than the skin. It can reduce redness, rashes, bug bite inflammation, acne, eczema, and psoriasis symptoms. If used in a massage oil and gently rubbed into the skin, it can also reduce deeper inflammation, whether it be muscle soreness, tension knots, or even sore joints. Lavender has quite a way with aches and pains!

3. Lavender Supports Digestion

Now, while we do not endorse the consumption of essential oils, lavender essential oil can still be very supportive to the digestive system when applied topically and massaged into the tummy. The potent volatile oils that make up lavender essential oil can penetrate the skin and make their way into the body, helping to support digestive upset, reduce gas and bloating as well as nausea. 

4. Lavender Fights Infection

Lavender essential oil is composed of many chemical constituents that can be used in very therapeutic ways. Lavender's chemical makeup is known to be anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, deodorizing, and even anti-parasitic. It can be a really wonderful tool when trying to fight off topical infections or heal topical wounds.

5. Lavender Repels Insects

One of the greatest parts about lavender is that it repels insects! The smell is off-putting to insects and will ward them off. Lavender is a great oil to add into a homemade bug spray or to diffuse to keep bugs from biting or stinging. It has even been used to ward off and rid lice - not usually the bug we think about when we say bug repellent!! 

We hope these tips open up your world to essential oils - we encourage you to give our Lavender Essential Oil from olivespa a try at home!

Let us know why you use lavender essential oil in the comments below!