Not only do those purple flowers of the lavender plant look pretty, but they provide some amazing health benefits as well. Lavender oil continues to be a common ingredient in many skincare products, plus it’s very popular in the form of an essential oil. Not only can it change the way you feel mentally, but it’s also great for your skin and can ease some of those pesky tummy troubles. So you’ll know exactly how lavender can help you in your day to day life, we’re sharing the top six health benefits of lavender…
1. It can help relieve anxiety.
If you struggle with anxiety, you know just how stressful a feeling it can be. But did you know that lavender has been used as an anxiety remedy for years? Well, it has! The next time you’re dealing with a bout of anxiety, try using a little lavender to start feeling yourself again. You can mix some lavender oil with coconut oil or another carrier oil and massage it into the skin. Apply it to pulse points or the bottoms of your feet for relief. There are even lavender capsules available that you can take.
2. Lavender can promote restful sleep.
Do you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night? We know just how rough that can be because you need your eight hours! To promote a restful night’s sleep, try incorporating a little lavender into your evening routine. Studies have shown lavender makes you drowsy, can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and help to put you in a relaxed state. So, it’s no wonder that it’s perfect for bedtime!
There are many fabric sprays made with lavender that are designed to be sprayed on your pillow at night to provide you with that peaceful feeling the plant’s fragrance can provide. Another great option is to use a diffuser to fill your room with the gorgeous scent of lavender as you drift off to dream land.
3. It can promote hair growth.
Did you know that the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database has rated lavender as potentially being an effective treatment for alopecia areata? Alopecia aerata is a condition in which one experiences hair loss, either from one area of their body or all areas. Studies have shown lavender can actually promote hair growth by up to 44% after seven months of treatment, which is pretty impressive! It just might be worth a try if you’re trying to grow your hair. It can also be a great remedy for fighting dandruff if you find your scalp is a little dry and flaky.
4. Lavender can help reduce bloating.
Bloating is typically the result of bad bacteria in your gut. If you’ve ever dealt with it, you know how uncomfortable it can feel and you’ve likely tried many remedies to get rid of it. But have you ever tried lavender? Lavender contains polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that can reduce any bad bacteria that’s lingering in your gut. Add some culinary lavender to your food to reduce bloat or try taking a lavender capsule to get relief.
5. It’s great for calming itchy skin.
Feeling a little itchy? Skip the itch cream and try lavender instead for a more natural remedy with zero nasty chemicals. Because it’s an anti-inflammatory, lavender can reduce itching, swelling, and redness in the skin. You can use lavender on its own or mix it with coconut oil to massage it into the skin and calm any irritation you may be experiencing.
6. Lavender can fight fungal infections.
Fungal infections may not be the most enjoyable thing to discuss, but it’s good to know how to treat them in case they ever come up. Lavender oil has been proven to be effective when fighting certain fungi, such as nail fungus. This oil will attack fungal cells at the cell membrane, which is what makes it so powerful. It has even been used in the healing of wounds!
