Oh, the sweet aroma of lavender. It’s used in various products, including aromatherapy, food and topicals. But can it do what the packages claim? And how can you make sure you’re using it safely?
Health Benefits
The most common way to experience the plant is through oils, which come from concentrated lavender extract. It contains compounds proven to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and act as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Some studies suggest it can help alleviate headaches, calm a fussy baby, improve sleep quality, and even relieve menstrual pain and cramps. Lavender can have a soothing and slowing effect on the central nervous system, so it’s best to stop using it at least two weeks before a surgical procedure.
How to Use Lavender
Aromatherapy
Lavender aromatherapy works by activating smell receptors, which, in turn, impact the emotional center of the brain, stimulating it in the same way as some sedative medicines.
An aromatherapist may use essential oils directly from a piece of cloth or indirectly through sprays, steam inhalations or vaporizers. Lavender-infused soaps or bath oils provide similar effects.
If you are pregnant, have severe asthma or have a history of allergies, speak to your primary care provider before trying lavender aromatherapy.
Food
While lavender can be mixed into foods, consuming lavender oil can burn and irritate the lining of your soft palate, throat and tongue. But you can add dried lavender to foods, like desserts, or steep it in tea. It can also be used to infuse a liquid sweetener like honey.
Topicals
Although lavender oil is in bath soaps, body sprays and massage oils, you shouldn’t apply it directly to your skin. Instead, mix it with another oil, like almond, coconut, jojoba or olive, before applying it to your skin. Be sure to not to apply lavender oil mixes on or near eczema symptoms, irritated skin, rashes or wounds without talking to your primary care provider first.
Buy High-Quality
The FDA doesn’t regulate herbal remedies like it does regular medicines, so it’s up to you to stay safe. When buying lavender oil or lavender-infused products, choose reputable dealers who list their ingredients and percentage of purity. Oils can degrade in clear, plastic containers, so stick to companies that use dark glass bottles. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t as pure as it should be.
Many people enjoy the pleasant, relaxing smell of lavender in any form it may come in. Several studies have found that this purple plant can help reduce or treat symptoms of a variety of health conditions. Try incorporating lavender into your life and see how it may help you.
