Secrets of Lavender Essential Oil Exposed!

“When in doubt, try lavender out!”

In the world of aromatherapy, few essential oils are as popular or as effective as lavender. A familiar fragrance frequently associated with the English countryside, the tiny purple flower has been dried and used in remedies and concoctions for centuries.

Incredibly versatile, today’s lavender essential oil is harvested using a method known as steam distillation, a system a bit like a moonshine still which expresses the fresh, floral and woodsy oil for use in a host of aromatherapy treatments (from tinctures to “neat” dosages) using hot steam.

In the case of lavender essential oil, its versatility is unmatched. In fact, it’s sometimes easier to narrow down what it can’t do versus the exhaustive list of what it can.

Despite being the Swiss Army Knife of the aromatherapist’s arsenal there are three primary purposes that lavender essential oil is put to: rest and relaxation, as a remedy for insomnia and as a trust and security booster.

Lavender Oil for Rest & Relaxation

Not only is lavender ridiculously effective for increasing the spirit of rest and relaxation, it’s generally considered safe for small children and pregnant women – two pretty considerable fan groups. You’ll frequently fin it in lotions and massage oils and it’s a popular scent in candles. Because of the woodsy undertones, men often don’t find it as offensive as they might more floral notes like rose or ylang ylang.

Lavender has been shown to calm down the nervous system an also to slow the heart rate down.

Lavender Oil as an Insomnia Remedy

At bedtime and bath-time, lavender is a clear winner. There is even some evidence to suggest that lavender actually stimulates the brainwaves that naturally promote deeper, more satisfying sleep.

What some people don’t know is that large amounts of lavender in high concentrations can actually have the opposite effect and serve as a stimulant. So, if your goal is a good night’s sleep, less is more.

Lavender Oil as a Trust & Security Booster

A recent study found that when measured against other essential oils, lavender is the hands down winner to inspire feelings of trust and security. This could have significant implications at negotiating tables, closing tables and even first-date dinner tables.

Considering how these three major benefits of lavender oil play upon one another’s strengths, it should come as no surprise that lavender could be a powerful ally in the quest to increase confidence in public speaking, presentations and other intimidating social settings.

However, for the sake of safety, be careful not to dose yourself with lavender oil while driving or on long road trips. If you need to be alert and invigorated, either skip lavender altogether or pair it with a stimulating citrus essential oil like lemon, tangerine or grapefruit.

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