Aside from smelling incredible, lavender essential oil has multiple therapeutic properties and applications ranging from topical to aromatic uses. Even though we love its topical benefits such as aiding in burn relief, our focus is instead on its inhalation benefits and how incorporating lavender aromatherapy into your life can benefit the mind and body.
Lavender essential oil is collected from the plant's flowering top through a process of steam distillation and is widely regarded as safe. It is comprised of many chemical constituents whose effects on the body range from regenerative to sedative to antihistamine. It has been well loved for centuries for its calming effect on the nervous system, helping to induce a restful night's sleep and cultivate a general sense of well being. Its sweet, floral scent has traditionally been used to manage nervous tension, aiding in reducing blood pressure, improving respiratory function, lowering feelings of anxiety, and enhancing mental clarity. Inhaling lavender oil has been found to inhibit sympathetic nerve activity while stimulating parasympathetic nerve activity, suggesting a strong connection between aromatic use of the oil and its calming effects on the nervous system.
Several studies have found that exposure to lavender odor can decrease the perception of stress and support the cardiovascular system by helping to regulate arrhythmia and tachycardia. Lavender has also been found to aid in appetite loss caused by grief and sorrow, post partum anxiety and depression, symptoms of withdrawal, and mood swings.
Seriously, what's not to love about lavender? When in doubt, it's our go-to. If you're looking for a lovely scent that adds a feeling of calm and cheer to your home, you've found it.