Relax With Some Lavender Oils

Posted: October 9th, 2017

Lavender oil is one of the most widely used essential oils today, as it has a classic, distinguishable scent and is a very versatile oil. Lavender oil has a botanic, sweet, and somewhat woody, relaxing scent. Distilled from lavender flowers from the evergreen shrub, this oil has been used for over 2,500 years. The ancient Romans and Greeks added lavender to baths to help purify and clean their skin. The word "lavender" originates from the Latin lavare, meaning "to wash."   Today, lavender oil is also recommended as a way to detoxify. A warm bath of lavender oil and Epsom salts are ideal for removing toxins while softening skin and decreasing stress. Lavender oil is popular in aromatherapy and massage therapy, as it has been shown to treat symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and migraine headaches. When used as a massage oil and rubbed directly onto problem areas, it relieves sore muscles, backaches, and sprains. Lavender oil contains chemical components that give it antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Routinely having a massage therapy treatment with lavender oil can provide relief from joint pain.  It will work to treat skin conditions like acne and psoriasis by killing bacteria and balancing hormone levels. With its ability to help form scar tissue, this marvelous oil also works to heal wounds, cuts, and burns. It can be used to repel insects like mosquitoes and fleas and can reduce bug bite itchiness.   The essential oils of lavender are most sought after for its relaxation properties. It is an alternative insomnia treatment as it promotes sound sleep. The oil has a relaxing effect so using it during massage helps with both psychological calming and physical loosening of muscles. It is considered one of the most integral essential oils because it is so versatile yet gentle.