Now, let's get to what you've been waiting for: lavender's amazing health benefits!
Since ancient times, many texts and journals from laymen, shamans, holistic practitioners, and studies in Western medicine have been convinced that lavender has alleviated symptoms and aided various conditions. Modern science has validated many of its health benefits, while many others still need to be researched.
Lavender may be beneficial for the following:
- insomnia
- anxiety
- headaches
- chemotherapy side effects
- acne
- burns
- eczema and dry skin
- wound healing
- mood issues
Insomnia
Lavender has been a popular traditional remedy for people struggling with insomnia and other sleep-related issues. Historically, individuals would fill their pillows with the fragrant flowers of lavender to promote relaxation and help facilitate a restful night's sleep. Research indicates that inhaling the soothing aroma of lavender may positively impact sleep quality. A systematic review conducted in 2014 revealed that the inhalation of essential oils, including lavender, had a beneficial effect on individuals experiencing mild sleep disturbances. This suggests that lavender's gentle and calming scent may enhance sleep for those needing support. (Lillehei A.S., Halcon L.L., 2014)
Several smaller studies have uncovered further advantages of using lavender to address sleep problems. For example, a study carried out in 2015 demonstrated that individuals who utilized lavender aromatherapy reported feeling rejuvenated upon waking up. (Lillehei A.S., Halcón L.L., Savik K., and Reis, R., 2015) A different research study focusing on individuals experiencing anxiety disorders found that the oral administration of lavender oil contributed to longer sleep duration at night. (Kasper, S., Gastpar, M., Müller, W. E., Volz, H. P., Möller, H. J., Dienel, A., & Schläfke, S., 2010)
Anxiety
In a comprehensive meta-analysis conducted in 2019, it was found that individuals suffering from anxiety disorders benefited from the use of 160-milligram lavender oil capsules. These individuals experienced notable reductions in their anxiety levels, suggesting that lavender may offer effective support for people dealing with anxiety. (Yap, W.S., Dolzhenko, A.V., Jalal, Z., Hadi, M.A., Khan, T.M., 2019)
Various other research studies have observed comparable findings. One study particularly close to my heart is a 2015 endeavor involving 60 individuals in a coronary intensive care unit. The researchers discovered that individuals who received treatment with lavender essential oil experienced reduced anxiety levels and improved sleep compared to those who did not receive this treatment. (Karadag, E., Samancioglu, S., Ozden, D., Bakir, E., 2017)
A 2010 study indicated that lavender may cause increased drowsiness. The study compared lavender capsules to the anti-anxiety medication lorazepam and concluded that the effects of lavender on alleviating anxiety were comparable to those of the prescription drug. (Woelk, H., and Schläfke, S., 2010)
Headaches and migraine
An interesting study from 2016 found that individuals with migraines who participated in three months of lavender therapy experienced significant relief. The study results showed that the lavender therapy participants had lower scores on a headache assessment scale than those in the control group. This suggests that the calming effects of lavender may potentially soothe and alleviate the symptoms of headaches and migraines. If you ever struggle with persistent headaches or migraines, incorporating lavender therapy into your routine might be worth considering based on the promising findings of this research. (Shahram, R., Forough, N., Fereshteh, G., Fatemeh, Y., Hassanzadeh, A., 2016)
Additionally, in a study conducted in 2012, a group of 47 participants suffering from migraines were asked to inhale lavender essential oil for a duration of 15 minutes. After the inhalation, the participants reported a noticeable reduction in both the severity and frequency of their headaches. This suggests a potential beneficial effect of lavender essential oil in managing migraine symptoms. (Sasannejad, P., Saeedi, M., Shoeibi, A., Gorji, A., Abbasi, M., and Foroughipour, M., 2012)
Chemotherapy side effects
According to the National Cancer Institute, aromatherapy has been found to be beneficial for people undergoing cancer treatment. In particular, lavender aromatherapy has been shown to potentially reduce anxiety related to cancer treatment procedures, offering a natural way to manage the side effects of cancer treatment. (Aromatherapy With Essential Oils, 1991)
Depression
Regrettably, even though depression is becoming more common across all age groups, there is a relative lack of research on the potential positive impact of lavender on depression compared to its effects on anxiety. However, there is optimism that continued research will uncover ways to support individuals in need.
A 2016 study by midwives revealed that lavender aromatherapy had a preventative effect on stress, anxiety, and depression in postpartum women. This small-scale study provides valuable insight into the potential benefits of lavender in promoting mental well-being, particularly in the postpartum period. (Kianpour, M., Mansouri, A., Mehrabi, T., and Asghari, G. , 2016)
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages and can be quite frustrating. Lavender oil is known for its antibacterial properties, making it a potentially gentler alternative to more aggressive acne treatments. When applied to the skin, lavender oil kills acne-causing bacteria, which can help prevent and heal acne breakouts. Additionally, it can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation, offering a holistic approach to managing acne. (Gotter, 2023)
Burns
Lavender has been utilized for centuries as a natural remedy for burns due to its potential therapeutic properties. Past research findings have provided evidence to support this traditional use, specifically suggesting that lavender may possess antimicrobial activity, which could aid in preventing infections following a burn incident. A study conducted in 2009 delved into the antimicrobial properties of lavender and indicated its potential in post-burn infection prevention. (Roller, S., Ernest, N., & Buckle, J., 2009)
