Lavender essential oil is the most popular essential oil in use today. In the scientific community, it appears to be the second-most researched essential oil, only after Tea Tree. This is probably because the medical effects of Tea Tree, used as an antiseptic, antiviral and anti-fungal agent, are easily measured, and its actions are more familiar to the medical profession. Lavender's actions are a little more challenging to define, as its primary actions affect us on psychological and emotional levels. Yet recently, even these effects have been proven without a doubt by major studies performed at world-renown university and medical centers. Here we'll have a look at the effects of Lavender essential oil, and some of the incredible research that backs up these claims.
The sweet aroma of Lavender brings calm to almost everyone -- it seems particularly effective for children, women and the elderly (some men may not appreciate the floral aroma, and might do better with soothing scents like Sandalwood or Bergamot). Lavender's aroma has proven itself an effective stress reliever in many, many laboratory studies, addressing "stress" from virtually every possible way you can define it. It even relieves "stress" when applied directly to wounds, lessening the pain felt at nerve endings.
One of its great features is the incredible "ease of use". The individual only need to inhale a bit straight from the bottle. One can do the same by applying a couple drops to a tissue and inhaling from this. You can use any sort of aromatherapy diffuser to get the scent into a larger environment, helping all those around you receive these benefits as well. Want to sleep better? Sprinkle the tiniest amount on your bedspread or under your pillow (one actually needs to be careful not to overdo it, as too much can keep you awake!)
Now, science is finally affirming the positive results of ingesting Lavender essential oil. This is a wonderful confirmation of the efficacy of the medicine that essential oils really are. Inhalation clearly works by interacting with the olfactory sense, which is tied to the limbic system and hippocampus. The result of stress reduction through inhalation has always been thought to be a response from the "emotional center" of our brains, telling the rest of our body that we can calm down, and "all is well". Yet the possibility of our physiology responding to the oil actually floating around in our bloodstream has been casually ignored. In this case however, the oil is not being smelled at all, yet is manifesting all of its reputed anti-stress actions.
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria have published their data resulting from a ten week trial of a eighty-milligram capsule of Lavender essential oil. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the anti-stress effects of this encapsulated Lavender, by evaluating the physical and emotional condition of the participants on a number of criteria. The results were quite profound -- the Lavender capsule was found to have statistically significant effects for the relief of mild to moderate anxiety disorder, as well as improving the quality of rest. Further, perhaps as a direct result of the improvement of participant's mental condition and their improved sleep, their physical condition was markedly improved as well.
In a study by the same group of researchers, Lavender oil was compared not to a placebo, but to Lorazepam, a "high potency benzodiazepine drug." The conclusion noted: "our results demonstrate that (the Lavender capsule) is as effective as lorazepam in adults with GAD (general anxiety disorder)." It was also noted that one of the wonderful features of the natural substance is that it has no potential for abuse, unlike the benzodiazepines (Valium is a well-known variety of this class of drugs). Lavender has actually been favorably compared to these anxiety-relieving drugs in many studies over the last decade, showing again and again the oil's excellent stress-deducing ability. It has even been noted to reduce aggression and conflict -- if only the whole world could be smelling this flower's oil!
Another interesting study exposed patients waiting to see the dentist to Lavender essential oil aroma. The oil was simply diffused in the waiting room for some, while other patients received no aroma. The result was that all patients still reported being nervous about seeing the dentist, but the group exposed to the Lavender aroma noted statistically significant lower anxiety while in the waiting room. So the essential oil's scent didn't change their personal idea of the experience of the dentist, but significantly affected the actual stress they felt just before their appointment. In a study very similar to this, the oil reduced pre-test taking anxiety of nursing students.
In a more medically oriented trial, patients were exposed to Lavender essential oil vapor immediately after surgery. Impressively, it was found that, among patients exposed to the aroma, fewer required pain relieving drugs at all, and those that did required less of them.
Convinced yet? There's certainly enough data their to get inspired about experimenting with Lavender essential oil. It's such an easy oil to use for the purposes described here, with a relatively low cost and availability. If you haven't used the oil yet and are thinking about purchasing some, seek one out of relatively high quality. Essential oils are available in a wide variety of grades, with the less expensive ones sometimes being a bit harsh and unpleasant -- not a very inspiring way to get started! Look for something labeled as "therapeutic grade", which means its been produced with these types of applications in mind. Good luck, and may you enjoy better health for your efforts!
The sweet aroma of Lavender brings calm to almost everyone -- it seems particularly effective for children, women and the elderly (some men may not appreciate the floral aroma, and might do better with soothing scents like Sandalwood or Bergamot). Lavender's aroma has proven itself an effective stress reliever in many, many laboratory studies, addressing "stress" from virtually every possible way you can define it. It even relieves "stress" when applied directly to wounds, lessening the pain felt at nerve endings.
One of its great features is the incredible "ease of use". The individual only need to inhale a bit straight from the bottle. One can do the same by applying a couple drops to a tissue and inhaling from this. You can use any sort of aromatherapy diffuser to get the scent into a larger environment, helping all those around you receive these benefits as well. Want to sleep better? Sprinkle the tiniest amount on your bedspread or under your pillow (one actually needs to be careful not to overdo it, as too much can keep you awake!)
Now, science is finally affirming the positive results of ingesting Lavender essential oil. This is a wonderful confirmation of the efficacy of the medicine that essential oils really are. Inhalation clearly works by interacting with the olfactory sense, which is tied to the limbic system and hippocampus. The result of stress reduction through inhalation has always been thought to be a response from the "emotional center" of our brains, telling the rest of our body that we can calm down, and "all is well". Yet the possibility of our physiology responding to the oil actually floating around in our bloodstream has been casually ignored. In this case however, the oil is not being smelled at all, yet is manifesting all of its reputed anti-stress actions.
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria have published their data resulting from a ten week trial of a eighty-milligram capsule of Lavender essential oil. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the anti-stress effects of this encapsulated Lavender, by evaluating the physical and emotional condition of the participants on a number of criteria. The results were quite profound -- the Lavender capsule was found to have statistically significant effects for the relief of mild to moderate anxiety disorder, as well as improving the quality of rest. Further, perhaps as a direct result of the improvement of participant's mental condition and their improved sleep, their physical condition was markedly improved as well.
In a study by the same group of researchers, Lavender oil was compared not to a placebo, but to Lorazepam, a "high potency benzodiazepine drug." The conclusion noted: "our results demonstrate that (the Lavender capsule) is as effective as lorazepam in adults with GAD (general anxiety disorder)." It was also noted that one of the wonderful features of the natural substance is that it has no potential for abuse, unlike the benzodiazepines (Valium is a well-known variety of this class of drugs). Lavender has actually been favorably compared to these anxiety-relieving drugs in many studies over the last decade, showing again and again the oil's excellent stress-deducing ability. It has even been noted to reduce aggression and conflict -- if only the whole world could be smelling this flower's oil!
Another interesting study exposed patients waiting to see the dentist to Lavender essential oil aroma. The oil was simply diffused in the waiting room for some, while other patients received no aroma. The result was that all patients still reported being nervous about seeing the dentist, but the group exposed to the Lavender aroma noted statistically significant lower anxiety while in the waiting room. So the essential oil's scent didn't change their personal idea of the experience of the dentist, but significantly affected the actual stress they felt just before their appointment. In a study very similar to this, the oil reduced pre-test taking anxiety of nursing students.
In a more medically oriented trial, patients were exposed to Lavender essential oil vapor immediately after surgery. Impressively, it was found that, among patients exposed to the aroma, fewer required pain relieving drugs at all, and those that did required less of them.
Convinced yet? There's certainly enough data their to get inspired about experimenting with Lavender essential oil. It's such an easy oil to use for the purposes described here, with a relatively low cost and availability. If you haven't used the oil yet and are thinking about purchasing some, seek one out of relatively high quality. Essential oils are available in a wide variety of grades, with the less expensive ones sometimes being a bit harsh and unpleasant -- not a very inspiring way to get started! Look for something labeled as "therapeutic grade", which means its been produced with these types of applications in mind. Good luck, and may you enjoy better health for your efforts!
About the Author:
Calendula oil is fabulous for nourishing and healing the skin. The author loves to add a few drops along with Helichrysum essential oil to her personal face blends.
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