Lavender is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic treatments for health and wellness purposes since centuries. The essential oil extracted from this herb is extremely versatile and offers various benefits for cosmetic, therapeutic as well as medicinal purposes. The herbal-floral fragrance is extremely relaxing and refreshing and can do wonders for the mind and body. Many companies use it in their products for its’ calming, sedative, antiseptic, anti depressant, antibacterial as well as analgesic properties.

But rather than investing in expensive creams and lotions, you can benefit from the use of pure lavender essential oil as well. Here are a few ways in which you can incorporate this fragrant liquid in your daily life.

1. Anxiety And Depression

 Lavender oil has sedative properties that work on the nervous system and the senses to reduce anxiety and keep away panic attacks. It induces a feeling of relaxation by suppressing heart stimulation and lowering blood pressure. Applying a few drops of lavender oil on your temples, or adding it to a bowl of steaming water and inhaling the fumes can help to keep your mind free from anxiety triggers. It can also be used as during a massage to relax the muscles and calm the nervous system. Adding lavender oil to your daily routine can greatly ease mental stress and maintain good mental health.

2. Sleep

The relaxing properties of lavender oil are known for helping a person sleep well. In olden times, it was a common practice to fill a pillow or a pillow case with lavender flowers to induce a peaceful sleep. Now, one can add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a pillow before bedtime to ensure complete rest and relaxation. Lavender oil is known to stabilize the mood and help balance emotions and relax the mind and body to help you sleep better. You can add a few drops of the oil to a diffuser in your room as well to ensure the aroma spreads all around and helps you relax.

3. Headaches

Lavender oil also has analgesic properties and is used to treat problems like headaches due to migraine, cold, congested sinuses etc.  It works like a natural treatment alternative to pain relief drugs. The anti inflammatory properties also help to relax tense muscles which lead to a headache and it overall calms the senses and puts you at ease. You can try adding a few drops of the oil to a handkerchief and inhaling the fragrance or you can even massage it into your temples and forehead by mixing it with a few drops of coconut or olive oil.

4. Fungal Infections

Applying lavender oil mixed with olive oil to the affected area with fungal infection is an effective anti-fungal treatment. It fights the strain of fungi which often accumulate on the skin and around the nails causing infections. It also helps to soothe irritated, dry, cracked skin and can also help heal minor cuts and wounds and prevent scarring. Applying it to the affected skin twice a day for about 30 minutes each can help to soothe the skin and fight the infection.

5. Insect Repellent

Lavender oil is also a useful option to keep insects and pests away. It repels bugs like fleas, moths, flies and mosquitoes and can be used as a bug repellent at home or even when travelling. To keep insects away from you when travelling, apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to your pulse points before leaving home. If your skin is sensitive to the oil, you can mix it with olive oil and then apply it. To keep moths and flies away from your cupboards and storage areas, dip a cotton ball in lavender essential oil and place it in the closets and drawers. This helps to keep your clothes smelling fresh and also keeps pests away.

Lavender oil has a wonderful fragrance that can help you in a variety of ways.

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