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The soothing benefits of lavender

Nature's most therapeutic gift.

By Fernanda Manuela Tomas ViegasPublished 4 years ago 2 min read
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Lavender has been used since ancient times to cure disease and calm anxieties. From funeral rituals to modern medicine, its benefits are indisputable. Whether you're strolling through the picturesque lavender fields in the south of France or burning a few drops of oil in a diffuser, you're sure to feel the tranquillity of taking hold of yourself while surrounded by its distinctive aroma.

Usually cited for its color and aroma, lavender and its essential oil can provide incredible health benefits. The name "lavender" derives from the Latin root "lavare", which literally means "to wash". The oldest use of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt. There, lavender essential oil played a role in the mummification process.

During later times, lavender became an item for bathing in several regions, including Persia, ancient Greece and Rome. These cultures believed that lavender helped to purify the body and mind.

Since ancient times, lavender has been used to treat many different diseases, including:

Mental health problems

Anxiety

Insomnia

Headaches

Loss of hair

Nausea

Acne

Toothache

Skin irritations

Cancer

Aromatherapy

What is aromatherapy and what are its benefits?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic area where lavender and its essential oil is most used. It is believed that its fragrance helps promote calmness, well-being and reduce stress, anxiety and possibly even mild pain. A study by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that topical application of lavender, in addition to sage and rose, could reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.

Reduces side effects of cancer treatment

According to the National Cancer Institute, aromatherapy can help patients control the side effects of cancer treatment. Smell receptors send messages to the brain that may affect mood

Help to sleep

Lavender is indicated for people suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders. Usually you put branches of the flower or its essential oil in the pillowcase during the night.

Aromatherapists use lavender to treat headaches and nervousness or restlessness. Mass therapists sometimes apply lavender essential oil to the skin, which can act both as a soothing and sleeping aid. In Germany, lavender tea has been approved as a supplement to treat sleep disorders, restlessness and stomach irritation.

Good for skin and hair

Topical use of lavender essential oil can help treat a disease called alopecia aeracia, which causes a person's hair to fall out. In a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, people who rubbed the essential oils of lavender, thyme, rosemary and cedar on areas where hair had fallen out showed hair growth over seven months. However, there was no way for the researchers to determine which of the oils was responsible.

When applied to the skin, lavender essential oil has shown positive results against eczema, acne, burns and rashes. One way to use it is by diluting it in coconut oil.

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About the Creator

Fernanda Manuela Tomas Viegas

I'm a curious person. Love to read, i love to write and i love to tell stories, speacelly when we have small children

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