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There is more to lavender oil than an additive to your favorite personal care products. The essence of lavender is packed with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that promote faster healing. The calming scent of lavender alleviates stress, boosts natural healing and protects from common infections. In today’s post, we are exploring all the amazing health benefits of lavender oil:
Protects from Free-Radical Damage
Free radicals are ions that target healthy cells, triggering oxidative stress. Studies show that oxidative stress is the precursor to chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Unfortunately, free radicals are present in the air and within the body!
To combat oxidative stress, you need to consume foods that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. Lavender oil is clinically proven to boost the body’s ability to create antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase or SOD. A Chinese study concluded that lavender oil gives the body the ability to produce glutathione, catalase, and SOD in just 22 hours after applying the oil.
Reduces the Risk of Diabetes
That’s right, lavender oil may curb the risk of developing diabetes. According to a Tunisian study, lavender oil has the ability to decrease blood glucose, reduce weight gain, and protect the livers and kidneys from tissue damage. The same study noted that the antioxidant activity of lavender oil is comparable to that of vitamin C or ascorbic acid!
Alleviates Mental Distress
The soothing scent of lavender oil effectively alleviates stress and reduces anxiety symptoms. The fact is, lavender has the unique ability to reduce neurological damage caused by mental distress. It is traditionally used to treat migraine headaches, agitation, and depression.
Just a whiff of lavender oil calms the mind almost instantly and science is finally able to explain why. According to a study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, lavender oil effectively reduces sleep disturbance and depression without side effects. It also decreases the risk of insomnia and depression as effectively as sleeping pills and anti-depressant medication, respectively. Various other studies noted that lavender oil is an excellent treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD and post-natal depression in women.
Heals Skin Abrasion, Cuts, and Burns
The next time you cut your hand, try dabbing a small amount of lavender essence on the wound. Lavender oil contains powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal agents. The oil will kill pathogens on contact while promoting faster healing! The anti-microbial agents in lavender oil are similar to that of tea tree oil! You can use it to treat acne, heal sunburned skin, and soothe abrasion!
Promotes Better Sleep
There is something about the scent of lavender oil that instantly puts the mind at ease! So much so that lavender oil makes an excellent treatment for insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine found that lavender oil promotes better sleep among patients suffering from insomnia. Another study noted that lavender oil improves the quality of sleep by up to 60%. A deep, satisfying sleep is critical to body repair, mental health, and physical performance.
