Lavender oil is one of the first oils I used. I love the smell and something about the colour – lavender and purple – has always attracted me. One of my own theories about essential oils is that they are like wines, food, and art – we all have our favourites, there is no right or wrong – use and explore what works for you. Of course, a bit of guidance is always useful when learning about new oils, foods, wines, or art.
A Bit of Science
Lavender “has been known to have anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, *antinociceptive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Herbal products like lavender essential oils may offer a solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance, invasive treatments, side effects, or even drug addiction.” (Kajjari S, Joshi RS, Hugar SM, et al. The Effects of Lavender Essential Oil and its Clinical Implications in Dentistry: A Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):385-388. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9357533/#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20known%20to,%2C%20antioxidant%2C%20and%20antimicrobial%20effects.&text=Herbal%20products%20like%20lavender%20essential%20oils%20may%20offer%20a%20solution,effects%2C%20or%20even%20drug%20addiction.)
*(Definition -Antinociception: the action or process of blocking the detection of a painful or injurious stimulus by sensory neurons).
My Take on Lavender
I first heard of lavender as an aid to sleep and would sprinkle it on my pillow. I have since learned that it is reported to be calming and reduces anxiety. It can also be used to help relieve headaches, hmm – maybe the headaches are a result of stress and worry. I have not tried it for relief of cough or colds but will give it a go the next time I experience a cold or cough, anything that might make me feel better. I have often used Eucalyptus oil for congestion associated with a cold. Lavender has also been reported to relieve joint and muscle pain related to sprains, strains, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Lavender has been reported to reduce anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant (inhibits oxidation) antimicrobial (kill or slow spread of microorganisms) and block the detection of pain. Could such a product be a solution to such things as antibiotic resistance, some invasive treatments, side effects of medicines and treatments, and even drug addiction?
Lavender and Emotions
Emotions are part of our life all the time. We feel happy, sad, so-so, angry, excited, and the list goes on. Emotions are normal, not good, not bad, they just are. However, we can learn to respond to our emotions rather than react without thought. That short moment between stimulus and response provides us with the opportunity to choose our response. Nice, you say, but get to the point. Lavender can calm the mind, especially insecurities when you choose to take a risk and express your true thoughts and feelings. Do remember the power of your words and actions on others – everything is connected. If lavender helps with expression I wonder if it would benefit the opening of the throat chakra – something more for me to investigate.
Emotional honesty is encouraged by lavender. As you learn about your emotions and hopefully strive to become more Emotionally Intelligent, lavender might be helpful in learning about your true emotions, labeling them, and choosing the best way to respond. Address your emotions as an aid to becoming self-aware and have peace of mind.
Much of this information is from DoTerra https://www.doterra.com/CA/en/shop and a new book I purchased Essential Emotions: Process, Release & Live Free 12th Edition www.essentialemotions.com
You can check out more on my website at: my.doterra.com/elainerose1
To order lavender essential oil directly go to: https://doterra.me/yiK1ei