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The Calming Effects of Lavender Oil

Many people use essential oils in aromatherapy and to assist with healing. People choose lavender oil because it has a variety of healing uses, according to Masline and Close in "Aromatherapy: The A-Z Guide to Healing Oils." They report that lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils in the world and has antibacterial, antidepressant, antispasmodic and calming effects.

  1. Calming Inflammation

    • French scientist René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the healing effects of lavender oil in 1038 following a burn, according to Masline and Close. He immersed his hand in a bowl of lavender oil and discovered that it stopped the throbbing pain and allowed the burn to heal quickly. A few drops of undiluted lavender oil applied to a sunburn will take the heat out of the burn and allow cells to regenerate.

      Adding lavender oil to a sitz bath aids in the healing of inflamed hemorrhoids and torn vaginal tissue. Lavender oil also prevents the formation of excessive scar tissue, according to Margaret Fawcett, a midwife, aromatherapist and author of "Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth."

      Apply an undiluted drop of lavender oil to calm the inflammation of an insect bite, cut or wounds according to "The Guide to Remedies." It may also relieve inflamed tissues in the lungs that cause spasmodic coughing.

    Calming Nerves

    • The high ester content of lavender oils produces an effective calming effect. Lavender oil calms nervous and muscular spasms, according to Masline and Close. Dilute the oil by mixing one drop of lavender oil with four drops of a carrier oil such as almond or sesame, and massage it into the area where the spasms occur. The same formula will calm nervous tension headaches.

    Calming the Body

    • Lavender oil relieves stress and may reduce high blood pressure when inhaled, according to Fawcett. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that it reduces anxiety and fatigue. Some people find it calms the body and eases restlessness when a few drops are added to a warm bath.

      Taking a few drops of lavender oil internally relieves an upset stomach and may improve appetite.

    Calming the Mind

    • Lavender oil calms the mind and may relieve insomnia and depression, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Rub a few drops into the temple or inhale the fragrance in a warm bath or with a vaporizer. Herbalists have relieved insomnia for centuries by having individuals add lavender oil or crushed flowers to the inside of a pillow and sleeping on it.

      Use of lavender oil eases agitation in dementia patients, creates a more stable mood, and increases concentration, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It may also improve the attitude of those who suffer from sleep disorders.

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