Lavender aromatherapy can be used in a wide array of treatments, such as insomnia, stress relief and migraine.
In basic terms aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of aromatic essential oils which come from natural plant based sources to promote both physical and psychological well-being. The use of aromatherapy is considered a form of alternative medicine and has been used for many years to treat minor ailments.
Most agree that when used carefully and whilst taking heed of safety information, aromatherapy can have countless benefits.
Dried Lavender Bunches
Dried lavender bunches are used to make the essential lavender oil that is commonly used by aroma therapists. It is possible to make your own essential oils using distillation and certain equipment but many buy from a specialist supplier who can verify that their oils are organic and pure.
Lavender has been used throughout the ages as a way to treat headaches, troubles with sleeping, tension, stress, nausea, depression and even sprains. The dried flowers produce a powerful essential oil which is calming, soothes and has both antiseptic and analgesic properties.
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Aromatherapy is applied in three ways.
Direct inhalation is ideal for decongestion and disinfection.
Adding a few drops of lavender essential oils to a steam bowl of water will produce a fragrant steam which is often used to calm and soothe.
Ariel diffusion is the use of the dried flowers as essential oils for disinfection and adding fragrance.
Topical Application
Topical applications are for use on the skin such as in massage, baths and for therapeutic use with skincare.
It is hardly surprising that these gorgeous dried flower bunches are so versatile. Lavender has been used in aromatherapy since long before the term was commonly used and its therapeutic benefits cannot be denied.
Aromatherapy products
Aromatherapy products such as shower gels, bath oils/salts and bath balls, beauty products and even scented candles are easy to make from home or buy online. They are an extension of the work that an aroma therapist might do which you can enjoy freely in your own home.
Lavender based products are also therapeutic, despite them not being made purely of essential oils. Anything that comes from the dried flowers themselves will contain the properties which aroma therapist’s use and as such have a calming and soothing effect.
The use of lavender pillows is popular to ease breathing during sleeping and can also provide for a rejuvenating siesta / afternoon nap.
Interestingly, Lavender has been tested alongside several other fragrances by aromatherapy researchers who have found that it was the most effective fragrance when it came to soothing and relaxing brain waves and treating stress.
The study also shows that using lavender in the office as a scent reduced computer errors up to one-fourth. That along should have employers buying bagful’s of dried flowers and displaying dried flower bunches around the workplace!
It is important to remember that aromatherapy is a complimentary or alternative medicine and should be used carefully.
Any aroma-therapist would recommend visiting a doctor if symptoms continue or are severe.
Despite lavender oil being suitable for all skin types it is advisable to test any treatment on a small area to check for any reaction. In particular during pregnancy the use of lavender and other alternative/herbal medicines should always be verified with a doctor prior to use.
For anyone looking to explore lavender aromatherapy and even make their own essential oils from dried flowers, lavender would be a good place to start as the plant is so easy to use and has many available uses.
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Andi Kramers is the owner and admin of vitalbynature.net. Loves climbing, skiing, cooking, blogging and all things natural. Always happy to share good content. Feel free to connect :)
