What is Lavender Oil?

Lavender oil is a versatile essential oil derived from the flowers of the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) through steam distillation.

This oil is highly regarded for its distinctive floral scent, calming properties, and therapeutic benefits.

Rich in compounds that offer antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant effects, lavender oil is a staple in aromatherapy, skincare, hair care, and holistic medicine.

It promotes relaxation, alleviates stress, improves sleep quality, and several rat model studies have demonstrated its potential benefits for skin and hair health.

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil?

Lavender essential oil can be used in various ways, depending on the desired benefit.

For aromatherapy, add a few drops to a diffuser to fill the room with its calming scent.

It can be mixed with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, and applied topically to the skin for its soothing and healing properties.

Additionally, lavender oil can be added to bath water for a relaxing soak or used in homemade cleaning products for its antibacterial qualities.

Always dilute the lavender essential oil with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation when applying it topically.

Is Lavender Oil Good for Hair?

A 2016 study on female mice showed that lavender oil could be an effective hair growth-promoting agent without the side effects observed with minoxidil. [ref]

However, there are currently no high-quality clinical trials to show that this works in humans.

Lavender oil is also widely associated with the ability to reduce dandruff and soothe itchy scalps.

Lavender oil's anti-bacterial potential was confirmed against a spectrum of bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and others in a 2006 study. [ref]

A 2020 study showed that lavender oil can enhance the efficacy of traditional antiseptics, making it a promising option for boosting the performance of conventional antiseptics against resistant bacterial strains. [ref]

Another 2020 study showed that lavender oil induces oxidative stress in K. pneumoniae leading to bacterial cell damage and death. [ref]

Owing to this, it is commonly inferred that lavender oil's antimicrobial action can improve scalp health, while its soothing scent helps reduce stress, a common factor contributing to hair loss.

However, large-scale human clinical trials are needed for conclusive evidence.

How to Use Lavender Oil for Hair Growth?

While large-scale human studies are still needed to prove the benefits of lavender oil conclusively, anecdotal evidence has already convinced numerous individuals to incorporate it into their daily hair care regimen.

If you want to include lavender oil in your haircare routine, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and massage it into the scalp.

Alternatively, add lavender oil to your shampoo or conditioner to incorporate it into your regular hair care routine.

Leave the oil blend on the scalp for at least 10 minutes before washing it out for the best results.

How to Use Lavender Oil for Skin?

Lavender oil can be beneficial for the skin when diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically.

A 2020 study demonstrated significant anti-psoriatic properties of lavender oil, showing only slight irritation at a 10% dosage in BALB/c mice. [ref]

In 2022, a randomized controlled trial demonstrated that lavender oil, at appropriate concentrations, was safe and beneficial for skin health. [ref]

No large-scale human randomized controlled trial has yet been done to study the effects of lavender oil on skin benefits.

However, anecdotal evidence suggests benefits. If you're considering lavender oil for your skincare routine, here's what to do. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil. Then, apply this mixture directly to the affected area.

Alternatively, you can add it to your moisturizer or lotion.

How to Use Lavender Oil for Sleep? Is It Beneficial?

Lavender oil is widely used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

In 2020, a randomized controlled trial was conducted with 75 nursing home patients. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender in enhancing relaxation and sleep among palliative care patients. Results showed that the group exposed to lavender oil before and during sleep experienced improved sleep quality, deeper sleep, and fewer nighttime awakenings. [ref]

A 2021 double-blind, randomized trial showed that lavender oil brought about notable enhancements in sleep latency, sleep duration, daytime dysfunction, symptoms of depression, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women with insomnia. [ref]

A 2022 systematic review assessed 20 randomized controlled trials focusing on the impact of lavender oil on sleep quality among 1,777 adults without insomnia. The review found that 14 out of 19 studies that relied on subjective sleep quality assessments reported notable improvements following using lavender essential oil. Despite these findings, the review's authors pointed out the lack of sufficient objective evidence and advocated for more rigorous research in this area. [ref]

How To Use?

To use lavender oil for sleep, add a few drops to your pillow or bedding before bedtime, or use a diffuser in your bedroom to disperse the oil's calming scent throughout the night.

Alternatively, you can apply a diluted mixture of lavender oil and a carrier oil to the soles of your feet, wrists, or temples to help ease into a peaceful sleep.

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil for Anxiety?

Lavender essential oil is known for its anxiety-reducing effects.

A 2021 meta-analysis evaluated 38 randomized controlled trials to investigate the impact of lavender oil on anxiety, depression, blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels across 4,316 participants. The analysis revealed that lavender oil significantly improved symptoms of anxiety, especially when administered by massage or inhalation. [ref]

To use it for anxiety, add a few drops to a diffuser to create a calming environment.

Alternatively, dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply to pulse points like the wrists or temples, or inhale directly from the bottle when feeling anxious.

Incorporating lavender oil into a warm bath can also provide relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms.

What Is Silexan, And Is It Effective?

Silexan is a patented, standardized essential oil product derived from Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as lavender.

It is specifically designed and clinically studied for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects.

Unlike traditional lavender oil used in aromatherapy, Silexan is produced through a well-defined distillation process and is intended for oral administration in capsule form.

This ensures a consistent dose and composition, making it suitable for therapeutic purposes.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Silexan can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms, with some studies comparing its efficacy favorably to that of certain conventional anxiolytic medications, but with fewer side effects. [ref]

Silexan has been examined for its potential benefits in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), restlessness, and other stress-related conditions.

Its mechanism of action is believed to involve the modulation of neurotransmitter systems, including GABAergic and serotonergic pathways, although the precise mechanisms are still being researched.

Due to its anxiolytic properties and good safety profile, Silexan offers an alternative or complementary treatment option for individuals seeking natural remedies for anxiety and related disorders.

How to Use Soulflower Rosemary Lavender Oil?

Soulflower Rosemary Lavender Oil combines the benefits of both rosemary and lavender essential oils, making it particularly effective for hair and scalp health.

To use, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.

It can also be added to shampoos or conditioners. For aromatherapy benefits, add it to a diffuser.