Lavender Oil
COMPLEX BRAIN CONDITIONS
A study testing 20 essential oils for rapid antidepressant-like effects and brain cell protection found several promising candidates. Nineteen oils protected brain cells and were tested intranasally; two—nutmeg and Chrysanthemum morifolium—also showed anti-anxiety effects linked to depression. Four compounds from these oils (atractylon, alpha-curcumene, alpha-farnesene, and selina-4(14),7(11)-dien-8-one) demonstrated strong binding to depression-related brain receptors, surpassing ketamine’s activity, and may drive fast-acting antidepressant effects. Overall, these oils and their constituents warrant further research for depression treatment.
REDUCED HEART RATE
The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Autonomic Nervous System in Midlife Women with Insomnia
A randomized study of 67 midlife women with insomnia found that inhaled lavender aromatherapy (roughly 6 drops of lavender EO added to added to 50 mL of water in an ultrasonic diffuser; inhaled 20 minutes, twice weekly for 12 weeks) meaningfully improved self-reported sleep quality while producing short-term shifts in autonomic function—specifically, reduced heart rate and increased HRV markers associated with parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity. These physiological effects were evident immediately after sessions at weeks 4 and 12 but did not persist in longer-term follow-up measures, suggesting the benefit is acute rather than cumulative. In short, lavender appears to temporarily nudge the nervous system toward relaxation and improve perceived sleep, but it doesn’t create lasting autonomic change on its own, and must be used consistently to maintain benefits.
Communication & Calm
Lavender aids verbal expression and calming the mind. Specifically, it calms the insecurities that are felt when one risks their true thoughts and feelings. Lavender addresses a deep fear of being seen and heard. Individuals in need of Lavender hide within, blocking their true self-expression. While they may be going through the motions of outward expression, they’re actually holding back their innermost thoughts and feelings. The expression is not connected to the heart or soul.
Lavender supports individuals in releasing the tension and constriction that stems from withheld expression. This bottleneck in communication can result in worried and racing thoughts, anxiousness, and sleep disruption. Due to past experiences, they may feel unsafe or fearful of expressing themselves because of potential rejection. Often they don’t allow themselves space to get in touch with all they truly think and feel. Their true voice is therefore trapped within and goes unexpressed. Strong feelings of being unlovable, unimportant, or unheard can accompany this condition.
Lavender encourages emotional honesty and insists that one speak their innermost thoughts and desires. As individuals learn to communicate their deepest thoughts and feelings, they are liberated from their self-inflicted prison. It is through open and honest communication that an individual has the potential to experience unconditional love, acceptance, and peace of mind. Through Lavender’s courageous spirit, one is free to share their True Self with others.
SOURCE: Essential Emotions 8Th Edition
"Swiss Army Knife" of EOs
Recent research proves that lavender EO has earned its nickname as the “Swiss Army Knife” of EOs, due to its multiple properties, mechanisms, molecular targets, and benefits.
Laboratory research showed that lavender EO possess antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH assays), anti-inflammatory activity similar to diclofenac, greater antidiabetic activity than acarbose, and anti-tyrosine (skin brightening) activity. Additionally, the EO strongly inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity—superior to galantamine—suggesting it is a promising natural solution to explore for the management of memory-related disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease.
#lavender #diabetes #cognition #memory #AlzheimersDisease #skinbrightening #antiinflammatory #antioxidant #PubMedStudy
The Real Risk of Lavender and Other Essential Oils for the Hormone System
I often will cite Dr. Scott Johnson, Clinical researcher, author, and educator helping people reclaim their health through evidence-based natural medicine.
The oft-debunked and tired story of lavender and gynecomastia is fear mongering leveraging pseudoscience at its best. People frequently ask about this. Dr. Scott has a detailed blog debunking this.
https://authorscott.com/the-real-risk-of-lavender-and-other-essential-oils-for-the-hormone-system
However, what is real, is the use of microplastics and the fact that people on average are inhaling a credit card size 5 grams each week.
Microplastics and their associated chemicals (like phthalates and BPA) act as endocrine disruptors. They mimic estrogen and suppress testosterone. This hormonal imbalance shifts the body’s natural estrogen-to-testosterone ratio, making microplastic exposure an emerging suspected factor in the rise of gynecomastia case.
There are many solutions to remove microplastics from your system and I encourage you to reach out if you want to learn more. Use the link at the bottom of every page on this website to schedule a free discovery call.
Lavender Plays A GREAT ROLE IN Collagen Regeneration
Primary Benefits
- Offers a soothing aroma.
- Promotes mental relaxation and supports restful sleep when taken internally.*
- Calms occasional skin discomfort.
Lavender is widely considered a must-have essential oil because of its versatility. It’s been used and cherished for centuries because of its unmistakable aroma and myriad of benefits. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used lavender for bathing and cooking and in perfumes.
The gentle, relaxing aroma of Lavender promotes a peaceful environment. When taken internally, it can help soothe and relax the mind.* Lavender is a go-to for reducing the appearance of skin imperfections when applied topically. Add it to bathwater for a soothing soak or apply it to your temples and the back of your neck. Add a few drops to pillows, bedding, or the bottoms of your feet to prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Lavender Essential Oil has been used for over 2,500 years? Ancient Egyptians used it in their mummification process and for perfume, while Romans added it to their baths for relaxation.
NEGATIVE EMOTIONS: Blocked communication, fear of rejection, constricted, tense, racing thoughts, emotional dishonesty, hiding, fear of self-disclosure; feeling unseen, unheard, or unloved, insecure
POSITIVE PROPERTIES: Open communication, calm, expressive, emotional honesty, self-aware, peace of mind
COMPANION OILS: Spearmint, Serenity® doTERRA
SUGGESTED USES:
Aromatic: Inhale from the bottle, diffuse, or place drops in your hand, rub, and inhale.
Topical: Apply 1-3 drops over the throat, temples, or on the back of the neck.
Internal: Take 1-2 drops under the tongue, in a capsule, or in water.
