Essential oils: Lavender

Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) for your well-being

As one of the most widely used essential oils, lavender is known for its numerous uses and health benefits. Here you will learn how you can use lavender oil in your daily life to improve your sleep quality, reduce stress levels and increase your overall well-being. We also look at how adding lavender oil to Reiki treatments can help you feel more energised and in control.

The benefits of lavender essential oil

1. relaxation and stress reduction

Lavender oil is known to have a relaxing effect. It can reduce tension and promote calmness and relaxation. After a stressful day at work, a warm bath or a few drops in a diffuser can work wonders.

2. improvement in the quality of sleep

Lavender oil is useful in the treatment of sleep problems. Research has shown that the use of lavender oil can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep. A few drops in a diffuser in the bedroom or on the pillow can contribute to a calmer and deeper sleep.

3. relief from headaches

Lavender essential oil is also extremely helpful for headaches and migraines. A gentle massage of the neck and temples with diluted lavender oil can effectively relieve both pain and stress. The massage can also help to relieve the tension that often accompanies headaches and migraines. The calming effect of lavender oil can relax the muscles and improve circulation, which can lead to a noticeable overall relief of symptoms.

4. skin care and wound healing

Lavender oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good choice for skin care. It can soothe acne and skin irritations and it can help heal minor burns, wounds and insect bites. Apply a diluted solution to the injured areas.

Possible applications for lavender essential oil

1. use in aromatherapy

A diffuser can be used to disperse lavender oil into the air to create a relaxing atmosphere. This is particularly useful in stressful times as the calming scent of lavender can help to relieve tension and calm the mind. It is also particularly effective before bedtime, as the pleasant scent of lavender can promote a calm and peaceful environment that can make it easier to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep.

2. oil for the massage

Lavender can be mixed with jojoba oil or almond oil as a carrier oil for a soothing massage. This can nourish the skin and relieve tension.

3. bath additives

A warm bath with a few drops of lavender oil can help to relax the mind and soothe sore muscles. It is important to always use bath salts so that the oil can combine with the water, as only then will it provide even deeper relaxation.

4. skin care products

Mix lavender oil into creams, lotions or shampoos to enjoy the pleasant and relaxing scent of lavender.

Reiki and aromatherapy

Reiki aims to balance the body's energy pathways and support general wellbeing. I have found that relaxation comes even faster when I combine aromatherapy in my Reiki treatments, and lavender is excellent for this. I call it a miReiki treatment.
Lavender oil can enhance the calming and restorative properties of miReiki treatments. Lavender oil can be applied topically to the skin or you can use a diffuser with lavender oil to promote deeper relaxation and a more thorough energetic cleansing. This blend can promote overall well-being and it can balance the energy centres, thereby reducing stress.
In the realm of essential oils, lavender oil is truly a versatile oil. It can be used in many different ways and offers a multitude of benefits for mental and physical health. Lavender oil is a must-have for every household, whether it is used for miReiki treatments, stress relief or better sleep.

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Scientific explanation of lavender essential oil:

Lavender essential oil is very important in aromatherapy, which is why it is often referred to as a classic essential oil[2][3]. Its importance in aromatherapy can be scientifically explained by its diverse effects and possible applications:

1. ingredients and effects:

Lavender oil contains linalyl acetate and linalool as its main components, which are responsible for its characteristic fragrance and therapeutic properties[1]. These ingredients have been shown to have the following effects:

- Relaxing and calming
- Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
- Antifungal and promotes wound healing

2. scientific evidence:

Studies have shown that essential oils such as lavender can have an anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) and pulse-reducing effect. In a study on the use of lavender oil during dental treatment, a significant reduction in anxiety and pulse rate in patients was demonstrated[5].

3. areas of application:

The essential oil of lavender is used in aromatherapy for

- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Skin problems such as acne or eczema
- Colds and bronchitis
- Insect bites and small wounds[1][2]

Regarding the effect of lavender oil in miReiki treatments, there is no specific scientific information in the sources provided. However, based on the known properties of lavender oil, it can be surmised that it could support the relaxing and calming atmosphere during a miReiki treatment. The stress-reducing effect of lavender oil could possibly increase the client's receptivity to the miReiki energy and contribute to a deeper state of relaxation.

However, it is important to emphasise that further scientific studies would be necessary to investigate and prove the specific effects of lavender oil in combination with miReiki treatments.

Sources:
[1] https://www.narmony.de/blogs/pflanzenwissen/lavendel
[2] https://taoasis.com/blog/lavendel
[3] https://www.aetherischesoel.org/echter-lavendel/
[4] https://www.kiehls.de/experten-tipps-inhaltsstoffe/entdecke-die-vorteile-von-lavendel%C3%B6l.html
[5] https://www.zahnklinik-bochum.de/media/shop/layout/home/zahnklinik-bochum-lavendeltherapie.pdf