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 reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep. A few drops in a diffuser in the bedroom or on the pillow can contribute to a peaceful and healthy 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 also helps to relieve tension, which is often associated with headaches and migraines. The calming effect of lavender oil helps to relax the muscles and improve circulation, which leads 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 aid the healing of minor burns, wounds and insect bites. To promote healing, 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 in the air to create a relaxing atmosphere. This is particularly useful in stressful times as the calming scent of lavender helps to relieve tension and calm the mind. It is also particularly effective before bedtime, as the pleasant scent of lavender promotes a calm and peaceful environment, making it easier to fall asleep and improving the quality of sleep.

2. oil for the massage

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

3. bath additives

A warm bath with a few drops of lavender oil helps to relax the mind and soothe sore muscles. It is important to always use a bath salt 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 and shampoos to utilise the calming and restorative effects of lavender oil.

Reiki and aromatherapy

Reiki is a holistic healing technique that aims to improve health by balancing the body's energy pathways. 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 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 promotes overall well-being, balances energy centres and reduces 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:

The importance of essential oils such as lavender in aromatherapy is very high, which is why it is often referred to as a classic among essential oils[2][3]. Its importance in aromatherapy can be scientifically explained by its diverse effects and possible applications:

1. ingredients and effects:

The main components of lavender oil are linalyl acetate and linalool, 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 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:

In aromatherapy, the essential oil of lavender is used 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