Lavender is a herbaceous plant, all parts of which contain essential oil. Lavender oil has a recognizable spicy-tart flavor, which is used in perfumery, as well as in cooking - especially in Italian, Spanish and French cuisine. Still, thanks to a variety of medicinal properties, essential oil of lavender finds application in cosmetology and pharmaceutics. Let us consider in more detail what are the properties and application of lavender oil.
Composition and useful properties of lavender oil
The chemical composition of lavender essential oil is almost half that of the esters of alcohol L-linalool, as well as acids - acetic, butane, caproic and pentane. In addition, it contains organic compounds such as cineole, geraniol, borneol, lavandiol and some others.
The essential oil of lavender has a wide spectrum of biological activity. The main useful properties of it are:
- antiseptic;
- bactericidal;
- antifungal;
- wound healing;
- regenerating;
- antimicrobial;
- sedative;
- anticonvulsant;
- antioxidant;
- restorative;
- deodorizing;
- hypotensive, etc.
Application of lavender oil in medicine
In industrial conditions, on the basis of ethereal lavender, preparations of neuro- and myotropic action, as well as inhalation liquid for the prevention of colds, are produced.
In folk medicine, the product is used both internally and externally, as well as for aromatherapy. We list only a few pathological conditions and diseases in which the use of this drug is recommended:
- infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs, oral cavity and respiratory tract (rhinitis, laryngitis, stomatitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.);
- neurasthenia, stress, insomnia, palpitations, mood swings, irritability, headaches;
- urolithiasis, pyelonephritis, cystitis;
- spasms and dysfunctions of the stomach and intestines, flatulence;
- Rheumatism , inflammation of the joints, paralysis, dislocations;
- dermatological diseases and skin lesions (burns, abscesses, eczema, purulent wounds, dermatitis, mycoses, herpes, acne, psoriasis, insect bites).
Application of lavender oil in gynecology
Lavender oil can also be used for inflammation of the female genitalia, as well as thrush. For this, douching is used as follows:
- To 1 - 2 tablespoons of soda add 8 - 15 drops of lavender oil.
- Dissolve in 2 liters of warm boiled water.
- Carry out irrigation every day for the night.
Applying lavender oil to the face
Lavender essential oil is a good remedy for oily and combination skin, as well as skin prone to inflammation and eruptions. The effect of lavender oil on the skin contributes to:
- healing of various injuries and inflammations without the occurrence of scars and seals;
- normalization of the sebaceous glands;
- renewal and regeneration of epidermal cells;
- refreshing and disinfecting the skin;
- removal of puffiness and redness.
In facial care, lavender oil can be added to store or home remedies (creams, masks, lotions) in the amount of one drop per one part of the drug.
Application of lavender oil for hair
Lavender oil effectively cures dandruff, prevents hair loss, gives them vitality, promotes moisturizing and regeneration. Popular ways to use lavender oil for hair:
- enrichment of shampoos,
balms and masks for hair (3 - 4 drops per serving); - aroma-combing (5 - 6 drops to drop on the teeth of the comb and comb the hair for 10 minutes).
Contraindications to the use of lavender oil:
- individual intolerance;
- early gestation;
- epilepsy;
- hypotension;
- anemia;
- Iodine or iron-containing drugs.