While Lavender is a plant well known for its pleasant aroma, it is so much more than just an enjoyable scent. In fact, it has qualities that can evoke feelings of peace and tranquillity and can calm the mind. This purple-hued, small and woody shrub has been used for centuries for its various health benefits.
Here are some of the benefits lavender provides:
Reduces stress and improves mood. Lavender is used in aromatherapy to reduce cortisol – the body’s stress hormone – therefore alleviating anxiety, stress and depression.
Relieves nausea and headaches. Studies have shown that massaging lavender oil into the temples or inhaling its scent can treat head pain, as well as reduce feelings of nausea and motion sickness.
Helps with sleep. Many people suggest drinking a cup of warm lavender tea before going to bed, to relax and fall asleep more easily. Alternatively, adding lavender to your diffuser at night can help you relax and fall asleep faster. Inhaling the lavender scent has been proven through research to boost deep sleep and decrease any restless sleep that may occur.
Improves the health of your epidermis, which is the layer of skin around your body. Lavender has also been shown to stimulate cell regeneration, thus acing as a good treatment for any skin impurities or even minor wounds.
Can be used as a bug repellent due to its unique scent.
May reduce acne by assisting with the management of breakouts due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can also help treat cold sores due to its antifungal properties too.
Can promote hair growth as it promotes blood circulation when massaged into the scalp.
Acts as a great lip balm to reduce chapped lips, when mixed with coconut oil.
Can alleviate menstrual cramps when massaged on the abdomen during painful menstruation.
Act as an anti-dandruff product when mixed with olive oil and massaged into the scalp.
Can reduce pain by reducing blood pressure and heart rate, which are usually elevated when an individual is hurting.
Here are a few wonderful lavender-containing products:
Bramley
Bramley 100ml Lavender Tissue Oil R21.99, Bramley 75ml Lavender Hand & Nail Cream R13.99, Bramley 250ml Lavender Body Butter R17.99, Bramley 100g Lavender Talc R15.99, Bramley 1L Lavender Foam Bath R29.99, Bramley 50ml Lavender Roll on R10.99, Bramley 400ml Lavender Body Lotion R11.66
Bramely products are available at all PEP stores
SOiL
SOiL Organic Lavender Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia) 10ml – R100, SOiL Lavender Soy Wax Melts – 8 Pieces – R60, SOiL Lavender and Tea Tree Sanitiser 50ml – R30, SOil Sleep – R125, SOiL Organic Lavender Scented Shea Butter – R150, SOiL Bug Away – R60, SOiL Organic Baby Massage Blend-100ml – R110, SOiL Organic Relax Remedy Roller (11ml) – R40
All SOiL products can be purchased online at www.soil.co.za
Earthsap
Earthsap Lavender & Rosemary Roll-On – R69.99, Earthsap Foam Bath – Lavender & Juniper Berry – R79.99, Earthsap Lavender & Sugar Beet Shampoo – R89.99, Earthsap Lavender & Sugar Beet Conditioner – R89.99, Earthsap Lavender & Rosemary Hand Soap – R84.99, Earthsap Lavender & Rosemary Air Freshener – R54.99, Earthsap Lavender Nature’s Jelly – R79.99, Earthsap Bath Salts Wild Rose and Lavender – R79.95
Earthsap products are available at selected SPAR stores, health shops nationwide, Wellness Warehouse and online at www.faithful-to-nature.co.za
