10 Amazing Ways To Use Lavender For Your Overall Well-being

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as lavender, is a fragrant flowering plant and is known & used for its health benefits from time immemorial. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is nowadays grown across many countries like New Zealand, Europe, USA etc.
Today, lavender is widely in demand and it’s popularity knows no bounds. This widespread presence is totally understandable because of its pleasant aroma, colorful flowers and multiple uses.
Lavender is a multipurpose plant and can be used for a lot of health and other merits. Let’s take a look at some of the impressive perks that lavender has to offer:

• Lavender calms the mind and helps you remain stress free. Its fragrance lowers the blood pressure and relaxes your nervous system.
• Many researches have shown that lavender has sedative properties and can help improve your sleep.
• It nourishes the skin and is a great ingredient to be included in your daily regime. It moisturises, reduces blemishes & inflammation, fights infection and also detoxifies the skin.
• Lavender is known to repel insects, bugs and mosquitoes.
• Lavender encourages hair growth and moisturises the scalp which ultimately prevents dandruff and infections.
• It helps with digestion and can be used to treat various gut issues like flatulence, bloating, nausea, stomach ache etc.

To get the most out of lavender, here are some incredible ways to use this herb for your complete wellness:

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Essential oils have become very popular these days and an important element to be included in people’s self care regime. From rosemary to frankincense, every essential oil has it’s own uses and benefits. But lavender is easily the most common and heavily used essential oil.
The oil is extracted by a process known as steam distillation. In this process, the flowers are steamed and then oil is separated from the water. It is important to dilute the essential oil with water or a carrier oil prior to application on skin or hair, since the oil obtained is highly concentrated.
Simply inhaling the aroma of lavender essential oil can do wonders for your well being. Putting a few drops in your bath calms the mind and promotes better sleep. You can also put some drops of oil on your pillow or a tissue for a good nights sleep. Inhaling it can also help alleviate motion sickness, headache and symptoms of depression.

2. Lavender Tea

If you are a fan of tea and enjoy exploring different varieties in it, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on lavender tea. Lavender flavored tea is a super combination of both taste and health. It is made from the buds of the flowering plant. It has nutrients like vitamin A, iron, calcium, terpenes, etc that have numerous positive effects on human health.
Drinking lavender tea can relieve a lot of your ailments like headache, insomnia, anxiety, upset stomach, joint pain, cough, fever, irritated skin, etc.
Lavender tea can be made very easily at home. It requires only two basic ingredients, namely lavender buds and water. For more flavour, you can add some honey, lemon, chamomile or even milk. You can also use store bought tea bags if fresh lavender buds aren’t available.
The basic recipe to brew a perfect cup of lavender tea is as follows:

1. Take 2 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of lavender buds to it. This can be considered as the best ratio for making lavender tea. Adding any more buds will make the tea bitter.
2. Allow the buds to steep for 3-10 minutes.
3. Serve your tea hot with a dash of honey and lemon.

3. Lavender Sachets

Lavender sachets are a great way to spread the heavenly scent and goodness of this amazing herb in your home. Lavender has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties, thus, it helps keep insects at bay.
It can very well be used as an alternative for moth balls. Putting lavender sachets in drawers and closets will not only repel moths but also keep your clothes smelling fresh. You can also use these scented bags as a natural air freshener for your room or car.

4. Lavender Pills Or Capsules

Consuming lavender oil orally is not recommended but it can be taken in the form of pills or capsules. They are safe to be ingested and very useful in alleviating symptoms of anxiety.
Since it is a herbal remedy, lavender oil pills do not cause any side effects. But it is always safe to consult a medical professional before trying out any new supplements.

5. Lavender Scented Candles

Unable to get some serious zzz’s from a long time? Sit back, relax and light up a lavender fragrance candle. It has been scientifically proven that lavender improves sleep patterns, reduces heart rate and calms your nervous system. These candles are the simplest method to get in the benefits that lavender has to offer. Just light them and it’s done!
Light the candles 30-60 minutes before sleeping. This will allow your body to relax gradually and prepare you for a good nights sleep. Additionally, you can also use a diffuser or potpourri to enhance the effects of the candle.

6. Lavender Lotions & Creams

Lavender infused skin care products are the perfect way to show your skin the love it deserves. Thanks to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, this herb can relieve a lot of your skin issues. It moisturises and provides a great load of antioxidants to your skin too.
Lavender infused creams are useful in relieving a number of skin related ailments like dryness, psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, acne, wrinkles, cuts, wounds, etc. Just add a drop or two of lavender oil into your favourite cream or lotion to enjoy the many benefits of this herb.

7. Lavender Bath Salt

Nothing feels better than a warm, relaxing bath after a long day. It is not only calming but also restores the body.
These days, bath salts have gained a lot of popularity since they provide a lot of benefits to the body and mind. So, to make your shower an even rejuvenating experience, try using them, particularly lavender infused.
Adding lavender bath salt to your water instantly provides relief against all kinds of aches and pains. It exfoliates, reduces inflammation and we already know it’s effects in preventing insomnia!
You can try this DIY method to make your own lavender bath salt:

1. Take some epsom salt and pink sea salt in a bowl. Mix them well.
2. Add around 2 ml of lavender essential oil to the mixture. Use your hands to mix the contents well.
3. Now add dried lavender petals to the mixture.
4. After mixing everything thoroughly, transfer the salt to a mason jar and keep it in a dry place.

8. Lavender Soap

This can be another great addition to your bath routine. Lavender infused soap will transform your shower into a spa and instill a sense of tranquil. It is an impeccable balance of calming and healing properties. Lavender soaps of many brands are easily available online. But you can also make your own by following the steps explained in the video below:

9. Lavender Hair Oil

Since lavender is useful in so many ways, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is nourishing for your hair too. Lavender oil improves the scalp, gives lustre, fights dandruff & infections, supports hair growth, prevents lice attack, cures headache and the list is endless.
Mix lavender essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut and apply it on your hairs. You can also add it in your other hair care products like shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, serums, etc.

10. Lavender Recipes

Astonishing, but lavender is definitely edible. From leaves to stem, it is one of those few plants whose every part is consumable. Lavender is a low calorie herb with negligible fat content. It has nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamin A, antioxidants, phytochemicals, etc which can benefit one’s health in numerous ways.
Since it is very strong and aromatic, lavender can be tricky to use. In high quantities, it can impart a bitter flavour. But in managed amounts, it can be integrated in almost all types of food, be it main course, desserts, drinks or garnish. For now, you can try this amazing recipe that incorporates lavender:

Final Thoughts

After going through the above mentioned ways to utilise lavender, we can all agree that this plant is definitely more than just fragrance and colour.
Since now you’re aware of so many uses of this wonder herb, make sure to take its good advantage for your total well-being.
And if you know of other creative ways to use lavender, do share them with us in the comments section!

Also Read: Why You Should Prioritise Self Care Pronto