Photo courtesy of @danielle_brooks2002/Twenty20
While the lavender plant has been around for hundreds of years, it seems it’s only recently gained mainstream popularity as a stress-buster, mood lifter, and restful aid. Many studies have investigated lavender’s effectiveness for a number of conditions, such as pain, anxiety, stress, and overall well-being, but only recently have any proved the plant’s — and the commonly utilized essential oil’s — efficacy. For example, a 2013 study in the journal Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine surveyed the existing experimental and clinical knowledge to determine the effect of lavender on the nervous system and found strong results to suggest its efficacy. And in another research paper, which dropped in October 2018 in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, confirms that sniffing lavender can have similar effects to that of ingesting the anti-anxiety medication valium minus the groggy side effects.
And since you can snag lavender without an Rx, try incorporating it in a slew of new ways into your home and daily life — I promise you’ll be all the more relaxed from it.
Photo courtesy of @mppllc/Twenty20
In the bath
Considering how relaxing a hot bath is to begin with (studies show it can be as effective as 30 minutes of exercise is for stress-busting), adding lavender will only add to your melted state of bliss. Use 6 to 8 drops of lavender essential oil under running water, or mix first with Epsom salts to create your own bath soak.
Under your sheets
To maximize lavender’s potential sleep-inducing properties, use dried lavender flowers (Mountain Rose Herbs always offers quality options) in a sachet and place underneath your bed linens to create a soft, relaxing scent that emanantes the more you snooze atop it.
In a diffuser
Aromatherapy diffusers are hot right now, and for good reason. Just a few drops of an essential oil is enough to permeate an entire space with whichever herb’s olfactory delights. My favorite one is the Moodoo Smart Diffuser, which is Alexa-controlled for easy voice activation.
In a pillow spray
Whether you DIY it with lavender oil, witch hazel, and water, or purchase one of the top-selling pillow sprays (my ride or die is this bottle from ThisWorks), pillow sprays are like sheet sachets on steroids, helping to lull you to sleep faster and also helping you stay asleep longer. Win win, right?!
In laundry detergent
To add a fresh scent to your laundry without artificial fragrances, try using essential oils. Lavender oil is a refreshing choice, and just 10 or 20 drops works for an entire bottle of an unscented detergent of your choice.
In your vacuum
Draw up two or three drops of lavender essential oil. Drop, one at a time, onto the filter media or dust cup. Wait a minute or two to allow the oil to dry before replacing. Refresh the oil as desired.
In cleaning solution
Mixing lavender with vinegar and water will give you a cleanser for pretty much every surface save for granite and marble. You’ll find the solution will also help break down mineral scum, which is what leaves behind cloudy spots on your mirrors and builds up soap in the shower.
Articles from The Natural should not be considered medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, please consult a medical professional.