Lavender Oil For Anxiety And Depression

Change is inevitable in life and so is feeling of anxiety and depression associated with it. We cannot transform the sad incidences that occur in life, which leave scars on our mind and soul. But we can certainly work to pull the mind from the well of endless thoughts of anxiety and depression.

While several medicines are there to calm and relax the mind, they are often comes with a price of side effects. Nothing is better than aromatherapy, when it comes to soothing and relaxing the mind. Aromatherapy involves message therapies using essential oils.

Among several essential oils, lavender oil is considered as an effective remedy to control anxiety and depression. Let’s explore the character of lavender oil that makes it a wonderful remedy for anxiety and depression.

Why Lavender Oil Is Used?

Lavender oil is derived from the lavender plant. It has a strong aromatic smell that works very well on senses. It soothes and relaxes the mind while releasing tension and anxiety that often ends up with depression. According to a study, lavender oil is equally effective as pharmaceutical drug lorazepam for the treatment of depression.

Moreover, it does not cause any side effects like drug dependency and withdrawal symptoms which are common with pharmaceutical drugs. Besides this, lavender oil also has other medicinal properties that help to relieve nervousness, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and dementia.

How It Works?

Lavender leaves contain high concentration of volatile oils which gives it a soothing and unique fragrance. The pleasing fragrance directly acts on nervous system and fixes mood imbalance like anxiety, insomnia, nervousness and depression. Furthermore, this herb also boasts with properties like antibacterial, antifungal, carminative, sedative, and antidepressant.

How To Use?

As we now know why lavender oil is good for treating anxiety and depression, the question arises how to use it? The answer for this is right here. It can be used for topical application or oral intake. Lavender capsules are available which can be taken in a dose of 80 mg per day for better results. Otherwise, dried lavender can be used to prepare tea for intake. For making tea, steep 1 or 2 teaspoons of lavender leaves in boiling water for 15 minutes. Do not take more than 60 drops of the infusion a day.

As topical application, either smell the strong fragrance of lavender oil or use it for aromatherapy. In order to use it for aromatherapy, take few drops of lavender oil in your finger tips and massage gently on the temple for few minutes. Switch off the lights and take a rest while lying on the bed for relaxation. If you frequently suffer from depression and anxiety then you can add few drops of lavender oil in hair oil and apply it whenever you oil your hair and scalp.

Precautions

Never take lavender capsules or infusion along with pharmaceutical medicines without consulting your doctor. It may cause drowsiness if taken with antidepressants drugs like benzodiazepines or nacrotics. Do not consume lavender orally if you suffer from bleeding disorder as it may increase the symptoms. It may also cause side effects like rash, skin pigmentation, and nausea.