The Benefits of Lavender

Lavender is a key ingredient to our Drift Away massage and strong player in Temple Spa’s Repose cream – but do you know the full effects of the famous herb?

 

Tell me more!

Lavender is best known for its deep purple colour and powerful fragrance. This flower is often turned into an oil that can be used on the skin, but the buds can also be ingested (just not the oil) – a slice of lavender and lemon cake anyone? 

Lavender is commonly used for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, headache and pain. Phew! That’s quite a list. While some may argue it’s only a placebo effect, there is evidence to suggest otherwise. For instance, one study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants reacted better to stress if they had inhaled a lavender aroma over a placebo aroma.

How do I use it?

There are many ways in which you can incorporate a little lavender into your life.

If you’re looking for help getting a good night’s sleep, try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath (or, for extra soft skin, try using Temple Spa’s Drift Away massage and bath oil). If you’re not a bath fan, try lighting a lavender candle or drinking some lavender tea before bed. You can also drop a few droplets of pure lavender oil onto your pillowcase. Temple Spa also sell an incredible Repose aromatherapy cream, which used nightly can have the same affect.

If you’re interested in trying lavender to help ease anxiety, place a few droplets onto tissue or a little fabric and inhale with some deep breaths. A study in the International Journal of Nursing Practice found this works best over a few days. This method has also been recommended for those with post-partum, with a study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice discovering ‘positive findings with minimal risk for the use of aromatherapy as a complementary therapy in both anxiety and depression’.

Just enjoy the smell of lavender? Then you could diffuse a little with some water and spritz around the house, or buy a lavender candle or room diffuser.

Any risks?

There is no recommended daily allowance for lavender essential oil, though it is recommended those with sensitive skin be cautious and mix a few drops with a skin-friendly carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond or avocado oil are all great examples).

There are some rumours that lavender oil can even help eyelashes grow - but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim and doing so could strongly irritate the eye. We do not recommend this one!

What about this Drift Away massage?

The aroma of lavender is part of the Imagine Spa x Temple Spa Drift Away magic; where dreamy lavender is paired with relaxing movements to ensure that you zzzzz away in no time… no wonder it’s one of our most popular massages! To look at how you can book yours, head to imaginespa.co.uk

Anything else?

Please note, that while lavender may help soothe, it cannot be relied on as a “cure”. It is recommended for use alongside professional medical help, not instead of. If you're experiencing any symptoms of anxiety and depression, please speak to your doctor.