For many years lavender has been used in the treatment of a variety of ailments, both physical and otherwise.
Lavender has long since been hailed as a calming and de-stressing plant, with its scent being one that can soothe and promote sleep. Lavender health benefits also include the plant having painkilling and antiseptic properties.
Many acne sufferers who have used lavender oil as a treatment to fight acne have reported that the treatment reduces inflammation and that the antiseptic and antifungal properties reduce breakouts.
When applied topically lavender oil has been linked to many lavender health benefits and treatments. As well as treating acne, lavender oil is known to aid the healing of sunburn and other skin complaints.
The healing property of lavender flowers is captured for use via essential oils. Essential oils are the distilled product from the plant which is a powerful concentrate. Being such a strong concentrate it is inadvisable to apply it this in its undiluted form to the skin and it will cause additional irritation. Using essential as an ingredient to make lavender oil with white vinegar and olive oil is the best way to use it for complaints such as acne or sunburn.
Making your own lavender oil for home use
It isn’t practical to make lavender essential oil from home as it would require a commercial amount of the fresh petals to produce even the smallest amount. It is however entirely possible to make your own lavender oil which can be used in the treatments.
Is it very simple to make your own lavender oil which you can use for topical application for acne.
Ingredients required:
- 12-14 drops of essential lavender oil
- 125ml of olive oil
- 75ml white vinegar
Method
- Simply combine the olive oil and white vinegar along with the essential lavender oil and mix well.
- Store in a cool place and a sealed container until needed.
It really couldn’t be easier to make your own lavender oil, but it is important that when dealing with any essential oils or alternative treatments that you consider several things.
As before, lavender essential oil, as with most essential oils, can be quite abrasive to the skin if applied undiluted. Only use lavender oil for topical use, not the stronger essential oil.
The use of essential oils to treat a variety of ailments is known as aromatherapy and is a practice that requires much training if it is to be used professionally. While lavender is the plant least known to cause irritation or reaction, in any form, every skin type is different. When choosing to use lavender oil topically to take advantage of the lavender health benefits ensures that you test the oil on a small area first and wait twenty four hours to check for any irritation.
Aromatherapy is a complementary form of medicine which as the name suggest compliments other therapies. It is usually possible to use natural remedies alongside medically prescribed ones but do check with your GP or specialist before altering any treatment you are already one, for acne or anything else.
This is a guest post by Martina Mercer of Lavender World.
