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Relieving Stress: Lavender Oil

Ophelia Gherman
June 8, 2017
The spikenard ointment Mary used to anoint the feet of Jesus is still in use today. More commonly known as lavender, its oil is used to fight stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other ailments.

Herbs and essential oils have been used in the medicinal arena throughout history. The Persians, Greeks, and Romans used lavender as a perfume, medicine, and mummifying agent. The Greeks referred to lavender as 'Nardus' or 'Spikenard', derived from the Syrian city Naarda. In the Bible, Spikenard or 'Nard' was considered an extravagant perfume. "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment," John 12:3

 

It has long been claimed that aromatherapy can affect our mood and health. Scientists have offered an explanation for why this is the case. There is a close connection between our physical health, our emotions, and our five senses: sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing. Smell and emotion are intimately connected due to the close proximity of the olfactory system and our brain. This is why inhalation is one of the most effective modes of administering essential oils in order to relieve stress, enhance mood, and improve sleep quality.

 

While therapeutic actions using lavender oil have been known for centuries, its benefits are no longer anecdotal, rather, modern medicine has proven its use through studies and experiments. When applied topically to the affected area, lavender dilates capillaries and increases blood circulation thus sending oxygen to tense muscles and organs. This reduces muscular and abdominal cramping and discomfort.

 

Lavender's chemical properties also work at the brain-synapse level increasing happy and relaxation hormones.

 

Are you feeling tense, anxious, tired and overwhelmed? Give the champion stress reliever lavender a try. Its use is versatile and easy. Add a few drops of pure lavender oil to your bath water or body-wash to relax tense muscles and relieve stress. Take a whiff of it to recharge yourself during a work break, or add a few drops to a diffuser at night or on your pillow case to trigger restful sleep. Other modes of use are via inhalation, tea, and direct skin application.

 

Explore the different uses of lavender and experience the scent of calm and relaxation throughout your day.

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