5 reasons why lavender should be in your skincare and self-care routine
From hair growth to less headaches, this essential oil goes a long way
Writer’s note: This copywriting post was written by Shamontiel and published on Zaabox’s blog. The original link (published in March 2019) no longer works. Although Zaabox’s Instagram page has been inactive since 2019, I still respect how much love the owner insisted on showing to melanin-rich women. Of note, the repurposed post has been slightly edited for tone, interlinking and style.
It’s been a long day, and now it’s time for some much needed relaxation. Go ahead and whip out the lavender essential oils.
We already know it smells great, but do you know why it’s such an important part of a healthy self-care routine for mind, body and soul?
Recommended Read: “3 tips for a spa day from home ~ Lavender: The sole supply you need to relax”
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Interestingly, Medical News Today reports that certain aromas like lavender can aid in everything from relaxation to stress relief. Linalool is an alcohol found in lavender essential oils that has this calming affect on the brain. That’s why you feel so much better after getting out of a bubble bath and rubbing lavender essential oils (or lotion) all over yourself.
Shopping Recommendation: Bath & Body Works Lavender Vanilla Medium One Wick Candle (or Wallflowers Fragrance Refill)
5 more things that lavender does naturally
Decreases anxiety and depression
Sometimes we deal with a lot of external pressure that can cause anxiety and maybe even depression. Self-care is one of the easiest ways to decrease stress and/or anxiety. We have the ability to improve this: take some “me time” to unwind. It could be anything from gardening to cooking to dancing to taking a hot bath with a few drops of lavender oil.
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As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from each product purchased using my referral link.
Alleviates headaches, pain and muscle tension
Certain kinds of chronic body pains are also helped by the healing effects of lavender. Moisture-rich butters containing lavender essential oils can be rubbed on stressed muscles. Or, let it waft through a diffuser into the surrounding air to create an environment of calm as you relax with a good book or soak in a tub.
Combats insomnia and restlessness
Up all night? One of the lavender flower’s most popular uses is to promote restful sleep. A reasonable amount of sleep is what provides that gorgeous glow. Interrupted sleep can ruin the next day, causing more stress and can even impact physical health.
Recommended Read: “Can your device keep a secret? ~ Playing Devil’s Advocate with consumer privacy”
Light a lavender candle as you wind down. Let the lavender relax your mind and body so you can shine when you wake up. (Don’t forget to blow it out before you go into a deep sleep though. Safety first.)
Acts as a natural medication
This natural herb is also used as an antibiotic and antifungal medication. It’s no wonder that the flower and oil of lavender plants can be found in cosmetics, perfumes and soaps.
Recommended Read: “Green cleaning at home ~ Eco-friendly ways to clean with kids or pets at home”
Promotes hair growth
High-stress environments can also lead to hair loss. Lavender oil has even come in handy for hair growth. In combination with cedarwood, rosemary and thyme, lavender oil helped with hair growth by 44% over a seven-month time period. And while seven months may seem like a long time, melanin-rich women have always been creative with our crowns. We can find so many ways to rock a hairstyle in the meantime in between time. Or, show off our natural scalps.
Recommended Read: “Do black men really care about black women’s hair? ~ Men weigh in on their favorite traits about women”
Whatever option you choose, it’s about time for some "me time" to focus on improving mental and physical well-being with natural, healthy products. The best way to love others is to love yourself first.
Take care.
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