What is Kashmiri Lavender Oil?
Kashmir lavender essential oil is one of the best selling essential oils in the world, due to its fragrant and calming properties, amongst a wide array of health benefits and skin and hair care benefits. It has been popular since ancient times for cooling and calming an overheated body and for relieving pain and treating bug bites. Here in this article we explore the process of extracting the Indian variety of lavender oil- Kashmiri lavender oil, and its myriad benefits and the ways in which it can be utilized, and finally the tips and precautions to observe whilst choosing a product or using the product.
What is the Process From Flower to Oil?
Towards the last week of June, when lavender flower bloom or blossom in Kashmir, the flowers are harvested. Particular care is taken to harvest them on bright, sunny days when most of the florets are open. The flowers blossom till the end of July, so there is a one month time-period in which the flowers must be harvested, making this oil a precious resource. The spiky portion of the flower is then put into the water to be boiled so that we can extract the oil. This elaborate process is called Steam Distillation.
Health Benefits of Kashmiri Lavender Oil
1. Relieves Stress and Anxiety (H3
Lavender oil has calming, sedative, and anticonvulsant properties all of which aid in curing or relieving anxiety and stress, and it is claimed, even depression. In herbal therapies and aromatherapies it is often used to treat restlessness and promote relaxation. Just by being around the fragrance of a lavender plant, these benefits are guaranteed. Various studies conducted have confirmed the role of lavender in reducing anxiety and stress. Studies conducted on cancer patients have provided some legitimacy to the claim of lavender oil treating even depression.
2. Treats Skin Diseases
Eczema is a skin condition which is embarrassing to deal with, and painful to handle. It is a medical condition wherein patches of your skin turn rough and become inflamed with blisters, causing itching and even bleeding. Lavender oil with its anti-inflammatory properties comes in handy for treating this condition. It relieves itching, decongests the areas on the skin which are irritated by adding moisture, fastening the healing process. It reduces the symptoms of eczema and therefore is helpful in treating this skin disease or skin condition.
3. Treats Respiratory Disorders
Since asthma is a condition which gets worse in anxious moments, breathing exercises combined with aromatherapy may help offer relief. Lavender oil is known for its calming effects and sedative effect, thereby making it an important oil to treat asthma. According to a study, simply breathing in lavender oil may be beneficial in reducing the inflammation caused by asthma and allergies. This oil can be used by being added to the diffuser or humidifier.
4. Boosts Immunity
Free radicals like toxins and chemicals are dangerous to human health. They’re responsible for shutting down our immune system. Therefore lavender oil is beneficial in boosting immunity as it facilitates the release of antioxidants within the body which aid in fighting free radicals.
5. Bug Repellent
While traditionally used as an insect or bug bite healer, lavender oil functions as a bug repellent as well. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to the insect bite will reduce the itching and swelling considerably, and applying a few drops on various parts of your body functions well as an insect bug repellent.
6. Relieves Pain
Lavender oil functions as a pain reliever as well. In a study conducted on cancer patients it was found that lavender oil aided in somewhat relieving the physical pain of the patients. Moreover it helps in abdominal pain and headaches as well.
7. Induces Quality Sleep
Folklore alleges that people used to stuff their pillows with lavender leaves in order to have a peaceful and sound sleep. While we doubt the authenticity of that lore, lavender oil has been known not only to cure insomnia but also to provide quality sleep. This results due to lavender oil relaxing our nervous system and inducing a relaxed sleep pattern. Studies conducted by the University of Southampton have provided legitimacy to this claim. American studies have confirmed lavender oil’s sedative properties as well.
8. Acne Treatment
Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, kashmiri lavender oil is particularly useful in treating acne, by warding off bacteria which cause the inflammation and acne. This can be done by simply using a cotton swab wetted with oil to carefully dab over the affected areas. Lavender oil has been extensively incorporated in aromatherapy for the treatment of acne.
9. Ideal Hair Care
Lavender oil is great for your hair. It helps reduce or control hair loss, helps treat dandruff, is a good moisturizer, helps treat lice if you’re afflicted with hair lice, it even promotes hair growth. First of all, it is great for treating hair loss because hair loss is associated with symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, the state of stress, even depression, all of which lavender oil is supposed to cure. Regular massage using this oil aids in reducing hair fall, and boosting hair growth. Secondly, this oil is helpful in treating dandruff as it helps in getting rid of an itchy and dry scalp, dandruff. Mix lavender oil together with a carrier oil before applying. It takes a few weeks for tangible results to show or appear. Thirdly, it functions as a great moisturizer as it leaves your hair shiny and fragrant if applied along with a carrier oil, before showering, thereby rejuvenating your hair. Last, it treats hair lice due to this oil being a powerful antiseptic. Massage this oil onto your scalp twenty minutes prior to a bath and then observe the results after taking a bath.
10. Aids Digestion
Indigestion is a problem which afflicts most of us. Lavender oil helps treat this problem by enabling our body to digest fats by improving the secretion of bile, and soothing the lining of the digestive tract. Additionally, this oil is helpful in relieving gas and constipation. Lavender can be ingested in the form of lavender tea. A study conducted in Iran has provided scientific basis for lavender oil’s ability to treat stomach flatulence and an upset stomach.
How to Use Kashmiri Lavender Oil?
1. For Hair
You can apply lavender oil to your hair as a hair mask once a week to enjoy its benefits. It can help to prevent hair fall and moisturize your hair. Mix together 1 tablespoon of argan oil with 3 tablespoons of lavender essential oil. Apply this mix to your hair. Rub it in the areas which need it the most, especially since this is a great serum for a dry scalp. Let it sit in your hair for an hour, meanwhile wear a shower cap to hem in the moisture. Rinse with warm water and shampoo and condition your hair as you usually do. Ensure you take the oil out of your hair and scalp. Repeat this once a week.
2. For Good Sleep
At night time, place two drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton swab or ball, and tuck this cotton underneath your pillow case before bed for a wonderful night’s sleep and utter relaxation.
3. For Skin Health
Apply a drop topically to help with insect bites, or apply as part of a cold compress to soothe any area of the body. For acne and eczema, apply by gently dabbing with a cotton ball.
4. Direct inhalation
This is best when you just want to enjoy the calming and soothing effect of the oil, or its wonderful fragrance. It is particularly helpful for those who suffer suddenly from a panic attack or stress. For people suffering with anxiety it is best to carry a bottle of this oil everywhere.
5. For Pain
Blend lavender oil with any massage oil or carrier oil and massage into your skin to uplift mood and ease your head and shoulder tension. Have someone else massage you in the areas you can not reach.
6. For Indigestion
For treating indigestion and the associated belching and pain amongst other things, it is best to ingest lavender in the form of lavender tea. Making your own lavender tea is fairly uncomplicated. Boil 200 mL of water in a pan and add 4 teaspoons of lavender leaves in a sachet or tea ball. Place the tea ball and water in a cup. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Your lavender tea is ready.
7. For Treating Burns and Cuts
For minor burns, place two to three drops of lavender essential oil to decrease the pain. Due to its anti inflammatory properties it helps with the soreness, redness, swelling and even pain. For cuts, just drop the oil on the cut to prevent the growth of any unwanted bacteria.
8. For its fragrance
Simply put, lavender oil enjoys widespread usage especially for its wonderful scent. It is a natural, non-toxic perfume great for both men and women and can be applied directly or in a diluted form. If using directly, just put a few drops on your palms, rub them together then apply on your hands, hair, or any part of the body as per your choice. If you wish to dilute it you could consider making a spray out of it by mixing the oil with water and placing this mix in an empty spray bottle, then spray as you wish.
Tips and Precautionary Measures
- While purchasing essential oils look out for, or avoid oils which state ‘fragrance oil’ or ‘perfume oil’ on their product bottles or containers. These are presumably synthetic and will not provide you with the desired health benefits. Always look out for products which state ‘pure essential oil’ or/and ‘100% essential oil’ as the pure or higher quality products.
- Always perform a patch test before using any essential oil, no matter what its benefits, as you may prove to be allergic to a certain oil. It’s always best to do this before investing in the long term or widespread usage of any particular product, especially for hair or skin care.
- Do not ingest without the supervision of a medical practitioner.
Also read:
Benefits & Usage of Lavender Oil for Skin
Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil – Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
