5+ Simple Ways To Use Lavender For Self-Love And Self-Care
Tap into the full potential of lavender for self-love and self-care. Uncover unique ways to enhance your routine.
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Using Lavender For Self-Love and Self-Care
Imagine sinking into a soothing lavender-scented bath after a long day, feeling all the stress and worry just melt away. Sounds heavenly, right? You’ve probably used lavender before, so you know it’s perfect for relaxation. But did you know that it can be a powerful tool for self-love and self-care, too?
In this post, we’ll explore the ways lavender can elevate your self-care routine. You may be surprised at how versatile this little purple plant can be, and by the end, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for its soothing powers. So, ready to treat yourself with some lavender-infused love? Let’s begin.
What Is Lavender?
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a calming herb that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and restful sleep. These properties have made lavender a popular choice for self-love practices.
Native to the Mediterranean region, it grew in Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans were known to have used lavender for its medicinal properties, as well as for its fragrance. The ancient Egyptians also used lavender for mummification and perfume.
The use of lavender spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, and it became an important crop in many areas, particularly in France and England. At the time, lavender was used to scent linens and clothing and as a natural insect repellent. It was also valued for its medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments, such as headaches, insomnia, and digestive issues.
Today, lavender has remained a popular herb and is used in many different ways. To cultivate self-love, you can add lavender to your self-care practice involving:
- Aromatherapy
- Bathing
- Massage
- Oral supplementation
- Pain relief
Lavender For Aromatherapy
Possibly the simplest way to use lavender for self-love and self-care is through aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety levels, which can help to improve feelings of self-love and well-being.
To maximize its therapeutic effects, ensure you diffuse high-quality lavender essential oil for at least 10 minutes.
Lavender In Your Bath
Something as simple as adding lavender oil to a warm bath as part of your regular self-care practice can promote relaxation and improve your mood. This can then help to deepen feelings of self-love.
According to a study published in Early Human Development, very young infants who bathed with lavender-scented bath oil looked at their mothers more, cried less, and spent more time in deep sleep after bath. Their mothers were more relaxed, smiling and touching their infants more during the bath when compared to the control group. The cortisol levels of moms and babies significantly decreased, supporting a body of research showing the relaxing and sleep-inducing properties of lavender aroma.
Another study, this time published on Complementary Therapies in Medicine, found psychologically positive mood changes in a group of women who used lavender oil in their baths for “energetic arousal, tense arousal, hedonic tone and anger–frustration.” Their negative responses about the future were also reduced.
Lavender For Massage
You can also use lavender essential oil when indulging in massages or practicing self-massage. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing found that “back massage with lavender essence oil is an effective intervention to reduce the stress response in the ICU nurses.”
Lavender As A Supplement
Did you know that you can also take lavender as a supplement? According to the Natural Medicine Journal, oral supplements containing high-quality, undiluted lavender oil – between 20 (mg) to 80 (mg) per day – can be used to treat anxiety symptoms.
Lavender For Pain Relief
Some people also add lavender to a warm compress to relieve pain, which can be a soothing and relaxing way to use lavender. To do this, just add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a bowl of warm water, soak a clean cloth in the water, wring out the excess, and apply the compress to whichever area is painful. The warmth of the compress can help to relax muscles and ease tension, while the lavender can provide a calming and soothing scent
Lavender In Your Tea
A delicious way to enjoy the benefits of lavender is by brewing the dried herb as lavender tea and drinking it either hot or cold, depending on your personal preference.
To make hot lavender tea, bring water to a boil and add dried lavender flowers or a lavender tea bag to the water. Allow the tea to steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. You can add honey (or equivalent) or lemon to taste.
To make cold lavender tea, follow the same steps for making hot tea, but allow the tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or adding ice. Cold lavender tea can be a refreshing and soothing drink on a hot day.
So, there you have it! Lavender truly is a powerhouse of self-love and self-care, with so many versatile applications. From aromatherapy and soothing baths to massages, oral supplements, pain relief, and even delicious tea, this beautiful plant has earned its place in your self-care toolbox.
Try Lavender Now!
Remember that time when you thought lavender was only good for relaxation? Well, now you know that it can do so much more, and it’s exciting to think about all the new ways you can incorporate it into your self-care routine. Just imagine how much more in tune with yourself and at peace you’ll feel when you start tapping into the full potential of this fragrant flower.
So why not give it a try? Go ahead and treat yourself to some lavender-infused self-care. You deserve it, after all. Experiment with the various uses we’ve discussed, and let the soothing powers of lavender elevate your self-love game to new heights. It’s time to embrace this beautiful gift from nature and nurture your mind, body, and soul with the magic of lavender.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Lavender For Self-Love and Self-Care
For more information on using lavender for self-love and self-care, check out our Q&As below:
What are the benefits of lavender?
Lavender has so many benefits; it’s truly a wonder plant:
- Scientific research has shown that lavender aromatherapy helps to reduce arousal levels while improving focus in healthy individuals.
- It can boost cognitive function.
- Some hospitals use lavender to improve patient comfort and sleep.
- It can help manage dental anxiety.
- Using an aroma diffuser with 12 drops of lavender each night can be an effective approach for those with dementia who struggle with anxiety and sleep disturbances
It’s evident that this fragrant plant has much to offer. From promoting relaxation and easing anxiety to enhancing sleep and mental acuity, lavender proves to be a versatile and valuable asset for your self-care and self-love repertoire.
Is lavender good for self-love?
Yes! Lavender is fantastic for self-love and a great addition to any self-care routine.
What essential oil is good for self-love?
Along with lavender, you can also use bergamot, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, sandalwood, neroli, sweet orange, and geranium.
At the end of the day, choose the oil that calls to you.
What tea is good for self-love?
If you’re looking for a self-love tea blend, I really recommend these:
- Floris Naturals Self Love Tea Blends: Black Rose, Citrus Chamomile, Berry Medley, and more
- The Tree of Love Self-Heal Tea: Prunella Vulgaris
- Anita Apothecary Self Love Tea: White Tea, Hibiscus, Rosehips, Safflower, Rooibos, Roses, Passionflower and Orange Peel
That said, the best tea for self-love is the one that you love best.
How do you develop self-love?
The best way to develop self-love is to practice self-care. Self-care is really the acting out of self-love. They’re the two sides of the same coin. So, if you want to deepen your love of self, engage in self-love rituals. Act like you already love yourself – and you will.
What are some self-love rituals?
For specific ideas on how to practice self-care through self-love rituals, read the posts below:
- Your 10-Minute Morning Self-Care Routine For A Successful Day
- 20+ Quick & Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care During Lunch
- The Ultimate Bedtime Self-Care Routine For A Restful Night’s Sleep
- 100+ Unusual Self-Care Ideas To Turbocharge Your Life
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