Aromatherapy is most commonly practiced through the use of essential oils, often with a diffuser or even by gently massaging the oils into the skin. Our sense of smell is processed in the limbic system, the same part of the brain that houses our emotions, memory, and learning. Essential oils can help to create balance and peace within the body by calming the mind.
Each oil has its own unique scent and healing properties, and there are tons of different essential oils available to choose from. To help you narrow down your search for the perfect essential oils for you, join us through this series to highlight some of the top 5 essential oils for healing trauma. Read on to learn about the history, health benefits, and healing properties of our first feature: lavender.
Introducing: Lavender
Lavender is a flowering plant with a sweet, crisp, floral scent that has been used for centuries. The lavender plant has silvery-green leaves and purplish-blue flowers, and it is a popular addition to medicinal gardens. It is believed to be native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, and it has a rich history dating as far back as 2,500 years.
In ancient times, it was used as a holy herb, and it has cultural significance for many different cultures. For many, lavender has a deep association with love and affection. Lavender was also hung above doors to protect against negative energies. Lavender has a rich history with many different uses by ancient doctors, due to its soothing nature.
Health Benefits of Lavender
Lavender is a very versatile herb, and it has been used for many medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Many people turn to lavender for simple home remedies, and research has even supported its many health benefits.
For starters, lavender is known to have a calming effect and lifts moods. The use of lavender can promote calm and lower anxiety and restlessness. It can also help to improve sleep and prevent insomnia, making it a common scent for pillow mists and bubble baths.
Lavender essential oils may also help to relieve pain such as headaches, lower back pain, and even arthritis. Topically applied lavender can treat bruises, burns, and wounds. Lavender oil contains anti-inflammatory components, as well as antiseptic characteristics that can help heal the skin.
Healing Properties
Along with its many health benefits, lavender is also loved for its ability to soothe and heal the mind, as well as its use to balance emotions when dealing with stress and trauma. Lavender is shown to have positive effects on mood, stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve overall well-being through stressful situations.
On a spiritual level, lavender essential oil lifts the weight of depression and sadness, bringing an emotional balance to the soul by relaxing the brain. It can help with our ability to communicate openly and honestly, as well as provide clarity. By quieting the mind, lavender calms insecurities related to sharing our truest thoughts and feelings and promotes connection.
Individuals who feel that they are hiding within themselves as a way to cope with trauma can find strength through lavender as it soothes fear and can guide the mind to reconnect with the heart and soul. In this way, the scent of lavender can help encourage expression, as well as increase interpersonal trust and promote a short-term bonding effect with others.
Through its many health benefits along with its positive impact on emotional healing, using lavender essential oils can really make a difference for those healing from trauma. By calming the mind, body, and soul, aromatherapy can help you to find peace and comfort on your journey through growth.