Useful in treatment of:

Insomnia: Essential oil of lavender has a calming effect which can be helpful in treating insomnia. Inhaling lavender oil may be as effective as using a prescription tranquilizer, according to one study. It is also effective when applied topically to help relax muscles.^1,2

Post Partum: Lavender oil helps to ease perineal discomfort after childbirth. It can be applied as a massage oil, or used in a bath.³

Stress Reduction: Massage with lavender oil may induce a transient degree of relaxation in patients in intensive care units⁴, or after bypass surgery. ⁵

Recommended Dosage: One cup of tea twice daily, or oil applied as needed.

Contraindications: None.

References:

¹Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Jager W, et al. Aromatherapy: Evidence for sedative effects of the essential oil of lavender after inhalation. Z Naturforsch [C] 1991;46:1067–72.
²Hardy M, Kirk-Smith MD, Stretch DD. Replacement of drug therapy for insomnia by ambient odour. Lancet 1995;346:701 [letter].
³Dale A, Cornwell S. The role of lavender oil in relieving perineal discomfort following childbirth: A blind randomized trial. J Adv Nursing 1994;19:89–96.
⁴ Dunn C; Sleep J; Collett D. Sensing an improvement: an experimental study to evaluate the use of aromatherapy, massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit. J Adv Nurs 1995 Jan;21(1):34-40
⁵ Aromatherapy. Buckle J. Nurs Times 1993 May 19-25;89(20):32-5