Perhaps you’ve seen its long purple stalks swishing in a field, smelled its light, herbal scent, or even tasted its floral accent in desserts, but chances are, you’ve encountered lavender in your life. This plant has been used in foods, perfumes, medicines, and more for millennia. However, while you might be familiar with its aesthetic experience, pleasant fragrance, and mild flavor, this plant offers certain advantages you might not be aware of. At AspenKay Naturals, we’ve made it our mission to research, source, and share the highest quality natural ingredients with our customers, both in our organic soaps and in our blog. Read on to learn six benefits of lavender you may not have known.

1. It can improve your mood.

Perhaps you’ve personally experienced a sigh of relief or an uptick in temperament when you get a whiff of lavender. According to a study published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, “in terms of mood responses, the subjects in the lavender oil group [those who inhaled the oil] categorized themselves as more active, fresher, [and more] relaxed than subjects just inhaling base oil.”

2. It’s antibacterial.

Lavender can be used to help treat wounds and heal infections. For example, a 2009 study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine discovered that “all four lavender oils [tested] inhibited the growth of both MSSA and MRSA [two strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria] by direct contact...the results suggest that combinations of lavender oils should be investigated further for possible use in antibacterial products.” These statements clearly suggest that lavender is and will continue to be of use in antibacterial applications.

3. It works as an anti-inflammatory.

That’s right: lavender has actually been shown to reduce swelling. A 2005 study published in the scientific journal, Elsevier, found that certain lavender compounds “revealed an anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of indomethacin [a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug often used to treat fever and headaches].”

4. It helps you sleep better.

Many people use lavender to relax, so it makes sense that it would have a positive effect on sleep, as well. A 2012 piece published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine notes: “Anecdotally, lavender oil has sedative or sleep enhancing properties and is believed to cause few side effects.” Based on the existing studies of lavender and sleep, the researchers behind this article concluded: “lavender oil may be of small to moderate benefit” and “early results appear promising” for the connection between a good night’s rest and lavender oil.

5. It may help treat acne.

According to Livestrong, “when used over time, lavender oil can help reduce the appearance of breakouts. Regular oil users claim that lavender can help reduce the appearance of breakouts,” as well as “remove pore impurities.” This is in keeping with the history of lavender, which the ancient Romans bathed with and whose name comes from “ ‘lavare’ (Latin meaning ‘ to wash ’),” as per Everything Lavender.

6. It makes for a wonderful soap.

Given lavender’s many merits, discussed above, its oil makes a great addition to face and body cleansers. Livestrong points out that lavender “has been used for centuries to make soaps.” In addition to its relaxing, pleasant scent, Livestrong explains: “soaps made with lavender essential oil are a healing aid for any type of skin infection. Lavender’s antibacterial properties have also rendered it effective in treating scabies and eczema” while lavender soap can also be made into a “thick paste...for acute conditions.”

At Aspen Kay Naturals, we’ve harnessed the power of lavender in our luxurious handmade soaps. We use lavender essential oil in our Lavender & Goats Milk Bar Soap. Our high-quality, artisanal soap-making techniques ensure that the lavender oil is fully integrated, offering its many benefits throughout the entire bar, all the way to its last floral flake. This rich purple soap is appropriate for all ages and skin types. In addition to lavender, it offers the many advantages of certified organic sunflower oil, certified organic unrefined shea nut butter, coconut oil, goat’s milk, and many other excellent ingredients. For an even better value, we also offer our Lavender & Goats Milk Soap in 1-pound “Fugly” Bags. 

Do You Want More Lavender in Your Life?

Experience everything lavender has to offer with our outstanding handmade soaps! C ontact AspenKay Naturals today to learn more about our products and order your very own Lavender & Goats Milk soap.