Popular as Lavandula angustifolia in the scientific community, Lavender is a herb that is native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Extracted via steam stripping the plant, Lavender Essential Oil is anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, analgesic, detoxifying, and sedative. With its purple flowers that proliferate beautifully in fields, lavender is as much of a vision to behold as it is a plant that has so marvelously aided the healthcare and beauty industry. All these benefits are explained in detail below - 

• Anxiety - Using Lavender Essential Oil in a diffuser/humidifier for just 15 minutes helps alleviate stress, anxiety, even depression, studies suggest. Its calming fragrance releases serotonin, which helps in a night of better and more relaxed sleep. In a study conducted by ‘Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice’ (2012), it was reported that lavender-essential-oil-based aromatherapy helped soothe anxiety in high-risk postpartum women. 
• Healer - When applied diluted on wounds, cuts, bruises, Lavender Essential Oil increases collagen turnover, which elevates skin elasticity and rebuilds damaged tissues. When applied properly, it can also prevent risks of wound marks and scars, leaving skin supple, healthy, and healed. 
• Antimicrobial - Lavender Essential Oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, which makes it suitable to be used on fresh cuts and wounds (diluted). It keeps the surface uninfected and clean, thus not allowing it to contract any further infections. 

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil? 

• Aromatherapy - Putting a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil in a diffuser/humidifier can help in reducing anxiety levels by a significant amount. It can also aid in treating sleep problems like irregular sleep patterns and insomnia. Apart from the mental and physical peace it provides, this oil also purifies air quality, thus making it more suitable for breathing. 
• Carrier Oil - Using Lavender Essential Oil as a carrier oil with other hair/body oils can provide similar benefits as well. Adding a few drops to bathing water is found to have relaxing effects on people struggling with work anxiety. Rubbing the oil on your temples before sleep is proven to be very helpful in improving sleep quality and duration.