Researchers at Oldham Cottage hospital recently investigated the potential of essential oil of lavender to aid rest and relaxation and thereby encourage the healing process in elderly patients. The patients were monitored for seven days during which time their sleep patterns, dozing and alertness during the day were recorded. The following seven days one drop of Lavender augustfolia was put on each patient’s pillow at night. No other changes were made to the patients’ daily routine or medications that they were receiving.
At the end of the seven days, all of the patients’ records were collated and analysed. Interestingly, all of the patients reacted favourably to the treatment; the researchers observed increased daytime alertness, improved sleep patterns and those patients who had previously experienced confusion were observed to display as much as a 50 per cent decrease in their symptoms.
Whilst this was a small scale study, it does provide an indication of the value of essential oil of lavender in not only aiding rest and promoting sleep at night when administered to elderly patients, but it also has the effect (which very likely occurs as a result of the improved sleep) in improving mental alertness and energy during the day. No doubt this study will inspire other more comprehensive research in this field.
Priscilla - 16 years ago
I used Lavender oil when i was a patient recently in the cancer ward. Kept a few drops on my pillow and always helped me to sleep. Haved used it for a few years now and think it is great.