Soap Highlight

This week we are highlighting the most popular soap in our line–lavender.  I’ve talked about some of the benefits of lavender HERE, but this post will go more into depth about it.

Like all of the soaps we make, the lavender bar’s main and most important ingredient is the goat milk.  You can read about the benefits of goat milk soap HERE.

Did you know that lavender essential oils are derived from the purple flowers, not the leaves (leaves and stems of the plant were used to prepare decoctions against digestive system diseases and rheumatism [1])?  It is also the most widely used essential oil in the world.  There is a reason for that.  It smells AMAZING and has countless benefits.

The uses for lavender have been around for 2,500 years.  In fact the Egyptians used it their mummification processes and as a perfume. When King Tut’s tomb was opened in 1923, there was said to be a faint scent of lavender that could still be detected after 3,000 years [1].

Probably the most well know aspect of lavender is its calming effect.  In fact, I have one customer that likes to bath with the lavender bar at night for that very reason.   Traditionally, lavender has been used to treat neurological issues like migraines, stress, and anxiety [1].  The research is finally starting to support this.  In 2013, an evidence-based study published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found that supplementing with 80 milligram capsules of lavender essential oil alleviates anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression [2].

What’s more, a 2012 study conducted in Germany demonstrated the restorative benefits of inhaled lavender essential oil vapor. When inhaled by patients with dementia for 60 minutes a day, lavender was shown to prevent scopolamine-induced oxidative stress [3].   It’s even been shown to help women with post-partum depression [4] and those with PTSD [5].

The use of goat milk soaps, helps to protect and promote healthy skin.  And the addition of lavender does as well.  “Using lavender oil topically can help to improve a number of skin conditions, from canker sores to allergic reactions, acne and age spots. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to ease skin conditions and reverse signs of aging.”  Combining it with frankincense can help reduce signs of aging, like dark spots.  Guess what?  We have a bar for that too!

And look at this…which is super exciting; studies also show that lavender oil, along with other essential oils like thyme, rosemary and cedarwood, can significantly improve alopecia areata and hair loss when massaged into the scalp daily.  We have a bar for that too!!

Almost 100 studies have been conducted that support the antimicrobial and healing benefits of lavender. A 2016 study conducted on rats found that lavender oil promoted wound healing in the early phase by accelerating the formation of granulation tissue (tissue from the healing surface of the skin) and promoting collagen synthesis. The area of wounds treated with lavender oil was significantly decreased compared to the control group.

Really, I could go on and on, but if there is one soap you were going to start with in your goat milk soap journey (believe me, once you start, you won’t  go back), the lavender bar would be it.  So go ahead and give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

 

Sources:

1. https://draxe.com/lavender-oil-benefits/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23808618
3. https://naturallivingfamily.com/lavender-essential-oil-uses/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22789792
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22475718