Lavender Essential Oil and Your Moods

Adding lavender oil to your bath may significantly improve your mood, report researchers at the University of Wolverhampton in England.

A study of 80 women published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that people who added lavender to their daily baths experienced reduced feelings of anger and frustration and had a more positive outlook.

Melinda Minton, executive director of the Fort Collins, Colorado-based Spa Association isn't surprised. "We have found that lavender inspires clients to unwind," she says. For optimum balance, Minton suggests mixing four drops of lavender oil with 1 ounce of sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil, then pouring in your bath.

from Shape Magazine, January 2003