Lavender Essential Oil Benefits And Uses

Essential Oils (EOs*) are very beneficial to our health and well-being. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Oil is antibacterial, anti-fungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, antiseptic, and antiviral! This is a wonderful EO to have on hand at all times.

 As with any essential oil, lavender should be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent desensitization. Adults can typically use 2-4 drops (mixed with carrier oil). Rubbing the drops (mixed with carrier oil) into a baby’s feet is a great way to use the essential oils for infants.

Lavender is one of the EOs that is safe to use during pregnancy, too!!

Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

 This list is just sampling of great uses for lavender oil:

• Diffuse to stimulate creativity
• Diffuse or apply to feet to calm babies
• Diffuse or add a drop to your pillow for restful sleep
• Make your own lavender sugar scrub for skincare and relaxation
• Diffuse to help calm anxious or nervous pets
• Sensory play with lavender scented rice
• Soothes headaches – rub a drop on the back of your neck
• Diffuse lavender in the home with a homemade lavender candle
• Great to use for combating allergies
• Make a soothing skin mist (after sunburn spray!)
• Use in a natural massage oil for a calming massage
• Use in the bath with kids (see this calming lavender bath playdough)
• Heal blisters, chicken pox, eczema, burns, cuts, diaper rash, acne, bug bites/stings, and more!
• Helps to calm morning sickness-a drop or two on the belly button
• Reduce fever in little ones under age 6
• Add to your vinegar/baking soda natural cleaner for a fresh smell
• Use as a fabric freshener & deodorizer for clothes, couches, mattresses, and more
• Mix with baking soda to get rid of pet smells (sprinkle on carpet & vacuum, or place in container with open lid)
• Add a few drops to your vacuum bag for a delightful smelling home
• Add to bath salts for a relaxing bath

As we can see with all these uses, Lavender essential oil (EO) is a versatile and beloved addition to any aromatherapy arsenal. Its fragrant scent and therapeutic properties make it ideal for a variety of applications, extending beyond simple diffusion into topical and environmental uses that work perfect for the crunchy lifestyle.

Aromatherapy Applications of Lavender EO

Diffusion methods are popular for utilizing lavender EO, allowing its calming aroma to permeate any space:

• Traditional diffusers work by dispersing essential oils into the air in a fine mist, ideal for creating a soothing atmosphere.
• Reed diffusers offer a constant release of scent without the use of heat, perfect for continuous ambient fragrance.
• Inhalation techniques involve direct inhalation of essential oils from a cloth or from palms, providing immediate relief from stress or congestion.

Blending lavender with other essential oils can enhance its effects:

• A relaxation blend might combine lavender with chamomile and ylang-ylang to enhance its soothing properties.
• For a sleep aid blend, lavender pairs well with vetiver and bergamot to promote restful sleep.

Topical Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

When using lavender EO topically, it is really important to follow dilution guidelines to avoid skin sensitivity. Typically, a few drops of lavender EO can be diluted well in a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. Topical applications include:

• Massage oils where lavender can be blended for specific purposes such as a relaxation massage blend with frankincense or a headache relief blend with peppermint.
• Skincare applications are another excellent way to use lavender EO. A facial serum for acne-prone skin can be made by adding lavender to jojoba oil, known for its healing properties. For dry skin, blending lavender into a moisturizing lotion provides hydration and a soothing effect.

Using Lavender Oil in Your Home and Environment

Lavender EO also finds its place in household applications:

• A linen spray made with lavender can freshen up bedding and help induce a peaceful sleep.
• As an air freshener, it eliminates odors naturally without the chemicals found in traditional products.
• It serves as a natural insect repellent, keeping away mosquitos and other pests with its potent scent.

Lavender Oil for Health and Wellness

Lavender is great for health and wellness. Its properties can significantly alleviate stress and anxiety. A calming bath soak or a stress relief rollerball blend can provide immediate and effective relief.

Related: Essential oils for stress and sleep

For pain relief, lavender is beneficial in a muscle relaxation blend or can be applied using a headache relief compress.

Related: Pressure points for stress headaches

Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep Support

Enhancing sleep is one of the most common uses of lavender EO, and probably what it’s most well known for.

Establishing bedtime rituals such as using a pillow spray or a diffuser blend specifically for nighttime can significantly improve sleep quality.

A relaxing bath before sleep, incorporating lavender and Epsom salts, can soothe the body and mind, preparing it for rest.

Culinary Uses of Lavender (non-EO)

Lavender can also be used in culinary applications, though it’s important to use food-grade lavender and not the essential oil for these purposes:

Lavender-infused lemonade and lavender-infused desserts like cookies or custards offer a unique flavor profile that can delight the palate.

Incorporating lavender essential oil into our daily routines offers a bunch of fantastic benefits, from increased relaxation and sleep to improving home environments and personal health. But, the importance of choosing high-quality oils cannot be overstated to ensure safety and effectiveness so make sure you choose a good quality product.

More Essential Oils and Beneficial Natural Oils

• The Benefits and Uses of Clary Sage Essential Oil
• Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil (AKA Melaluca Oil)
• The Amazing Benefits Of Coconut Oil

*if you’re not sure on these acronyms check our crunchy acronyms list to get them all cleared up!