Lavender Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses, and Aromatherapy Recipes

If your lavender oil uses are for therapeutic purposes, especially on your skin or to treat burns, it is important to be sure of the species of lavender. Although lavandin has the same calming effect as true lavender, the one therapeutic use for which you never want to confuse the two is healing burns. True lavender heals burns but lavandin may worsen burns.


Lavender Essential Oil 15 ml

Because lavandin is cheaper, some companies may sell "lavender" essential oil that is actually lavandin or a blend of true lavender and lavandin. You can look for scientific names on the packaging to know which variety of lavender is actually in the bottle. Avoid products that don't include a scientific name on the packaging.

Another apparently common, yet highly undesirable practice, is to add synthetic ester linalyl acetate to lesser quality lavender oils and attempt to sell them as high-quality lavenders.

Another consideration is how the plant was grown and harvested. Depending on the location and the altitude where the lavender plant is grown and the way the plant was harvested, the composition of its oil varies greatly.

Buy your essential oils only from reputable companies that are completely open about what you are getting. About the essential oils I use.

The primary benefits of lavender oil are believed to be:

• Balances and normalizes body functions
  
• Promotes tissue regeneration
  
• Speeds up wound healing
  
• Cleanses cuts and skin irritations
  
• Soothes and relaxes the mind and body
  
• Eases bodily aches and pains

A study at the Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan found that, "Lavender aromatherapy reduced serum cortisol and improved CFVR [coronary flow velocity reserve] in healthy men. These findings suggest that lavender aromatherapy has relaxation effects and may have beneficial acute effects on coronary circulation." See more lavender essential oil research.

According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference the benefits of lavender oil may extend to respiratory infections, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, menstrual problems/PMS, hair loss, insomnia, nervous tension, burns, and skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, scarring, and stretch marks.

Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy states that lavender essential oil normalizes blood sugar output by the liver, and taking one or two drops 15 minutes before a meal reduces appetite. (Note: Before taking lavender essential oil internally, make sure it is therapeutic-grade true lavender oil.)

Aromatherapy for Dummies states that the benefits of lavender oil include acting as a sedative and anti-depressant and that it can reduce the stress that causes asthma flare-ups.

For testimonials about the use of lavender and other essential oils, see the Essential Oils Testimonial Database.

The sweet, floral, herbaceous scent of lavender essential oil is calming and soothing. Lavender oil is both relaxing and has balancing properties that boost stamina and energy.

• For a calming effect, massage into the back of the neck or on the bottom of the feet.
  
  
• To help you sleep, rub a drop on your palm and smooth over pillow.
  
  
• To help soothe minor irritations or a minor burn, apply 2-3 drops to the affected area.
  
  
• To soothe minor stomach discomfort associated with travel, place a drop on the tip of the tongue, around the navel, or behind the ears.*
  
  
• To relieve dry or chapped skin, rub it on the affected area.
  
  
• To scent linens and repel moths and insects, add a few drops to a cotton ball and place in closets and drawers.
  
  
• To reduce or minimize scar tissue, massage lavender on or around affected areas.
  
  
• To deodorize and freshen your laundry, place a few drops on a wet cloth or dryer sheet.
  
  
• To minimize reactions to pollen and dust mites, diffuse lavender.
  
  
• To relieve itching and soothe skin, apply 2-3 drops.
  
  
• For headaches, sniff lavender oil or massage it into your neck and shoulders.
  
  
• When your head is stuffed and congested or you can't stop coughing, use steam with lavender essential oil. Pour boiling water into a metal or glass bowl, then add a few drops of lavender. Drape a towel over your head and position your face 10-12 inches above the bowl, as the heat permits.
  

Is lavender essential oil safe for children? Lavender is generally safe for children and has traditionally been used to calm small children and babies. If in doubt, consult your child's healthcare practitioner. And, of course, keep out of reach of children.

Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare practitioner. Keep away from eyes and mucus membranes; avoid using on or near sensitive skin.

Spiritual Lavender Oil Uses

According to The Fragrant Heavens by Valerie Ann Worwood, the spiritual benefits of lavender oil are to encourage security, gentleness, compassion, reconciliation, vitality, clarity, comfort, acceptance, awareness, and emotional balance.

Worwood writes:

"Lavender embodies the warm, protective love of Mother Earth. It is caring, cherishing, and nurturing, and energetically very active in the auric field, closet to the body, incorporating heavenly energies into the physical with great efficiency.

"When deep sadness covers the spirit like a suffocation blanket, lavender gently lifts the weight. When the inner tears fall, lavender wipes them away. When depression clouds the psyche, lavender blows it asunder. And for those with worries that trouble the spirit, lavender lifts the veil of despair."

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

• Lavender essential oil is steam distilled using the flowers of the lavender plant. The oil's main components are linalyl acetate (30-60%) and linaloal.
  
  
• Lavender is generally considered a middle note oil, but can be used as either a base or top note depending on what other essential oils you combine it with. ("Note" comes from perfumery, where the evaporation rate of essential oils are categorized as notes. The speed at which a fragrance evaporates depends on its specific weight and energy. Top is quick evaporation.)
  
  
• For cooking ideas, visit Recipes and Cooking with Lavender.