So just what is lavender essential oil good for? You may be surprised just how many health and medicinal benefits this little miracle multi-tasker has…
• Most well-known to help you sleep better, lavender is also the most widely used essential oil for reducing stress and anxiety, all sorts of pain relief, improving skin, hair and body health, as well as a highly versatile first-aid home remedy.
• This handy health benefits guide covers 20 different ways on how to use lavender aromatherapy as your go-to natural remedy for many of your health, beauty, healing and medicinal concerns.
Most of us will admit to a favorite natural remedy that we use as a cure-all for any number of health and beauty problems. Usually, it has been passed down through the generations before us, having originated hundreds of years ago - long before we were born.
Lavender essential oil is one of those time-tested home remedies. Its health benefits read like a shopping list - it’s used as a sedative, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anesthetic, immune boosting and antiviral, amongst others.
But here’s the interesting bit. Lavender oil's many uses and health benefits are not just part of any old wives’ tale passed on by your mother - they are actually supported by thousands of published studies and hundreds of clinical trials.
And the ways you can use lavender oil are so wide-ranging, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular, versatile, effective – and the best – essential oil there…
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL USES AND BENEFITS
While it’s a highly efficient multi-tasker, here’s primarily what lavender essential oil is good for…
LAVENDER OIL USES FOR IMPROVING SLEEP, STRESS AND ANXIETY
The most well-known benefit of lavender essential oil is its calming and soothing effect on the central nervous system, so is widely used to help improve the quality of sleep and relieve emotional stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. As one of the gentlest and safest essential oils, it’s also widely used to help calm babies and children to sleep.
LAVENDER OIL USES FOR HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR AND BODY
Free radicals like toxins, pollution and chemicals, are perhaps one of the most widespread and dangerous health risks in our modern society. While your body produces antioxidants to neutralize this threat, the free radical burden can become too high for it to cope, and so it often becomes necessary to use supplements to help the process along.
As a natural antioxidant, lavender essential oil helps to prevent or reverse disease-causing oxidative stress by detoxifying the body. It also slows aging by revitalizing and nourishing the skin and promotes hair and scalp health.
LAVENDER OIL USES FOR SOOTHING PAIN, HEADACHES & ITCHINESS
Lavender essential oil’s powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a proven pain-reliever especially when it comes to easing joint and muscular pain, alleviating headaches and menstural cramps. It's also used to soothe and calm itchy skin, eczema, allergies, sunburn and bug bites.
LAVENDER OIL USES FOR KILLING BACTERIA, AND HEALING WOUNDS AND CUTS
With its recognized antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial abilities, lavender essential oil can effectively kill acne-causing bacteria, help treat and heal cuts, burns, wounds and cold sores, and also reduce and prevent dandruff.
So, if you thought lavender essential oil could only help you get a good night’s rest, here’s how you can use this multi-purpose powerhouse remedy not only for better sleep but also its many other benefits…
HOW TO USE LAVENDER OIL FOR SLEEP, ANXIETY AND STRESS
For many years, lavender has been considered one of the best essential oils for people suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders. And for good reason - disruptive and poor-quality sleep patterns have been proven to have a devastating effect on your overall mind and body health.
However, because of its renowned calming aroma and medicinal properties, inhaling lavender essential oil has also been shown to positively affect the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, reduce depression and fatigue, and increase general mental well-being. In doing so, it can be used to help lower blood pressure and is great for people who suffer from hypertension.
Recent research has shown that lavender oil does more than just improve the mood and beat stress and anxiety - it can actually help to promote brain function, and is a promising natural alternative for those suffering from dementia.
1. For Better Sleep
Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser for an hour or so before you go to bed at night can help relax the mind and the body and improve your overall sleep. Or mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil and rub onto your temples, back of the neck, and behind the ears. You can also use the same blend for a body or foot massage before bedtime so helping to calm and relax the whole body.
If you’re not comfortable with putting the oil directly onto your skin, use a soothing lavender linen water to spray onto your pillow an hour or so before you go to sleep. Or even easier, tuck a lavender sachet under your pillow.
A warm bath with lavender could just be what you need to completely and fully unwind. Adding a cup of Epsom salts and about 10 drops of lavender oil in a warm bath can help the body detoxify, improve circulation and set the mood for a full night of snooze.
Bedtime Routine Tips and Lavender to Help You Sleep Better Than You Thought Possible – Read More
2. To Relieve Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Relax and unwind with a lavender infused heated spa neck pillow and eye mask. Or put 3 drops of lavender oil in your palm and rub it into your temples and behind your ears. Or opt for a handy lavender rollerball to easily apply on your wrists, temples and neck when you’re on the run. You can also diffuse lavender oil at home or at work, inhale it directly from the bottle for immediate relief, or add lavender bath salts to warm bath water to ease anxiety and depression naturally.
Lavender Essential Oil: Proven to Naturally Reduce Anxiety - Quickly and Safely – Read More
3. For Better Brain Health
To support overall brain health, diffuse it in your surroundings, burn a lavender infused candle, inhale it directly from the bottle or use a convenient lavender rollerball to apply onto the temples and back of neck.
HOW TO USE LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR FACE AND SKIN
Due to its potent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender is also good for treating many skin conditions.
Lavender essential oil is a proven source of antioxidants and other valuable phytochemicals that fight free radical damage that means it can help protect against unwanted signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation and sun spots.
As a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, research shows that lavender oil can help prevent acne as well as reduce inflammation caused by acne flare-ups and other skin conditions such as eczema.
1. Combat Aging Skin and Wrinkles
Combine 3–4 drops of lavender oil with ½ teaspoon of a nourishing carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and massage gently into the skin. If you’re looking for a full body treatment, try a lavender infused body lotion or an antioxidant lavender cream to pamper your hands.
2. Prevent Reduce Pimples and Acne
Mix 5 drops each of lavender oil and tea tree oil with 2 tbsp. of sweet almond oil or other carrier oil to apply on the affected skin. Or blend 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 drop of argan oil and apply to the pimple directly twice a day.
3. Decrease Sunspots
Mix 1 drop of lavender oil and 1 drop of frankincense oil to ½ tsp of jojoba oil or grapeseed oil and massage gently into affected areas right before bedtime.
4. Calm Eczema
Mix 2 drops each of lavender oil and tea tree oil with 1 tbsp. virgin coconut oil or aloe vera. Apply the mixture 2-3 times a day to speed up the healing process and get rid of the rash. You can also massage some luxurious lavender hand cream into those dry spots to promote, smoother itch free skin.
5. Detoxifying the Body
Add 1 cup of Epsom salts to your tub as the water runs. Add in 10 drops of lavender oil or a lavender bath bomb and then swirl the water to mix well. Soak for at least 15-20 minutes. Or use lavender infused bath salts to cleanse and purify the skin.
6. Dry Chapped Lips
Mix 1 drop of lavender oil with 2-3 drops of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, avocado oil or argan oil. Rub onto your lips, especially when going out in the sun.
7. Cold Sores
Mix 1 drop of lavender essential oil into 10-15 drops (2-3 teaspoons) of coconut oil. Apply directly to the cold sore to help soothe and treat.
These 5 Powerful Benefits Are Why You Need Lavender Essential Oil For Your Skin - Read More
HOW TO USE LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR HAIR
Lavender essential oil has shown to be not only effective in treating hair loss and but also helps to promote healthy hair growth. As a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, lavender oil also helps in reducing dandruff and supporting scalp health.
1. Dandruff
Add 2 drops of lavender oil and 2 drops of tea tree oil to a mild shampoo when you wash your hair. Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
2. Healthy Hair Growth
For a weekly hot oil treatment, combine 10-15 drops of lavender oil with 1-2 tbsp. of warm coconut oil. A few drops of peppermint essential oil will also help soothe an itchy scalp. Massage the mixture into your scalp, wrap a towel around your head and leave on for an hour. Finally wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Why You Want To Start Using Lavender Essential Oil For Your Skin Hair - And Body – Read More
HOW TO USE LAVENDER OIL FOR HEADACHES AND PAIN
Owing to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, research has shown that lavender essential oil is a proven pain-reliever especially when it comes to headaches and migraines as well as muscular and joint pain relief. A recent study has also shown it helps ease menstrual cramps.
1. Headaches
Add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil such as olive oil. Rub the blend into your temples, behind the neck and behind the ears for soothing pain relief. Or use a warming lavender infused neck pillow and a spa mask on your eyes or forehead to help ease the pain. Diffusing lavender essential oil or inhaling it directly from the bottle can also help to relieve headaches.
5 Powerful Essential Oils to Help Get Rid of Headaches and Migraines Naturally (And How to Use Them) - Read More
2. Muscular and Joint Pain
Mix 3-4 drops of lavender oil with 1 tsp. of a carrier oil such as olive oil or moringa oil (a proven anti-inflammatory excellent to relieve arthritic pain). Rub into painful joints twice daily.
For pain relief from muscular injuries and minor sprains, mix a few drops of lavender oil with some hot water. Soak a towel and use it as a hot compress on the affected area. A heated lavender spa heat wrap or lavender spa mask can also be used as a compress to help provide pain relief.
3. Menstrual Cramps
Use a lavender infused massage oil or mix 6 drops of lavender oil with 3 tsps of sweet almond oil to massage the stomach with both hands in light rotating movements for 15 minutes. Otherwise, warm up a lavender heat wrap in the microwave and use as a hot compress to help ease the pain.
HOW TO USE LAVENDER OIL FOR FOR BURNS, BUG BITES, CUTS AND WOUNDS
Known for its antibacterial properties, there are numerous studies proving lavender essential oil's ability to accelerate wound healing. By helping the wound to heal quickly and the body to regenerate healthy cells, it’s also been proven effective in treating scars.
As a potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it heals, soothes and calms burns (including sunburn), allergic reactions and even mosquito and bug bites.
1. Sunburn
Add ¼ cup aloe juice, 2 tbsp. of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, 2 tbsp. of distilled water and 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil into a clean spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto the area of the sunburn. Repeat 2-3 times a day for instant cooling relief.
2. Cuts and Wounds
Add 5 drops each of lavender essential oil and tea tree oil to 2 tbsp. of witch hazel and mix well. Using a cotton ball, gently apply to the wound 2 to 3 times a day.
3. Burns
For burn relief, add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to a tablespoon of soothing aloe vera and mix well. Apply liberally to your inflamed skin 3 times a day to help soothe pain and heal quicker.
4. Scars
Mix 2 drops of lavender oil with 2 drops of black seed oil. Research suggests that black seed oil prevents scar formation and can help clear up the marks. Apply twice daily.
5. Itchy Skin, Bug Bites and Allergies
Mix 1-2 drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply directly on the affected areas at least twice a day. For stinging pain, add a drop of peppermint oil to numb the pain.
10 Essential Oils To Repel Mosquitos And Bugs (And Soothe Bites Too!) – Read More
As a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, you can now see that lavender essential oil has many more health and beauty benefits than you would expect –many of which are supported by research.
Well known to enhance sleep, lavender is a true multi-tasker that can also be used to ease anxiety and stress, treat and nourish skin, help heal wounds and burns, relieve pain and promote overall mental health. It can even safely calm anxious pets.
Maybe it’s time to think about adding it to your medicine cabinet…
19 Ways to Use Lavender Oil for Pretty Much Everything - Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please check with your doctor before using essential oils to treat any medical concerns.
For more information on how to use essential oils safely and effectively, please consult our handy guide.
There's a difference between lavender essential oil or lavender oil, which is simply a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
Although lavender is one of the gentlest essential oils, please use caution when applying directly on the skin because this can cause irritation. Be sure to patch test on the inside of your arm beforehand.
Lavender essential oil, in contrast to the plant form, can be a gastrointestinal irritant when swallowed in quantities higher than 180 milligrams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main uses of lavender oil for skin?
As a potent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, lavender essential oil can be used to treat a variety of skin problems. These include softening the appearance of wrinkles and revitalizing dry skin, as well as getting rid of acne and pimples. It’s also very effective in treating sunspots, calming eczema, and soothing chapped lips and cold sores.
How to use lavender oil to sleep?
The most effective way is via aromatherapy as it takes just a few seconds to reach your brain and start working. Diffuse lavender oil in your bedroom for about half an hour before you go to sleep. Alternatively, add a few drops to a hot bath to help relax both your body and mind. Or try a lavender oil spray mist to spritz your pillow case just before you go to bed. A lavender essential oil rollerball applied to your temples, behind your ears and on the back of your neck, will also help you to relax and calm your nerves.