Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils in aromatherapy. Derived from the flowers of the lavender plant, primarily Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender), this oil is renowned for its calming and healing properties. Lavender oil is an essential oil made from the lavender plant. People use it to promote relaxation and sleep, and it may also be good for helping treat certain skin conditions.
A Rich History of Lavender Use
With a history dating back thousands of years, lavender essential oil has been used for everything from perfumery to medicine. Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years, with its origins traced back to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India. The ancient Egyptians used lavender for mummification and as perfume. The Greeks and Romans valued lavender for its medicinal and fragrant properties, using it in baths, cooking, and as an air purifier. The distillation of lavender essential oil began in the 16th century, and by the 19th century, it became an integral part of aromatherapy and traditional medicine, especially in France.
Extraction and Aroma
Lavender essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant through steam distillation. Its light, floral, and slightly sweet aroma makes it a favorite in perfumes, soaps, and candles. Lavender syrup is a fragrant and versatile sweetener made from lavender blossoms. Lavender adds a floral note to classic lemonade, providing a refreshing and calming twist.
General Benefits
Lavender essential oil offers a wide range of benefits, from promoting relaxation to treating skin conditions. Aside from its purple blossoms, this perennial plant - meaning it regrows every year - is known not only for its calming scent, but also for its possible health benefits.
Lavender Massage Oil: A Synergistic Blend
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Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Lavender essential oil is well-known for its calming properties, making it highly effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Inhaling the soothing aroma of lavender can help lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation. Lavender has a calming scent that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. When used in massage oil, it promotes relaxation and can help to alleviate tension and promote a sense of calmness. Lavender essential oil is known to be very soothing and relaxing. It can help with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and restlessness. “Lavender is known for its ability to calm your nervous system, lift your mood and even lower blood pressure,” Dr. Lin points out. “For example, lavender essential oil contains important compounds such as linalool, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.
Improved Sleep Quality
Lavender essential oil is often used as a natural remedy for insomnia and sleep disturbances. Its sedative properties help calm the nervous system and promote restful sleep. The calming effects of lavender can also help to improve sleep quality. A massage with lavender oil can help to relax the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Because of its calming scent, many people find benefits from using lavender-infused fragrances before bed as a form of aromatherapy. A 2019 study even suggests lavender can improve your body’s melatonin levels, supporting a better night’s rest. It can help promote restful sleep. Diffuse the oil in your bedroom before bed, or add a few drops to your pillow, bedding, or a sleep spray.
Headache and Migraine Relief
Lavender essential oil can help alleviate headaches and migraines, especially those triggered by stress or tension. Lavender may also help ease aches and pains. A 2012 study found that inhaling lavender essential oil for 15 minutes can help reduce migraine headache pain.
Skin Condition Treatment
Lavender essential oil’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it an excellent remedy for various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Lavender oil offers several potential benefits for your skin, including reduced inflammation and improved wound healing. But you’ll want to avoid putting it directly on your skin without diluting it first. Lavender oil can benefit the skin in numerous ways. It has the ability to lessen acne, help even skin tone, and reduce wrinkles. It can even be used to treat other things, such as improving hair health and digestion.
Minor Burn and Wound Care
Lavender essential oil is often used as a natural treatment for minor burns and wounds. Its antiseptic properties help prevent infection, while its anti-inflammatory effects speed up the healing process. Lavender oil aided wound healing by improving the skin’s ability to produce collagen post-surgery.
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Pain Relief
Lavender essential oil effectively relieves pain caused by muscle soreness, joint pain, and arthritis. Lavender oil has analgesic properties that can help to relieve pain and discomfort. It can be particularly effective in relieving headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain when used in massage oil.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties
The lavender essential oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It can help prevent infections and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin. Studies show that lavender oil is both antimicrobial and antifungal. Research specifically shows that it can kill Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that may cause eczema.
Mood Enhancement
Lavender essential oil is not only calming but also uplifting. It can help improve mood, reduce feelings of depression, and promote emotional balance. Lavender oil has a pleasant and soothing aroma that can help to uplift the mood and promote a sense of well-being. It can help to reduce feelings of depression and improve overall emotional health.
Improved Circulation
The massage action, combined with the properties of lavender oil, can help to improve blood circulation. This can help to promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, as well as the removal of waste products from the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and swelling. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as arthritis or other inflammatory disorders. Another benefit of lavender that has been explored is its anti-inflammatory properties. “One of the chemical compounds in lavender include flavonoids, which are also found in vegetables and fruits, and coumarin. Both have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions,” explains Dr. Lin.
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Specific Uses of Lavender Oil
Anxiety Relief
Studies have shown that lavender oil can have a positive effect on symptoms associated with anxiety. One 2013 study, for example, found that lavender oil’s effects on anxiety were comparable to that of lorazepam, a common antianxiety drug. It can be inhaled through diffusion or applied topically. Place a few drops in a diffuser, or dilute and apply to pulse points like the wrists, temples, or behind the ears for calming effects. There’s a reason that lavender has a reputation as a calming plant. Research links lavender usage to less anxiety and depression,” she adds. One randomized trial from 2020 found that breathing in lavender essential oil for 30 minutes helped improve levels of anxiety, depression and stress in older adults. A 2023 study also found that people felt less anxiety before going through an MRI test after inhaling lavender aromatherapy.
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Scientists have also found that lavender can combat inflammation. One 2012 study, for example, explored the effects of lavender oil on recurrent aphthous ulcers - round or ovular inflammatory sores that tend to form in the mouth or the genitals. The researchers found that the lavender oil treatment significantly reduced inflammation, ulcer size, and the time the ulcers took to heal.
Acne Treatment
Lavender oil is non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not clog pores. It can be combined with witch hazel and used as a daily toner or with tea tree oil or argan oil as a direct treatment for pimples. Lavender oil works to kill bacteria, and this can prevent and heal acne breakouts. It unclogs pores and reduces inflammation when you put it on your skin. To use lavender oil for acne, dilute it in coconut oil or another carrier oil and apply it to your skin after washing your face. You can also use lavender oil as a facial toner by mixing 2 drops of lavender oil with 1 teaspoon of witch hazel. Soak a cotton ball in the blend and then gently rub it over your face. For a particularly stubborn pimple, argan oil can help reduce inflammation. Mix 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 drop of argan oil and put it directly onto a pimple twice a day.
Dry Skin and Eczema Relief
Since lavender has antifungal properties and reduces inflammation, it can help keep eczema at bay. Lavender oil for dry skin or eczema Studies show that lavender oil is both antimicrobial and antifungal. Research specifically shows that it can kill Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that may cause eczema. Since eczema is considered an allergic inflammatory condition of the skin, be sure to patch test an area when trying lavender for the first time, as it may worsen some people’s eczema.
Psoriasis Treatment
Lavender oil can also be used to treat psoriasis. The lavender oil helps cleanse your skin and lessen redness and irritation. To use this essential oil for eczema, mix 2 drops with an equal amount of tea tree oil, along with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. You can use it daily.
Hair Growth
Lavender oil can also have a positive effect on hair growth. An older study, from 1998, for example, found that a combination of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood essential oils successfully treated alopecia areata - a common autoimmune disorder that results in hair loss. According to the findings, 44% of participants showed improvement after 7 months of treatment, compared with 15% of the control group. However, the researchers were unable to determine exactly which essential oil or oils had been effective. A more recent study in mice found that using lavender oil resulted in a significantly increased number of hair follicles and that it also increased hair follicle depth, suggesting that the oil markedly promotes hair growth.
Wrinkle Reduction
Lavender oil contains antioxidants that can help tackle free radicals and may potentially reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. More research is needed, however, to confirm these effects. Free radicals are partly responsible for fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Lavender oil is full of antioxidants, which help protect you from the free radicals. To use lavender oil for wrinkles, use a few drops of the essential oil along with coconut oil. The mixture can be used as a moisturizer once or twice a day.
Wound Healing
A 2013 study in rats found that wounds healed more quickly in the group that received a lavender oil treatment than in the control group. Three years later, another study in rats found evidence that applying lavender oil topically may help heal wounds by stimulating collagen production. If you have a burn, cut, scrape, or another wound, lavender oil may help speed up the wound-healing process. In a 2016 study, researchers found that lavender oil promotes the healing of skin tissue. To use lavender oil on small wounds, mix 3 or 4 drops of lavender oil together with a few drops of coconut or tamanu oil. Apply the mixture on your wound with a cotton ball. Be aware of signs of infection in a wound such as increased redness, pain, swelling, pus, or fever. Consult with a doctor before using lavender oil if you have any of these symptoms.
Scar Reduction
Evidence suggests that lavender oil may help reduce scarring by promoting tissue growth. One study showed that lavender oil helped stimulate tissue repairing processes associated with skin injuries.
Skin Lightening
Some people believe that lavender oil can reduce redness and discoloration of the skin. However, finding evidence of this effect will require more research. Lavender oil can aid in evening skin tone since it reduces inflammation. It can reduce discoloration, including dark spots. Lavender oil helps lessen blotchiness and redness. If you have hyperpigmentation on your skin, lavender oil may be able to help with that as well.
Bug Bite Relief and Insect Repellent
Studies have shown that lavender can effectively repel mosquitoes for up to 8 hours. By combining it with other essential oils, such as citronella, a person can create their own eco-friendly bug spray. In addition, the antibacterial properties of lavender oil may help prevent bug bites from becoming infected. Yes, lavender oil has natural insect-repelling properties and can be effective in repelling mosquitoes. Its strong scent, which is pleasant to humans, is unappealing to mosquitoes. Lavender oil does double duty for insect bites. It acts as an insect repellent, and it can relieve itching after a bite occurs. Many commercial mosquito repellents contain lavender oil. Both candles and sprays can be used to repel mosquitos and other bugs. You can add 7 drops to the candle and put it outdoors. For a spray, mix 8 ounces of water and 4 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle and shake it. Because it’s a natural remedy, you can spray it on your body and your clothes before you go outside. Insect bites cause redness, itching, and pain. They can sometimes become infected. Lavender oil helps relieve insect bites by warding off bacteria and reducing inflammation. It also naturally helps relieve pain. To treat an insect bite with lavender oil, mix 1 or 2 drops with a carrier oil, like coconut. Put the mixture on the bite twice a day or more. If your pain stings, a drop of peppermint oil mixed in can help numb it. Lavender oil also works well for treating poison ivy.
Sunburn Relief
If you have a sunburn, a lavender oil spray can help. In a spray bottle, combine a quarter cup of aloe vera juice, 2 tablespoons of distilled water, 10 to 12 drops of lavender oil and jojoba oil. Shake the bottle and spray onto your sunburn. Use the spray two or three times a day until the sunburn heals.
Menstrual Pain Relief
Another possible benefit of lavender is helping reduce menstrual pain. In one 2016 study, women who smelled lavender for 30 minutes a day during the first three days of their period reported less pain after two months. Other research has also linked applying lavender essential oil to the abdomen with less menstrual pain.
Natural Cleaner
Lavender can also be used as a natural cleaner. “Before we had antiseptics, people used lavender to clean hospital wards,” shares Dr. Lin. “It’s still used for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.” To make a homemade cleaning solution, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to distilled water, some vinegar and a few drops of castile soap. The vinegar and soap help cut grease, and the soap and lavender have antimicrobial properties,” explains Dr. Lin. “You also get that beautiful scent.”
How to Use Lavender Oil
How you use lavender oil depends on what you’re treating. You can put it on your skin with a carrier oil to form a lotion. If you’re putting it on a damaged part of your skin, it’s often best to use a cotton ball, which is cleaner than your fingers. For wrinkles and dry skin, you can apply the oil directly with your hands. Lavender oil can also be used as steam for aromatherapy.
Essential Oil
The sky’s the limit when it comes to uses for lavender essential oil. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Because they’re so strong, use them sparingly and with care. Dr. Lin suggests trying a few drops of lavender essential oil in:
- Baths
- Distilled water to make a room or body spray
- Massage oil
If you plan on using lavender essential oil on your skin, Dr. Lin notes the importance of diluting it with another oil. Good oils to use are ones you aren’t allergic to and might include:
To make your mixture:
- Add enough essential oil to your base oil so it falls between 1% (six drops of essential oil per ounce) and 2% (12 drops of essential oil per ounce) of the mixture.
- Shake it.
- Apply it anywhere, except around your eyes.
Lavender Extract
If you’re looking to use lavender extract directly from the plant, Dr. Lin has some pointers for this as well. “Lavender essential oil does not include the water-soluble part of the plant. When you make lavender extract, you use both the oil- and water-soluble parts of the plant,” says Dr. Lin. “With lavender extract, you take the flower and cover it with some form of liquid, usually a combination of water and alcohol, to extract the medicine out.” You may have seen lavender extract in pill form, too, but this method should be avoided unless you’re working with a well-trained herbalist. “You have to be sure you have the proper dose,” she stresses, “because it’s so strong and toxicity is possible. You should never take extract pills unless you are under the supervision of a well-trained herbalist who knows how to use it properly.”
Lavender Plant
If you’re a gardener, you can grow lavender in your backyard. Or you can pick up some sprigs of fresh lavender at your local greenhouse or plant shop. Dr. Lin says just breathing in the fragrance of a lavender blossom provides some benefits. You can also get extra crafty with using lavender plants. To enjoy them as aromatherapy, use the flowers to make:
- Lavender soap
- Lavender-infused oil for your skin
- Sachet or potpourri bag
- Scented bath Tea
She also suggests using dry or fresh lavender flowers in your cooking. “Lavender is an ingredient in the French spice mixture, herbs de Provence. But be careful how much you use. Too much lavender can make food or tea taste soapy.”
Making Lavender Oil at Home
Making lavender oil at home is straightforward, though it’s important to note that you’ll be making an infused oil rather than a distilled essential oil. If you’re using fresh lavender, harvest it in the morning after any dew has dried, and hang it upside down in a dry, dark place for a week to dry completely. Gently crush the dried lavender buds to release their oils. Place the crushed lavender buds into a clean, dry glass jar. Pour your carrier oil over the lavender buds until the jar is almost full, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot, such as a windowsill, for about 2-4 weeks. After 2-4 weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into another clean glass jar or bottle. Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your oil depends on the quality of the lavender and carrier oil you use.
Essential Oil Precautions
While lavender oil is relatively safe, it can cause discomfort for some. Stop using the oil if you experience any negative side effects. If you’re pregnant, avoid any use of essential oils during the first trimester, as they may expose the fetus to toxic substances. After that, use lavender oil only as aromatherapy, and don’t ingest any essential oil or use it topically during your pregnancy. Lavender oil has many uses for treating the skin. It naturally reduces inflammation, lessens pain, and cleans the surface of the skin. You can use lavender oil on your face, legs, and hands.
Potential Side Effects
While experts consider lavender generally safe, Dr. Lin advises these three cautions:
- Lavender aromatherapy isn’t for everyone: First, it’s good to be mindful that everyone might react to different fragrances differently. “Essential oils often work so well because they trigger an emotional memory,” explains Dr. Lin. “For most people, lavender is calming and soothing. But for some, the smell may be associated with a negative experience. If they smell lavender, it may take them back to that place. So, if lavender is triggering for you, don’t feel forced to use or try it.”
- Potential link between lavender oil and premature breast development: In one study, three young girls and one young boy with premature breast development had been exposed to lavender oil, including in a soap, cologne or diffuser. When they stopped using the product or removed exposure, the breast development went away. At the same time, “It’s important to note that there are subsequent studies that questioned the validity of this one. These products may also have contained estrogen disruptors, so we don’t know for sure whether it was the lavender or another ingredient in the product,” clarifies Dr. Lin. “So, take this finding with a grain of salt and consider limiting how much lavender you use for developing children.”
- Taking lavender essential oil by mouth can be dangerous: There are a lot of ways to take lavender and a lot of forms it can come in - but essential oils and your stomach do not mix. “Traditional herbalists would not use lavender essential oil orally,” states Dr. Lin. “When you use the lavender plant as food or tea, you’re less likely to have a toxic effect because generally, it’s gentle. But because essential oils are so strong, I would be more cautious about using them with food or drink.” She also notes that essential oils can burn and irritate your mucosa, the lining of your soft palate, throat and tongue. Seek out the help of an herbalist to safely explore the many positive impacts lavender can have on your life and health.
Dilution
Always dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
Allergic Reactions
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, do a patch test before using lavender essential oil. Using some topical products containing lavender may cause allergic skin reactions in some people. If anyone using lavender oil on their skin experiences any side effects, such as rashes or hives, they should stop using it immediately and see a doctor. People using lavender oil on their faces should take extra care to keep the oil from getting in their eyes - if it does, rinse the area thoroughly with cool water.
Quality
Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. The following tips are useful when choosing an essential oil:
- Find an oil that is manufactured by cold pressing or steam distillation, as these are less likely to have been contaminated in the process.
- Avoid lavender oils packaged in plastic bottles - darkened glass bottles preserve the oil best and ensure that it maintains its original scent and properties.
- The best lavender oils likely come from companies that are open about the sourcing of their products.
- Check all labels before choosing an oil, to ensure that the oil is pure and free of additives.
As aromatherapy products, essential oils do not need or receive approval from the FDA, and there is no way to ensure the safety or effectiveness of a product. Do not use lavender oil instead of conventional medicine, but rather as a complementary therapy.