Our Complete Guide To Lavender Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses and Cautions
Lavender oil is one of the most popular and studied essential oils in the world, thanks to its wide range of benefits. These include relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality, and aiding in wound healing, among others.
You'll find that lavender essential oil is used for a variety of purposes, such as in aromatherapy, massage therapy and other forms of topical application. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using lavender essential oil, including its potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
In this guide, we will discuss all the different ways you can use lavender oil, as well as the potential risks and side effects of using this essential oil. We will also provide some safety guidelines to help you use lavender oil safely and effectively.
Content/Quick links
- What is lavender essential oil?
- Lavender essential oil - quick facts
- How is lavender essential oil made?
- Benefits of lavender essential oil
- Lavender essential oil for relaxation
- Lavender oil for improving sleep quality
- Lavender oil for reducing inflammation
- Lavender oil for easing pain
- Lavender oil for reducing anxiety
- Lavender oil for soothing eczema
- How to use lavender essential oil
- Inhalation of lavender essential oil
- Aromatherapy massage with lavender oil
- Topical application of lavender oil
- Pillow mist with lavender oil
- Lavender essential oil research
- Lavender and the nervous system - 2013
- Lavender and sleep - 2015
- Lavender and pain relief - 2016
- Lavender and wound healing - 2016
- Side effects of lavender essential oil
- Contraindications of lavender essential oil
- Where to buy lavender essential oil
- volant
- Amazon
- Pharmacies
- DoTERRA
- Lavender essential oil FAQs
- Can lavender essential oil be used during pregnancy?
- Can lavender essential oil be used on children?
- In summary
What is lavender essential oil?
So, what is lavender essential oil? Lavender oil is a natural essential oil that is extracted from the lavender plant. The lavender plant is a small, flowering shrub that grows in temperate climates around the world.
You might be surprised to learn that lavender actually belongs to a family called Lamiaceae – that’s the mint family. This family of plants is commonly used in aromatherapy, thanks to the potent aroma and healing properties of most plants in this family.
The Latin name for lavender is Lavandula, so you’ll notice that every type of lavender starts with Lavandula. The two most commonly used types of lavender in aromatherapy are Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) and Lavandula dentata (French Lavender).
Its name comes from the Latin word “lavare”, which means to wash. It’s believed that it was given this name after the Romans discovered that lavender made the perfect addition to a bath, adding the blooms to their bath water to enjoy its powerful properties.
Nowadays, lavender oil is a popular essential oil for aromatherapy as well as being used in cosmetics, perfumes and other products.
Lavender essential oil - quick facts
💜 Latin name: Lavandula
💜 Country of origin: 🇧🇬 Bulgaria is the world’s largest producer, although it is produced worldwide
💜 Scent note: Middle
💜 Annual production: 200 metric tonnes per year
💜 Popular uses: Aids relaxation and sleep
How is lavender essential oil made?
Lavender essential oil has a sweet, floral aroma and is often used to scent candles, soaps, and other beauty products. It is also used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and stress relief. But how is this popular essential oil made?
Although lavender is native to Mediterranean countries, it can now be found growing all over the world. In fact, Bulgaria is known to be the world's largest producer of lavender today.
The most common way to produce lavender essential oil is through steam distillation. The lavender flowers are placed in a still, and hot water is injected. This causes the essential oils to be released from the plant, which is then collected and condensed.
A recent study found that it takes over 65,000 pounds of lavender flowers to produce just one pound of lavender oil. This shows the high potency of lavender essential oil.
Benefits of lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil has a wide range of benefits, which is why it is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Some of the main benefits of lavender oil include:
- 💜 Relaxation
- 💜 Improving sleep quality
- 💜 Reducing inflammation
- 💜 Easing pain
- 💜 Reducing anxiety
- 💜 Soothing eczema
Let's take a look at each of these benefits of lavender oil in more detail.
Lavender essential oil for relaxation
The sweet, floral aroma of lavender oil is often used to promote relaxation and stress relief. You’ll be hard-pressed to feel stressed when you're inhaling the beautiful aroma of lavender essential oil!
If you're hoping to use your lavender essential oil for relaxation, there are a few different ways in which you can do this. For example, you can add the essential oil to a diffuser, add it to a bathtub full of water, or combine it with a carrier oil for use in massage.
Lavender oil for improving sleep quality
Insomnia is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. Lavender essential oil may help to improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that lavender oil may be an effective treatment for insomnia. The study participants who received lavender oil experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality compared to those who received a placebo.
Lavender oil for reducing inflammation
Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body to heal and protect itself. However, we now know that chronic inflammation is linked to most diseases.
Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the body. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that lavender oil may be helpful in reducing inflammation in people with osteoarthritis.
Lavender oil for easing pain
Pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and can occur for many different reasons. Lavender essential oil may help to ease pain by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.
A study published in the Journal of Investigational Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lavender oil was effective in reducing pain in people with chronic pain. The study participants who received lavender oil experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who received a placebo.
Lavender oil for reducing anxiety
Anxiety is a common problem that can cause a lot of distress. It is estimated that around 18% of the population suffers from anxiety disorders.
Lavender essential oil is renowned for its calming effect as well as its ability to reduce stress. This makes lavender essential oil an effective natural remedy for anxiety, and studies are beginning to confirm this benefit.
Lavender oil for soothing eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that can cause a lot of irritation and itching. Lavender essential oil may help to soothe the skin and provide relief from the symptoms of eczema.
To use lavender essential oil for eczema, mix a few drops of the essential oil with your usual moisturiser or a carrier oil and massage it onto the affected area. You'll find that it quickly soothes any irritation and helps your skin to heal faster.
How to use lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, depending on its intended purpose.
Here are some of the most common ways to use lavender essential oil:
- 💜 Inhalation
- 💜 Aromatherapy massage
- 💜 Topical application
- 💜 Pillow mist
Let’s take a look at each of these uses of lavender essential oil in more detail.
Inhalation of lavender essential oil
Inhaling lavender essential oil is a great way to enjoy its benefits. You can either use an essential oil diffuser, or you can add a few drops of lavender oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
This is a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day. The floral aroma of lavender oil will help to calm and soothe your mind, while the essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to ease tension headaches and promote restful sleep.
Aromatherapy massage with lavender oil
Lavender oil is a great choice for aromatherapy massage, as it helps to promote relaxation and stress relief. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help to relieve pain in the body.
Before it can be used in massage, lavender essential oil needs to be combined with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. You can also experiment by blending other essential oils with your lavender oil to maximise the benefits, glean other benefits, or simply because you have a favourite delicious scent!
Topical application of lavender oil
Lavender essential oil can also be applied topically to the skin. It is often used to treat wounds and burns and can also be added to a bathtub or footbath. You can also use it in a compress or add it to a cream or lotion.
When lavender oil is applied topically, it should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil.
Pillow mist with lavender oil
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the relaxing properties of lavender essential oil while you sleep, you can try making a lavender pillow mist. Simply add a few drops of lavender oil to distilled water and spritz it on your pillows before bed. The floral scent will help to calm and relax your mind while you drift off to a more peaceful, regenerative sleep.
Lavender essential oil research
Due to lavender essential oil's popularity, there has been a lot of research conducted on the oil over the years. This is great news for those who rely on lavender oil for its therapeutic benefits, as it has been shown to be effective in many different areas.
Let's take a look at some of the key studies that have been conducted to explore the benefits and use of lavender essential oil.
Lavender and the nervous system - 2013
This study, which was published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, looked at the effects of lavender oil on the nervous system. The researchers found that lavender oil had a significant effect on anxiety and stress levels.
Lavender and sleep - 2015
A study published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine looked at the effects of lavender oil on sleep quality. The researchers found that lavender oil was able to improve sleep quality in people with insomnia and also had a sedative effect.
Lavender and pain relief - 2016
A study in 2016 investigated the effects of lavender essential oil on pain cause by osteoarthritis of the knee. The researchers found that aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil was able to effectively reduce pain levels in people with chronic pain.
Lavender and wound healing - 2016
Another study in 2016 set out to explore the effects of applying lavender essential oil to wounds. A solution of lavender oil was applied on alternating days for 14 days. It was discovered that the essential oil helped to increase the production of collagen, helping the wounds to heal faster.
Side effects of lavender essential oil
Like any other substance, lavender essential oil can cause side effects when used incorrectly.
Some of the potential side effects of lavender oil include:
- Headache: Lavender oil can sometimes cause headaches when used in aromatherapy. This is usually because it is strong and needs to be diluted before use.
- Skin irritation: Lavender oil can cause skin irritation when applied topically to the skin. It is important to dilute lavender oil before using it in this way.
- Drowsiness: Lavender oil can sometimes cause drowsiness when used in aromatherapy. If you are driving, operating heavy machinery or in situations where you need to be alert, it is best to avoid using lavender oil.
- Allergic reaction: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to lavender oil. If you experience any adverse effects after using lavender oil, stop use immediately and consult a doctor.
If you experience side effects of lavender oil, you should stop using it immediately. If the side effect is serious or doesn’t go away, it's important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Contraindications of lavender essential oil
Out of all the essential oils on the market, lavender is one of the most well known as well as one of the most researched essential oils. This is partly due to its popularity, along with its wide range of benefits.
For this reason, lavender essential oil is widely considered to be suitable for most people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children.
Whilst lavender allergy is rare, it’s essential that you avoid lavender essential oil if you know that you have an allergy to the plant. There are many other essential oils to choose from if this is the case. If you need help choosing an alternative essential oil to lavender, email us at volant and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Where to buy lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is widely available online and in stores. When purchasing lavender oil, be sure to look for a 100% pure essential oil - not an extract. This ensures that you're getting an authentic product with all of the therapeutic benefits of lavender. If it’s organic, even better!
Here are some of the places where you can purchase lavender essential oil.
volant
At volant, all of our essential oils are produced using only the highest-quality plants, which are harvested and distilled with the utmost care. You can rest assured that when you purchase lavender essential oil from volant, you'll receive 100% pure and organic essential oil with no additives or synthetic ingredients. This ensures that you receive the greatest possible benefit from your lavender essential oil.
Amazon
Amazon is a popular place to shop for essential oils. It's important to note that Amazon is a marketplace rather than a store, so there are many different businesses selling essential oils through Amazon. For this reason, we'd recommend checking the ingredients and reviews of any essential oil that you choose to purchase through Amazon, as not all essential oils sold on the platform are pure, organic and trusted.
Pharmacies
You might find that your local pharmacy sells lavender essential oil. This can be convenient if you want to physically see what you're buying before you make the purchase. Always check that the oil you're buying is an essential oil rather than an extract and that it is 100% pure.
DoTERRA
DoTERRA is a company that manufacture organic essential oils, including lavender essential oil. Whether you plan to use your lavender oil for relaxation, pain relief or to get a peaceful night's sleep, you can purchase lavender essential oil from DoTERRA.
Lavender essential oil FAQs
Can lavender essential oil be used during pregnancy?
Lavender is one of the most well-known as well as one of the most researched essential oils due to its popularity and wide range of benefits.
The general consensus is that lavender essential oil is safe to use during pregnancy. In fact, a study was conducted in 2016 which concluded that lavender essential oil could help to reduce labour pains and aid relaxation during childbirth.
If you choose to use lavender essential oil during your pregnancy or birth, there are many ways in which you can do this. One of the most common ways is to add a few drops to a diffuser, allowing the aroma to fill the room. Alternatively, you could add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil and ask your birth partner to massage it into your back.
Can lavender essential oil be used on children?
Lavender essential oil is safe for use on children. However, when it comes to using lavender essential oil with children, a little goes a long way.
Some of the ways in which lavender oil can be used with children include:
- 💜 Adding lavender oil to a carrier oil and using it as a massage oil. This is a great way to help children relax and can be used before bedtime. However, we'd always recommend using a weaker dilution on children due to their sensitive skin. One drop of lavender oil mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil should be sufficient.
- 💜 Diffusing lavender oil in an essential oil diffuser. This is a great way to create a calming environment for children.
- 💜 Adding lavender oil to a bathtub of water. This is a relaxing way to use lavender oil and can be especially helpful for children with anxiety or who are struggling to sleep. Don't forget to mix the essential oil with a carrier oil before adding it to the bath water, as this helps the oil to disperse through the water.
- 💜 Create a relaxing pillow mist to use at bedtime. To do this, fill a clean spray bottle with distilled water and add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Then, spray your child's pillow and bedding with the mixture to help them to fall asleep at night.
In summary
Perhaps one of the most well-known essential oils, lavender oil is used by people across the globe to promote mental well-being and ease a wide range of conditions. Not only is lavender essential oil great for helping you to relax and for promoting healthy sleep, but it can also help to soothe eczema, ease pain and reduce inflammation. This makes lavender a versatile essential oil with a host of benefits.
If you're thinking about giving lavender essential oil a try, you'll need to choose a reputable supplier. At volant, we are proud to use only the highest quality plants to produce our pure, organic essential oils. So, when you buy lavender oil from volant, you know you're getting the purest possible essential oil, free from any toxins or chemicals.
We’re here to help if you have any questions about lavender essential oil. Contact us at support@volantaroma.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help!
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