The Beauty of Nature in a Bottle

Lavender essential oil holds a precious place in my heart, just as it does in the wider world of aromatherapy. This lovely flowering plant has an affinity for high altitudes, and Montana’s lofty peaks provide the perfect backdrop for its growth. Living in this beautiful state, how could I resist the call to cultivate my own lavender, and distill my own lavender essential oil?

Lavender essential oil benefits a wide variety of issues, promoting physical comfort, emotional calm, and mental health. Renowned for its versatility and soothing aroma, it’s a staple in many aromatherapy collections.

In this post, you’ll learn the many benefits of lavender essential oil, as well as…

• What research says about its main healing components

• How to use it for physical, emotional, and mental health

• Common questions I hear about lavender essential oil

As I stand amidst the purple fields, enveloped in a sea of fragrant blooms swaying gently in the mountain breeze, I’m reminded of the profound impact the humble lavender plant has had on humanity for centuries. Let’s explore what lavender essential oil is good for, including its uses in history, and how to use it for natural health.

Lavender Essential Oil: a Bit of History

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), with its delicate, sweet, floral fragrance, reigns as the undisputed monarch of essential oils. It’s long been one of the aromatherapy world’s best sellers.

It’s been prized as a perfume throughout much of recorded history, including in Ancient Egypt.

During the Middle Ages, herbal healers used lavender to address a variety of issues, from headaches, to insomnia, digestive pain, skin conditions, and more. And in WWI, its antimicrobial properties were valued, as nurses used lavender washes and poultices to help prevent infection and promote healing.

We use lavender essential oil in very similar ways in modern holistic aromatherapy.

Lavender: Botanical Facts

Lavender is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which is the mint family! It’s in good company with oils such as peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum).

In Latin, its genus is Lavandula. The most popular species is angustifolia, also known as “English lavender.” But there are actually many species of lavender, including stoechas (Spanish lavender), dentata (French lavender), and × intermedia (lavandin). (Considering the variety, it’s important to look for the botanical name on the label of any lavender oil you purchase.)

Within each species, there are different varieties.

Would you believe there are over 40 different varieties of lavender (though not all of these are used in aromatherapy)?

I feel deeply connected to the plant world, and I love the idea that lavender is developing so many versions of itself because it knows how much we need its healing presence, both for humanity, and for Earth as a biosphere.

I usually work with Lavandula angustifolia. I love the high level of skin-soothing esters and healing monoterpenols in this species, which make it perfect for a wide variety of aromatherapy blends.

The plant part that is steam distilled is the flower. After steam distillation, the oil’s shelf life is typically 6 years.

Lavender’s Chemistry

If I had an aromatherapy blog dedicated solely to lavender essential oil, I still couldn’t cover the mountain of research that’s been done on it, and on its main components, linalool and linalyl acetate.

Linalool is a naturally occurring compound known for its calming and therapeutic properties. It’s an incredibly versatile molecule, with a wide range of researched properties.

In research, linalool has been found to…

• Calm inflammation (Peana et al. 2002)

• Ease pain in skin, muscles, and joints (Nawaz et al. 2023; Mori et al. 2016)

• Speed the healing of wounds (including burns, cuts & scrapes) (Mori et al. 2016)

• Support healthy skin cells (Gunaseelan et al. 2017)

• Reduce the risk of infection (Kanekar et al. 2022)

• Calm spasms (Battaglia 2019)

• Support healthy sleep cycles (Buchbauer et al. 1993)

• Promote relaxation (Buchbauer et al. 1993)

• Encourage mental health by calming stress & anxiety (Buchbauer et al. 1993; Woelk & Schläfke, 2010; Malcolm & Tallian 2018)

Linalyl acetate has been shown to…

• Calm inflammation (Peana et al. 2002)

• Soothe pain (Peana et al. 2002)

• Ease anxiety (Malcolm & Tallian 2018)

• Reduce spasms (Kang et al. 2013)

• Support relaxation and sleep (Buchbauer et al. 1993)

What is Lavender Essential Oil Good for? Benefits & Uses

Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief

Studies have shown that linalool can help reduce inflammation in the body, offering relief from ailments such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis (Peana et al. 2002).

Try this recipe for sore muscles.

Antimicrobial

It’s a formidable foe against harmful microbes that can wreak havoc on our health (Fisher & Phillips, 2006). Linalool’s antimicrobial activity helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi (Nakahara et al. 2013). It makes lavender oil a valuable ingredient in skincare products, wound care formulations, and household cleaners.

Mental Health

One of lavender’s most celebrated attributes is its ability to calm the mind. Research suggests that linalool can reduce feelings of stress. One study showed that a lavender oil preparation was “as effective as lorazepam in adults with GAD [Generalized Anxiety Disorder]” (Woelk & Schläfke 2010). That’s why lavender oil is a popular choice for supporting mental health.

You can make a Smoky Lavender Roll-On and take it with you throughout the day.

Skin Healing

Whether dealing with acne, irritation, minor burns, or minor wounds, lavender can help accelerate the healing process and restore the skin’s health (Altaei, 2012; Mori et al. 2016). Its gentle yet effective nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin. Be sure to dilute it safely in a skin-nourishing carrier oil.

Here’s a simple 2-ingredient recipe for lavender moisturizer.

Relaxation & Sleep

By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, lavender can help create the perfect environment for a peaceful night’s sleep (Buchbauer et al. 1993). Incorporating it into your bedtime routine may help improve sleep quality and duration.

Try this recipe for a relaxing Lavender Lagoon Bath Salt before bed.

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil

Here again, we see the incredible versatility of lavender essential oil. It’s right at home in topical skin care blends! Diluted in a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil), it can bestow its benefits onto skin, and absorb into the body. It’s ideal for bath salts, lip balms, lotions, body butter, and skin care blends (most skin types respond well to lavender, from dry skin to oily skin).

Not sure how many drops to use? Here are some dilution guidelines:

• 5–6 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier (1% dilution) – For children, seniors, and those with sensitivities

• 10–12 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier (2% dilution) – For daily physical and mental health

• 15–18 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier (3% dilution) – For acute issues, such as a bug bite or bee sting, where you’re using a higher concentration of the oil for a short time

Lavender oil is also perfect for inhalation. Put a few drops in your diffuser and set it to run for half an hour or so. Your room will smell wonderful, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling calmer (or even a little sleepy). Or add 5 to 6 drops to an inhaler, and use it throughout the day when you need to relax.

I even love to clean with lavender oil! You’ll find a lavender floor cleaner among the recipes in this post.

Lavender Essential Oil Safety

Lavender essential oil is safe for most people to use on a regular basis. (Just check the Latin botanical name of your oil and be sure it’s pure, organic Lavandula angustifolia.)

I rarely recommend applying essential oils undiluted to skin. They are very highly concentrated plant extracts. It can take over 5 pounds of fresh lavender to produce just 1 fl oz (30 ml) of essential oil. Consider how light a sprig of delicate flowers feels in your hand, and imagine how much plant material you need to get up to 5 pounds!

Too much of anything (even a good thing) can lead to an unwanted reaction. That’s why I don’t generally recommend applying any essential oil undiluted.

To apply lavender oil topically, follow the dilution guidelines I shared above under “How to Use Lavender Essential Oil.”

It’s also important to buy only pure lavender essential oil, which brings us to our next topic…

How to Buy Lavender Essential Oil

As aromatherapists, we value natural ingredients. It’s part of why we turn to essential oils and plants. So it’s unfortunate that some distributors adulterate their essential oil by adding in synthetics. In some cases, the amount of pure essential oil in a bottle can be under 10%, while the rest is synthetic (or possibly replaced with a carrier, like fractionated coconut oil).

Sadly, such a product isn’t suitable for aromatherapy. It won’t contain the components that create lavender’s natural medicinal properties (linalool and linalyl acetate). It’s more likely to cause an unwanted reaction, like skin irritation.

To be sure you’re buying high quality, pure lavender essential oil, look for the following information. It should be listed on the website you’re buying from, or on the product’s label.

• Latin name (Genus and species)

• Distillation date (this tells you the shelf life of your product)

• Country of origin (where the oil came from)

• Single origin (ensuring the oil isn’t blended with another batch)

• Batch number (this supports traceability)

• GC/MS report (A lab report that lists the components of an essential oil, like an ingredient list. If a company makes a GC/MS report available, they’re committed to ensuring their oils aren’t adulterated, and to knowing the exact balance of natural components in their oils—which is crucial for understanding their therapeutic properties. Learn more about GC/MS testing.

Lavender Oil: Blending Suggestions & Substitutions

Lavender has a beautiful aroma that “plays well with others!” It seems to enhance just about any aroma it’s blended with. Citruses, conifers, spices, herbs, and more . . . they all want to be side by side with lavender!

Currently, I’m enjoying blending lavender oil with bright, warm oils, like sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and with fresh, herbal oils like clary sage (Salvia sclarea, also a member of the Lamiaceae family!). And of course, it blends well with any flower oil, like geranium (Pelargonium graveolens var roseum).

What can you substitute for lavender oil? If you run out of lavender, you have a lot of options for a substitute. It really depends on what you’re blending for.

That said, opting for another oil that’s rich in linalool is a sound choice. As lavender’s myriad benefits are tied to its main component, these oils can give you similar effects. Try:

• Coriander Oil (Coriandrum sativum)

• Sweet Basil Oil (Ocimum basilicum ct linalool)

• Bergamot Mint Oil (Mentha citrata)

Common Questions about Lavender Essential Oil

Is lavender essential oil safe?

Yes. There are no safety concerns specific to lavender oil. We follow The Aromahead Approach® for safe essential oil use.

Is lavender essential oil safe for kids?

Lavender is one of my favorite aromatherapy oils to use for children! It’s incredibly gentle. I do use a 1% dilution for them, which means 5–6 drops of essential oil for every 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier.

Is lavender essential oil safe for dogs, cats, and other animals?

I have a whole blog post focusing on using aromatherapy for animals. If you have pets, it’s worth a read!

Is lavender essential oil safe for skin?

Yes, lavender oil is safe for topical application. However, I always make sure to apply it in a carrier, instead of undiluted.

Can lavender help with hair growth?

Limited research indicates that lavender oil may increase the number and depth of hair follicles, which is promising. It can also support hair growth by lowering cortisol levels, which can reduce stress-related shedding. Blending lavender into a base of coconut oil and applying it to your scalp can be a healthy way to care for your skin and hair. (Try adding a few drops of tea tree oil, Melaleuca alternifolia! Tea tree can reduce fungal issues that irritate the scalp.)

My Takeaway

If you’re new to aromatherapy and aren’t sure where to start, starting with lavender is an excellent choice. A single little bottle has so many daily uses. Lavender essential oil is a true gift from nature, offering endless benefits for physical, emotional, and mental health. Embrace the magic, and let it enrich your life with beauty and natural wellbeing.

Download Your Summer Skincare Guide!

Lavender is a classic natural way to care for sunburn! Learn to use it in a variety of recipes, along with other oils and carriers that help cool the burn and restore your skin in the heat, in our free downloadable guide:

Summer Essentials Bundle: After-Sun Remedies, Kid-Friendly Hydrosols & Refreshing Diffuser Blends.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Gentle skin-nourishing recipes for sunburn and irritation

• A list of our favorite essential oils for burns (and why they work)

• Tips for using carrier oils to protect skin from the sun

• Safe, simple tips for using essential oils and hydrosols with kids

• DIY recipes using aloe, baobab seed oil, and more

Whether you’re packing for a beach trip or just trying to stay sane during a heatwave, this is your go-to summer wellness companion.

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Summer Essentials Bundle

After-Sun Remedies, Kid-Friendly Hydrosols & Refreshing Diffuser Recipes

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