The Usage & Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is a powerhouse essential oil, well known for its sweet and mild floral scent, multi-purpose usage and abundant benefits. Lavender essential oil is commonly used for:

  • Aromatherapy – Diffuse/inhaled, doubles as air freshener
  • Topical use – Diluted with carrier oil and applied onto the skin, can be doubled as natural perfume, can be used for children as young as 3 months old (please carry out a patch test before proceeding)
  • Cosmetics – Popular ingredient in gels, lotions, soaps, shampoos and etc.
  • Medicinal – Anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat bug bites, reduce itching and swelling, and soothe inflammation on skin

Scientifically known as Lavandula, the numerous benefits of lavender essential oil are boosting the immune system by managing levels of cortisol which is one of the contributors to stress, in addition helps to reduce stress and tension. It is beneficial for those who are suffering from insomnia, depression and anxiety. Furthermore, it is believed that lavender essential oil helps with hormone imbalance which is linked to stress and mental health issues.

Throughout history, it was used in baths, laundry, minor wounds, mummification and even spiritual practices for its soothing properties as well as its fragrance. In the modern day, you can find it in many beauty and wellness products ranging from shampoos, scented candles and skincare products.

Lavender essential oil has numerous benefits ranging from:

There are a few ways you can use or incorporate lavender essential oil into your routine:

Inhalation

This is the easiest and most common way to allow its calming abilities to stimulate the limbic system to induce relaxation and serenity. You can inhale it straight from the bottle with or add a few drops to your diffuser. You can also combine it with other essential oils such as citrus, peppermint or cedarwood.

Spray

Its mildly sweet and floral scent creates a calm environment that helps with nerves, tension and stress. It doubles as an anti-bacterial room spray or air freshener to eliminate harmful airborne bacteria. Additionally, you can spray this around windows or other entrances to repel bugs.

Topical

Its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties make it useful in treating painful and itchy bug bites, minor cuts and scrapes. Dilute 1 drop of lavender essential oil with 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel or carrier oil and carry out a patch test first, wait a minimum of 12 hours and proceed if there are no adverse reactions.

Massage

Massages are excellent for improving overall circulation and reducing muscular aches and pain. You can incorporate lavender essential oil into a weekly or monthly massage by diluting with carrier oil of your choice. Alternately, you can buy ready-made lavender massage blends or get an aromatherapy massage session at a massage parlor.

Bath Therapy

Combine 3-6 drops of lavender essential oil in 1 tablespoon of your choice of carrier oil, baking soda and epsom salt into your bath water. Soak for 10-15 minutes to unwind at the end of the day. This gives you that relaxing spa-like treatment without having to go one. Do be wary of what kind of essential oils you’re adding to your bath tub as not all essential oils are made equal.

Review of Lavender Essential Oils from the Top Brands

Below is a list and comparison of lavender essential oil from different brands, the details and description are obtained from the official website of the brands.

Plant Therapy – Lavender Essential Oil

  • Certification: USDA Organic (According to Google search – certified produce grown on soil free from prohibited substances for 3 years prior to harvest)
  • Aroma Description: Strong, sweet, dry and herbaceous floral scent
  • Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
  • Uses (according to official website):
    • Diffuse for 30-60 minutes to promote calmness and relaxation
    • Topical use at 2 – 5% dilution with carrier oil
    • To use with other oils (Bergamot, Cedarwood Virginian, Clove Bud, Clary Sage and etc.)
    • Add a few drops in lotion or bath bombs
  • Product Size: 10ml, 30ml, 100ml
  • Price: $8.95 USD (10ml), $15.95 USD (30ml), $34.95 USD (100ml) (*as of August 2021)
  • Additional Info:
    • Full test results disclosed on official website
    • Product has 3 – 4 years shelf life
    • Safe for kids
  • Country of origin: Bulgaria
  • Reviews:
    • Customers comment the product is perfect for inducing relaxation, improving quality of sleep and the product is multi-purpose

doTerra – Lavender Oil

  • Certification: Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG)
  • Aroma Description: Powdery, floral light
  • Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
  • Uses (according to official website):
    • Apply a few drops to pillows or beddings
    • Add a few drops to spray bottle filled with water and spray to areas such as linen closet, mattress or car for a refreshing scent
    • A few drops in cooking or baking
    • Dilute 3-4 drops in diffuser of choice
    • Dilute with doTerra’s Fractionated Coconut Oil and apply on desired areas of skin, helps with skin sensitivity
  • Product Size: 15ml
  • Price: $32.67 USD (*as of August 2021)
  • Ratings & Reviews:
    • Customers comment the product is high quality and helps induce sleep

Young Living – Lavender Essential Oil

  • Certification: Cruelty free, kosher, vegan
  • Aroma Description: Sweet floral aroma
  • Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
  • Uses (according to official website):
    • Diffuse with cedarwood and orange for a peaceful environment during bedtime
    • Add 4 drops of the essential oil to 1 cup of Epsom salt for a hot relaxing bath
    • Use as spot treatment for minor bumps and blemishes
    • Add to massage oil for relaxing massage
    • Add to facial essence, serum or moisturiser
    • Add a few drops in your water in the evening to improve sleep quality
    • Add 2 drops to a vegetarian capsule for cleansing and antioxidant properties
  • Product Size: 15ml
  • Price: $33.22 USD (*as of August 2021)
  • Reviews:
    • Customers comment they love the smell of the product, and it helps to relax and sleep better

Edens Garden – Lavender Essential Oil

  • Certification: GC/MS batch-tested
  • Aroma Description: Herbaceous, sweet, floral, fresh and clean
  • Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
  • Uses (according to official website):
    • Breathe
    • Outdoor defense
    • Pain
    • Relax
    • Skin
    • Sleep
    • Uplift
    • Wellness
  • Product Size: 5ml, 10ml, 30ml, 118ml
  • Price: $7.95 USD (5ml), $9.95 USD (10ml), $22.95 USD (30ml), $78.95 USD (118ml) (*as of August 2021)
  • Additional Info:
    • Full test results disclosed on official website
    • Blends well with geranium and other floral scents
    • Middle – top note (aroma)
  • Reviews:
    • Customers comment the product is high quality, helps with sleep and they love the smell

Substitutes for Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is very useful, handy to have around and generally well accepted by everyone. However, if lavender isn’t right for you, here is a list of essential oils to act as a substitute to for these reasons stated:

  • You don’t like the smell of lavender essential oil but want the same calming effects it provides
  • You don’t have lavender essential oil on hand
  • You simply want more to explore more options

Petitgrain

It is actually derived from the same plant as neroli but smells entirely different. Petitgrain makes a wonderful substitute for lavender in terms of calming down nerves and providing stress relief as it possesses a green, woody and slightly floral scent that is both calming and uplifting.

Clary Sage

Clary sage smells somewhat similar to lavender, possessing a floral and herbaceous aroma, offering similar calming and mood enhancing effects as well as other benefits, such as promoting deeper concentration and spirituality which is beneficial during prayer and meditation practices.

Hyssop

Hyssop flowers actually resemble lavender flowers closely but it has a more minty and earthy scent. Hyssop does have promising antioxidants abilities that will help to combat free radicals and support the immune system. Furthermore, it can help facilitate easier breathing while soothing coughs and colds.

Sandalwood

If you’re looking for an alternative to lavender for its sedative properties, sandalwood is an excellent option. Its grounding effects make it another ideal oil to use during meditation and spiritual practices while facilitating relaxation to soothe headaches and troubled sleeping. It is also known to be an aphrodisiac.

Chamomile

If you would like another option that is not only as versatile as lavender but as gentle, then do consider chamomile. In terms of aroma, German chamomile tends to be more sweet and fruity, whereas Roman chamomile is more sweet and grassy. Both types of chamomiles are good for managing stress, headaches, flatulence, insomnia, insect bites and more.

Bergamot

Bergamot has a beautifully complex and citrusy aroma that was the magic behind earl grey tea, and is also great for managing unfavorable emotions such as anxiety, depression, stress by quieting the mind and inducing tranquillity. Its aroma is also fantastic to be used as a non-toxic air freshener, helping to eliminate unpleasant odors indoors.

Melissa

Another citrusy substitute that has lavender like undertones, Melissa, or lemon balm oil, has praise-worthy abilities to improve sleep quality, nausea, stress, nerves, tension and even premenstrual symptoms (PMS). The only down side is pure unadulterated melissa essential oil can be very expensive.

Not only are these awesome substitutes for lavender, most, if not all actually blends well with lavender, too.

Despite its versatility and various benefits, just like other essential oils, lavender essential oil should be used in moderation and never to be used undiluted or ingested. When diffusing, make sure not to diffuse for more than 60 minutes. Although it is known to be gentle, do not apply liberally when using it on your skin. Less is more with any essential oil. Now do remember that whilst essential oils are natural, it does mean they do not pose any risks. Remember to consult with a medical professional if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, have children and/or pets at home.