Lavender essential oil is the most popular oil in aromatherapy. Why? Lavender essential oil has been known to balance the body and work wherever it is needed. When you are overly stressed, the scent will relax you, and when you need a pick me up, lavender will provide an energy boost, too. Find out more on the uses of lavender essential oil in this blog post.
You can inhale the oil directly from the bottle or diffuser, or add a few drops to your clothing or pillowcase. It can also be added to lotions and creams for a more relaxing experience.
Lavender oil has a wide variety of uses and can be beneficial for both your mind and body. When used aromatically, lavender oil can help to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. It can be used topically to help with pain, headaches, bruising.
So whether you’re looking to reduce stress or relieve pain, lavender oil is a versatile option worth trying.
Why Lavender Essential Oil?
If I could recommend only one essential oil to help others be healthy overall, lavender would be the winner hands down. The smell is wonderful, the oil is so versatile, and it has many healing properties.
Lavender has calming effects that are amazing in stressful time, and it is highly effective but ever so gentle.
It has been referred to as:
- “First-aid in a Bottle”
- “The Universal Oil”
- “The Mother of All Essential Oils”
- “All Things Calming”
- “If in Doubt, Use Lavender”
Here is one of my favorite lavender oils
67 Uses for Lavender Oil Essential Oil
We recently asked our readers "What are some ways you like to use lavender essential oil?" Lots of readers chimed in, we have included some of their comments, as well as some favorite ways we have used lavender in our home.
1. Sore Muscles
Lavender oil is known for its ability to help relieve pain and inflammation, making it a perfect choice for treating sore muscles. Additionally, it is known for its relaxing and calming properties, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety that may be contributing to your muscle pain.
To use lavender oil for sore muscles, add 3-6 drops of lavender essential oils into 1 tablespoon of Castile soap (unscented) or carrier oil. The two best carrier oils for bathing are fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. Soak in the aromatherapy bath and let the ache and soreness float away.
2. Bug and Insect Bites
Topically, lavender oil can be applied to the skin to soothe minor cuts and burns or relieve itchiness from insect bites. Use a lavender roll on and apply onto bite or sting to help soothe the itch and reduce swelling. Wait a few minute and you will forget all about the bite!
Kimberlee S. likes to use this essential oil "In my face care routine, for bug bites, bruises, scratches and scrapes." A must have oil for first aid treatment.
3. Lack of Sleep
Lavender oil is known for its relaxing and sleep-promoting properties. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser before bed. Diffusing in room or misting on bedding can help sleep come faster.
Many of our fans enjoy diffusing lavender before bedtime. If you don't have a diffuser you can put a few drops on a tissue and inhale the scent. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) and rub it on your temples before bed.
Amy W. said "I like to diffuse lavender EO at night. It helps me get to sleep and sleep soundly." Try our Peaceful Sleep Diffuser Blend with lavender and cedarwood:
4. Minor Burns
After running cold water for 5 minutes over burn, gently apply 1 drop to cover affected area. It may sting a bit or seem worse initially but please be patient; soon the soothing effects will come.
5. Cuts and Scrapes
Rinse with water and pat dry. Apply 1 drop to cut or band-aid pad for soothing, germ killing & healing (yes lavender essential oil can do all that!). Rhonda N. shares "This is my FAVORITE oil. I even grow lots of lavender because I love it. I use it for cuts and bug bites and every night before I go to bed-deep breathe it in. Love, Love, Love it!"
6. Rash/Itching
Apply to location to stop the itch & promote healing. Dilute in jojoba oil and apply to desired area. Re-apply as necessary. Liza F recommends making an "Itchy Heat Rash Cream: I use lavender, peppermint, patchouli and sandalwood with the base of shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax and calendula infused oil."
7. Motion Sickness
Roll lavender to wrists or navel with a roller bottle. You may also try an aromatherapy inhaler when traveling to ease upset stomach. Make our Car Ride Inhaler:
8. Chapped Lips
Add to a dab of coconut oil to palm and mix one drop of lavender in with a fingertip, then apply to lips.
9. Sinus Congestion
Apply 2 drops to a bowl of hot water, place towel over head, close your eyes & breathe deeply for relief. This also helps soothe irritated nasal passages. Even better, add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil to water for additional relief.
10. Dry Skin
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to unscented lotion or carrier oil & apply to dry areas. Amanda D. shared "Lavender is my "go to" oil for anything skin related: cuts, bug bites, dry skin, etc".
11. Anxiety and Fears
Place a few drops of lavender essential oil to palms, cup, & inhale deeply. Or you can inhale directly from the bottle. Remember to slowly breathe in through nose, and then exhale through mouth-blow out all the fears/anxieties you are having.
12. Tension
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to carrier oil for dilution & then massage (or even better, have someone else) into neck, shoulder & back. Here is how Christine U. uses it. "Topically- I roll it on my forearms, back of neck, chest for calming. I also diffuse it on jewelry and in a diffuser." Try this Tension Tamer Lotion, just add the blend to 1 oz of unscented lotion:
13. Aches and Pains
In a bowl of warm water, add 2-4 drops of lavender essential oil and swirl around. Soak a cloth then gently squeeze out, apply to location of aches & pains. For new muscular injuries or sprains use cold water instead.
14. Tired or Sore Feet
Fill a large bowl with warm water; add 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil mixed with 4 drops of lavender. Add in 1/4 cup of epsom salt for additional relieve. Soak feet for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to apply lavender lotion after!
15. Scar Reduction
To minimize the formation of scar tissue, massage rosehip oil and lavender essential oil on & around the affected area.
16. Freshen Bathroom
"One of the things I like to do with Lavender oil is simple, but effective. I place a few drops on a cotton ball or even a scrap piece of cloth and put it in my bathroom trash can. It permeates the air until I empty the trash. I actually like to switch up which oil or combo I use each time." -Michelle L.
17. Natural Deodorant
Remove any sweat present first, and then rub 2 drops of lavender essential oil under each arm. May need to be repeated throughout the day but it beats using chemical deodorants. Sweating is your body’s natural way to eliminate toxins so it is important not to have chemically toxic deodorants that block this natural process.
18. Razor Nicks
Dab a drop of lavender essential oil onto nick with a issue.
19. Post Waxing or Hair Removal
Calm sensitive skin and soothe pores with a few drops of lavender in aloe vera gel, apply to affected area. Using lavender lotion is also beneficial after shaving for men and women.
20. Earache
Gently massage of few drops of diluted lavender into the skin around the ears & throat. Never apply essential oil into ears.
21. Fever
Sponge down with tepid water that has a drop of lavender oil added, especially good for children but take care to keep out of eyes and off face. Back of neck, under arms and to groin help to cool the body best. A plain, cold water washcloth can be placed to forehead (no essential oils). Peppermint essential oil is good for fevers as well, since it has cooling effects.
22. Skincare and Acne
Add lavender to your skin care routine. "Lavender being the most versatile of essential oils, it can be used in nearly unending ways. It is very often the base for blends that I use for diffusing as well as for skin care and in cleaning products that I make instead of using commercial chemical laden products." -Claudia S.
23. Nosebleed
Pinch bridge of nose and apply ice right above, apply 1-2 drops of lavender onto tissue and place under nose.
24. Seasonal Allergies
Use an aromatherapy inhaler to combat seasonal allergies, you can also diffuse lavender into air to help. Here is a fabulous inhaler blend:
25. Cold Sore
Add 1 drop of lavender to a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil and apply a dab directly onto sore, repeat as necessary.
26. Sunburn Relief
Aloe vera gel and lavender make a great pair for sunburned skin. I like to keep my aloe gel in the refrigerator so it is cold when I apply, making it even more soothing. May need frequent reapplication. You can even try aloe vera gel cooling cubes. Erin S. likes it "mixed with almond oil for a sunburn".
27. Leg Cramps
Massage lavender diluted in a carrier oil onto legs to assist with cramps. try out this recipe for Lavender Massage Oil.
28. Repel Mosquitoes
Create a Mosquito Repellent Lotion using 1 oz of unscented lotion, 9 drops lavender and 3 drops of Lemongrass. Read our complete blog post on Lavender and Lemongrass.
29. Headache
Apply to temples or back of neck. Add peppermint oil for extra soothing relief! Linda S. said "I use lavender in a roller with lemon and peppermint for headaches." Read more about the powerful duo of lavender and peppermint oil.
30. Sadness
Diffuse in room to uplift mood, it will also will make your home scented of Lavender! Try an uplifting diffuser blend:
31. Relieve Stress
Diffuse lavender into air or make a lavender room spray and spritz around you, and inhale deeply. Try an Essential Oil Chakra Bracelet to balance your energy.
32. Repel Moths and Insects
Place a few drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball, place in linen closets or drawers to enhance the smell & repel bugs naturally. I like to add cedarwood essential oil too!
33. Nail and Cuticle Treatment
Warm up a small bowl of olive oil, add in 2 drops of lavender and stir. Dip nails and cuticles into mixture, soak for 5-10 minutes. You can also try our Rosehip Oil for Nails & Cuticles Roller Blend.
34. Dandruff
Add a few drops of lavender oil to your shampoo and massage onto the scalp to help eliminate dandruff, you can add tea tree oil too. Doing this before bedtime may help you sleep better as well. Kim L. said "I love it in my shampoo and body lotion when I take nighttime showers."
35. Menstrual Cramps
Massage a few drops of diluted lavender onto your lower abdomen or apply hot compress with lavender sprinkled on. Lavender blends well with clary sage, bergamot, roman chamomile, and/or sweet marjoram to relieve menstrual cramps.
36. Natural Perfume
Forget toxic fragrances, try using all natural lavender essential oil instead, add a drop or more to pulse point (neck, wrist). Try our Love Potion Perfume Roll On recipe.
37. Smelly Feet
Add 4 drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bowl of water & mix around. You can add epsom salt for added benefits. Soak feet for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with cloth, pat dry & apply lavender lotion. Fresh again!
38. Natural Detangler
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to conditioner when in shower, apply to hair, leave in for 1 minute & then rinse out.
39. Sore Throat
Add 1 drop of lavender essential oil to a warm glass of water stir well & gargle 30 seconds, then spit out. Repeat 2-3 times per day. Please make sure to only high quality oils. You can also try one of our diffuser blends for sore throat.
40. Pretest Anxiety
Apply lavender roll on to wrists before test time, if needed during test deeply inhale lavender aroma from your wrists. You can use an infused tissue instead, apply a few drops to it & have in your pocket if preferred. Using peppermint oil while studying and then again during examinations has been clinically proven to improve grades up to 20%!
41. Natural Body Cleanser
Instead of using soap when bathing or showering, apply 3 drops of lavender essential oil to a wash cloth & scrub entire body. Annette S. likes lavender bath bombs and Angela M. like to use it in her body scrubs.
42. Reduce Mental Stress
When in need for a quick aromatherapy session, take time out for a few slow, deep breaths while you inhale the lavender aroma from an essential oil diffuser bracelet or from an infused tissue.
43. Crying
Diffuse lavender into air when comfort is needed, this oil brings about composure and stability. Here is a favorite inhaler blend to promote comfort:
44. Gas (Flatulence)
Massage over stomach. Ginger essential oil works great as well. You can make a roller blend using 4 drops lavender, with 2 drops of ginger.
45. Brusing
This gentle oil helps reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as pain. Plus, it has many more skin healing properties. Try our Bumps & Bruises Roller Blend.
46. Jaw Pain
Swab a small amount along jawbone using roller bottle.
47. Stretch Marks
Add few drops lavender essential oil to carrier oil like rosehip seed oil and rub on location. Best to have a daily application routine, like after your shower, stretch marks will take time to fade but with persistence they can fade.
48. Wrinkles and Facial Serum
Add to facial moisturizer & apply to face, especially to laugh lines and crows feet (being careful to keep out of eyes). Liz R said "Lavender is my favorite essential oil. I like to diffuse it, put it in my pillow spray and add it to my facial serum and body butter. It does it all!"
49. Addictions
Inhale lavender from an essential oil diffuser necklace or diffuse oil into air.
50. Poor Concentration or Focus
Diffuse lavender with peppermint and orange into air to sharpen focus.
51. Hair Care
Add two drops to your hairbrush and brush your hair. Not only will it smell great, doing this helps to condition it naturally. Christine O. shared that she likes to use it "in my homemade detangler spray".
52. Blister
Apply lavender essential oil on blister. Protect blister from further rubbing or friction.
53. Vertigo or Dizzy Spell
Rub few drops of lavender essential oil on jawbone near the ear and to bone behind ear.
54. Postpartum
Beat the baby blues, inhale lavender essential oil aroma from an inhaler or diffuse into air.
55. Ringworm
Rub a few drops of lavender essential oil & coconut oil to affected area, reapply as needed. Make sure to wash hands well after touching the spot to prevent spreading.
56. Respiratory Relief
Diffuse or use in a chest rub, apply to nasal passages and chest to help provide relief for coughs, allergies & inflammation.
57. Teeth Grinding
Before bedtime, apply a few drops of lavender to jaw bone up to temples using a roller bottle to help relax jaw.
58. Shingles Relief
Apply lavender essential oil to affected areas to soothe the pain, alleviate the irritation & stop the itching. Shingles can often be associated with life stressors, lavender can help with that as well.
59. Scented Dried or Silk Flower
Sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oils onto flowers. Can use on wreaths too.
60. Improve Office Atmosphere
If able, diffuse in work space to promote a calm and serene environment. Add lemon essential oil to help clearing up the stale air! Or try this diffuser blend:
61. Natural Dryer Sheet or Wool Dryer Balls
Apply 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil on a wet cloth & place in the dryer before turning on. Stephanie R. said "I use Lavender to relax, as well as on my dryer balls for a clean, fresh scent."
62. Non-Toxic Carpet Freshener
Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 10 drops of lavender essential oil, sprinkle on carpet, wait 20 minutes and then vacuum up.
63. Freshen Potpourri
Add a few drops to stale potpourri & mix. Make it last longer, saves you money! You can also make Essential Oil Potpourri using rose petals.
64. Laundry Hamper/School Lockers
Apply a few drops to a paper towel & place in bottom of laundry hamper or school locker. No more stinky gym socks!!
65. Natural Air Freshener
Create you own DIY Lavender Room Spray by mixing 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 tablespoon of grain alcohol, fill the rest of a 2 oz glass spray bottle with distilled water, shake and mist into air.
66. Calm Anxious Dogs
Wet a bandanna, wring out & sprinkle a drop or two of lavender on bandanna & tie around dog’s neck. Leanne A. said "Just today, I used lavender to help calm my dog down while it was thundering."
67. Give the Gift of Lavender
Lavender is a popular gift item for any occasion and is sure to be appreciated by all who receive it. You can make a gift basket and include Lavender inspired items. Some items you could included are lavender bar soap, bath bombs, bath oil, body spray, natural perfume, closet or drawer sachets, hand and body lotions, sleep pillow, or soothing bath salts. Make sure that any premade items you purchase are made with quality ingredients.
Is there a difference between lavender oil and lavender essential oil?
The answer is yes and no! When discussing lavender essential oil it is not uncommon to just say lavender oil but majority of the time users are talking about lavender essential oil.
Use caution though when buying essential oils, there is a difference then. Read the label, if it is not labeled 100% lavender essential oil then it may not be.
It may be a type of carrier oil or vegetable oil that has been infused with lavender scent or flowers. It is typically used in baking or as a massage oil. Lavender essential oil, on the other hand, is concentrated oil that contains the plant's natural fragrance. It is often used in aromatherapy or to make homemade products.
So, while lavender oil and lavender essential oil both have a lovely lavender scent, they are not interchangeable.
Is it safe to put lavender essential oil directly on skin?
The short answer is yes, it is safe to put lavender essential oil directly on skin. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using essential oils.
First, be sure to diluted the oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or almond oil. This will help to prevent any skin irritation.
Second, always do a patch test before applying the oil to a larger area of skin.
Finally, be aware that some people may have an allergic reaction to lavender oil. If you experience any redness, swelling, or itching, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
With these precautions in mind, you can safely enjoy the benefits of lavender essential oil.
Diffusing Lavender Oil
Diffusing is a great way to enjoy lavender essential oil, you may have seen diffusing lavender oil in several of the uses, to learn more about diffusing essential oils, check out these posts:
- What Is An Essential Oil Diffuser?
- Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils
- How To Use An Essential Oil Diffuser
- 7 Easy Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends
- Essential Oils for Mom with Diffuser Blends
- 8 Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends For Mood
After reading this post, I hope you see how valuable lavender essential oil is and be empowered to practice simple, natural solutions for your health and your family’s health. It is a gift from nature that can powerfully change your life when you let it. They may even save you a trip to the store for over-the-counter medication or to the doctor’s office, meaning more money stays in your pocket!
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