20 Reasons to Love Lavender Essential Oil
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as common lavender, is one of the world’s most commonly used essential oils. Lavender is part of the Lamiaceae mint family and is a genus of 47 species. The name lavender is derived from the Latin word lavare meaning “to wash” which refers to scented baths in Roman times.
“The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a scented massage everyday.” -Hippocrates
Lavender has been used for thousands of years in bathing and as a fragrance to refresh a room for comfort, sleep and during childbirth. In folk tradition, it was also used to “comfort the stomach”, as an insect repellent, to scent linen, relieve toothache and pain. (1)
Lavendula angustifolia grows at altitudes reaching 5,000 feet. Its plants resemble velveteen porcupines in colors from white to violet to purple. The essential oil is created through steam distillation of the flowering tops or creating an absolute produced by solvent extraction.
Aroma
The aroma of lavender essential oil is a combination of sweet, floral and woody. It is a full-bodied herbaceous oil that has undertones of balsamic wood. Its aroma is located on the entire plant.
Principal Constituents
Lavandula angustifolia contains over 100 chemical constituents. Its key constituents are linalyl acetate (up to 45%) and linalool (28%). Other constituents include: coumarin, beta-caryophyllene, terpineol, limonene among others. (2) Like all essential oils, the percentages of constituents can vary slightly depending on location, region, temperature and climate.
Variety
The most commonly used lavender species is Lavandula angustifolia, also known as common, true or English lavender. Lavandula stoechas is known as Spanish lavender and due to its high camphor chemical constituent is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breast feeding. Spike lavender is Lavandula latifolia. Lavandula x intermedia and Lavendula hybrida are Lavandin which is not the same as true lavender.
Risk of Adulteration
There is a vast amount more of lavender essential oil than actual lavender plants in the world. Therefore, lavender essential oil has a high risk of being adulterated. It takes a great amount of plant yield to make one bottle of lavender essential oil (approximately 27 square feet of plant to make 1 15ml bottle). Because of this some companies will use synthetic lavender fragrance and label it as an essential oil. Other companies will dilute lavender with a carrier oil or other additives. Whereas other companies will use lavandin and mislabel the bottle as Lavender. Lavandin is not the same as lavender. Lavandin is a cross breed between Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) and Lavandula latifolia (Spike lavender). They have similar properties but differ in their chemical composition. Lavandin is much more weather tolerant and cheaper to make than lavender essential oil. It actually can make up to 10 times more yield than lavender. Lavandin contains higher concentrations of terpenes and camphor compared to Lavender. Lavandin may inhibit blood clotting and has a higher risk of skin sensitivity. Avoid using lavandin if you are on anticoagulant medications, major surgery, peptic ulcer or bleeding disorders.
Properties
Lavender essential oil has many beneficial properties which include: antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, antispasmodic, deodorant, decongestant, diuretic, sedative, restorative, and nervine.
20 Reasons to Love Lavender
Lavender is commonly referred to as the “Swiss Army Knife” of essential oils and it has rightfully earned that title as it can benefit the body in multiple ways.
1) Soothes Allergies
Allergy season underway? Lavender helps soothe symptoms during allergy season thanks to its ability to calm and reduce inflammation. It has been studied to reduce allergic inflammation as well as the enlargement of mucous cells. (3) (4)
2) Alleviates Headaches
Lavender also has been studied to soothe headaches and tension related to stress and anxiety. In one study of 129 headache attacks, 92 responded entirely or partially to lavender. The percentage who responded was significantly higher than the placebo group. (5)
3) Calms the Nervous System
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for calming the nervous system. It has been shown to be effective in alleviating anxiety and inducing a relaxation response. (6). Inhaling lavender and rosemary have also been shown to lower cortisol levels. (7)
4) Encourages Self-care and Positive Stress Relieving Activities.
The most beautiful part of aromatherapy is that it is complementary to other healthy coping strategies. Aromatics like lavender can enhance a bubble bath, massage, meditation or yoga. In her book, “The Blossoming Heart”, Robbi Zeck states,
“Gentle lavender provides a cushion for life’s rainy days, encouraging a level of deep questioning about what you truly need to take genuine care of yourself. Perhaps you are always looking after the needs and requirements of everyone else, to the exclusion of your own emotional care and wellbeing.” (8)
5) Improves Sleep Quality
Essential oils can help enhance sleep quality and support the body to increase time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. Lavender is known for improving sleep quality which can positively impact our ability to react to stressors. In a blinded pilot study conducted in 2021, participants were exposed to lavender essential oil diffused intermittently after they were already asleep. This helped eliminate psychological expectation. All participants reported better sleep quality and more daytime vigor. EEG analysis showed decreased alpha activity (wake stage) and increased delta activity (slow-wave sleep) upon aroma release. These results suggest that the improved sleep quality is directly linked to aroma. (9)
Bedtime Linen Spray with Lavender Hydrosol
Ingredients
- 10 drops Orange essential oil
- 5 drops Black spruce essential oil
- 5 drops Cedarwood essential
- 1.5 ounces Lavender Hydrosol
- 2ml (approximately 40 drops) Solubol as a dispersant
- 2 oz glass spray bottle
Instructions
- Add essential oils to glass spray bottle.
- Add the Solubol.
- Fill rest with Lavender Hydrosol.
- Shake gently to blend ingredients.
- Spray on sheets and pillow prior to bedtime.
Notes
This blend is 1.5% dilution and safe for children.
*Store in cool, dark place and use within 3 months.
6) Alleviates Anxiety
A 2019 study of 126 patients who were undergoing wisdom tooth removal under local anesthesia were randomly assigned to a lavender oil and control group. Those in the active group inhaled lavender essential oil prior to the procedure and were shown to have significant reduction in blood pressure levels, (signifying physiological relaxation) plus reported feeling less anxious. (10) In a large meta-analysis from 2019, qualitative synthesis indicated that 54 randomized clinical trials reported at least a significant result in favor of lavender use for anxiety. The quantitative synthesis showed that lavender inhalation can significantly reduce anxiety levels measured with any validated scale. (11)
7) Freshens and Purifies the Air
Lavender is well known for creating a calm atmosphere with its fresh, floral, herbaceous aroma. Diffuse or create a room spray using lavender for this purpose.
Lavender blends:
Fresh Home: Lavender + Lemon + Rosemary
Aveda Spa: Lavender + Bergamot +Marjoram + Geranium +Frankincense + Orange
Clean Kitchen: Lavender + Lime + Rosemary + Lemon
Ocean Waves: Lavender + Lime + Spearmint
Clean Air: Lavender + Eucalyptus + Tangerine
8) Decreases pain
Lavender essential oil is not only calming to the nervous system but also has anti-inflammatory properties which may be beneficial in soothing pain. A 2015 study showed that topical application of lavender essential oil decreased moderate pain levels of patients receiving insertion of dialysis needles. (12)
9) May help treat minor cuts and scrapes as well as promote wound healing
Due to its antimicrobial properties, lavender may help speed the healing of burns, cuts, scrapes, and wounds. Here are two of my favorite recipes for promoting skin healing.
Owie Blend Spray: Mix together 1 part frankincense hydrosol, 1 part tea tree hydrosol, 2 parts lavender hydrosol in spray bottle. Store in refrigerator and spray on minor cuts and scrapes to promote skin healing.
Get Better Bumps and Bruises: Mix 3 drops copaiba, 2 drops helichrysum, 2 drops tea tree oil and 2 drops lavender with carrier oil in 10ml roller. (Recipe is 3% dilution)
10) Reduces Stress
Due to its sedative chemical constituents, lavender can be helpful in reducing stress and soothing negative emotions.
“By releasing mental energy that has become ‘stuck’ in habitual behavior- especially when it results from a build-up of unexpressed emotion - lavender has been described by herbalist Peter Holmes as both habit-breaker and crisis smoother.” -Gabriel Mojay (13)
11) Boost Hair Growth and Hair Health
Many natural shampoos and hair care products contain lavender essential oil as it has been proven to be very beneficial for supporting healthy hair and scalp. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 86 patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The active group massaged a blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood essential oils in jojoba and grapeseed oil into scalp daily. The control group only used the carrier oils. Follow up was at 3 and 7 months. It was found that 44% of active group participants showed improvement compared to only 15% of the control group, showing that aromatherapy may be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. (14)
12) May Soothe Skin Irritation and Blemishes
Studies have shown that lavender essential oil can inhibit the acute inflammatory response and therefore speed up wound healing. (15) In addition, lavender contains constituents that have antibacterial properties which may be beneficial in reducing blemishes.
13) Soothes Sunburn
Due to its ability to soothe inflammation and promote cell regeneration, lavender essential oil can be helpful in alleviating sunburn.
Aloe Sunburn Relief Spray with Hydrosols
Ingredients:
2 ounces Aloe Vera Gel
1 ounce Lavender Hydrosol
1 ounce Peppermint Hydrosol
Instructions: Add ingredients to 4 oz glass spray bottle, cap and shake gently to mix. Spray on affected areas for relief. *Store in refrigerator and use within 1 month.
Aloe Sunburn Relief Spray with Essential Oils
Ingredients:
5 drops Lavender essential oil
3 drops Peppermint essential oil
2 drops Helichrysum essential oil
2 ml solubol (dispersant)
4 oz aloe vera gel
Instructions: Blend essential oils in a 4 oz glass spray bottle with aloe vera gel. Add the solubol. Cap and gently shake to mix. Spray on affected areas for relief. *Store within refrigerator and use within 1 month.
14) Supporting Women in Labor
In a large study over 8 years with 8058 women in the UK, lavender was used more than any other essential oil for anxiety and pain for women in labor. There was a 50% improvement in anxiety and pain as well as a significant decrease in opioid use for those who in the aromatherapy group. (16)
15) Alleviates Menstrual Cramps
Inhalation of lavender acts quickly to offset sudden, strong emotions and decrease perception of pain. (17) In a study of 200 women who inhaled lavender essential oil for 30 minutes a day, on days 1-3 of their menstrual cycle had a significant decrease in pain compared to the control group. (18) Another study found that aromatherapy massage with lavender was superior to placebo at relieving pain in primary dysmenorrhea. (19)
16) Eases Upset Stomach and Digestion
Lavender can be helpful for soothing upset stomach, ingestion and motion sickness. A popular oil blend is lavender and peppermint diluted and massage on to the abdomen in a clockwise motion.
17) Soothes Sore Muscles
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender essential oil may be helpful in alleviating muscle soreness and pain. Due to this reason, it is a popular choice to be added to massage oils in spas across the world.
18) Helps Clear Mind During Meditation
Due to the impact of aromas on the limbic system, essential oils can be helpful to center, ground and focus the mind as well as reduce negative self-talk. Lavender is a helpful essential oil utilized to clear the mind during meditation.
19) Helps Provide Relief for Eczema, Dermatitis, and Psoriasis
Lavender can relieve itching and soothe redness and irritation. In a 2020 study, lavender essential oil was shown to be helpful for providing relief for psoriasis like skin inflammation. (20)
20) Blends Well with Almost Every Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is incredibly versatile in benefiting multiple systems within the body. It is also incredibly versatile in mixing with other essential oils. Lavender is a middle aroma note and mixes well with almost every other essential oil to create a beautiful blend. In particular, it blends well with bergamot, clary sage, geranium, chamomile, lemon, neroli, orange, pine, rose, most citrus oils, cedarwood, clove, pine, vetiver and patchouli.
Safety: Lavandula angustifolia essential oil is non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic. It is not considered hazardous in pregnancy and does not alter the maternal reproductive outcome. (2) *See also section “Risk of adulteration” in this article.
Note: In the past decade there has been some concern over lavender essential oil potentially causing gynecomastia in children and potentially having an impact on the endocrine system. The past research studies on this have been flawed and disputed. The first epidemiological study was published in June 2022 to determine if there is a risk for children that use essential oils and endocrine disruption, in particular gynecomastia. This study was done with 556 children and showed that there was no additional risk of prepubertal gynecomastia and other endocrine disorders for children who were regularly exposed to lavender or tea tree oils. (23)
Applications and Methods of Use:
Add 5 drops with 1 tablespoon and unscented bath gel then add mixture to 1 cup of Epsom salts for soothing and calming bath.
Use in massage oil to relieve stress induced tension.
Add as a base for home perfumes, room and linen sprays.
Add a drop to the pillow at night to help unwind the mind before bedtime.
Diffuse when feeling stressed or to create a relaxed atmosphere prior to labor.
Add a drop with a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to temples and neck to soothe a headache.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
References:
Lawless, Julia. (2014). The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. London: Haper Thorsons.
Tisserand, Robert (2014) Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier
Ueno-Iio T, Shibakura M, Yokota K, Aoe M, Hyoda T, Shinohata R, Kanehiro A, Tanimoto M, Kataoka M. Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma. Life Sci. 2014 Jul 17;108(2):109-15.
Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304.
Sasannejad P, Saeedi M, Shoeibi A, Gorji A, Abbasi M, Foroughipour M. Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur Neurol. 2012;67(5):288-91.
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Atsumi T, Tonosaki K. Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva. Psychiatry Res. 2007 Feb 28;150(1):89-96.
Zeck, Robbi. The Blossoming Heart: Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation. Australia: Aroma Tours.
Ko LW, Su CH, Yang MH, Liu SY, Su TP. A pilot study on essential oil aroma stimulation for enhancing slow-wave EEG in sleeping brain. Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 13;11(1):1078.
Karan NB. Influence of lavender oil inhalation on vital signs and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial. Physiol Behav. 2019 Nov 1;211:112676.
Donelli D, Antonelli M, Bellinazzi C, Gensini GF, Firenzuoli F. Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine. 2019 Dec;65:153099.
Ghods AA, Abforosh NH, Ghorbani R, Asgari MR. The effect of topical application of lavender essential oil on the intensity of pain caused by the insertion of dialysis needles in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2015 Jun;23(3):325-30.
Mojay, Gabriel. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998 Nov;134(11):1349-52.
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Burns EE, Blamey C, Ersser SJ, Barnetson L, Lloyd AJ. An investigation into the use of aromatherapy in intrapartum midwifery practice. J Altern Complement Med. 2000 Apr;6(2):141-7.
Conrad, Pam. Women’s Health Aromatherapy. (2019) London: Singing Dragon
Nikjou R, Kazemzadeh R, Rostamnegad M, Moshfegi S, Karimollahi M, Salehi H. The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on the Pain Severity of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2016 Jul-Aug;6(4):211-215.
Han SH, Hur MH, Buckle J, Choi J, Lee MS. Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Jul-Aug;12(6):535-41.
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