Lavender Essential Oil: 5 Uses

Sharing is caring!

Using Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is a wondrous plant with many uses. We know lavender was used as far back as ancient Egypt. The effects of lavender oil on the human body is stunning. The word lavender comes from the Latin word “lavare” which means to wash. Lavender was and is used in baths to purify the skin and because of the calming effects Lavender has on the mind, they believed it also purified the soul.

Lavender was used as a perfume, as a room freshener, and massaged into the skin to keep the skin smooth, and beautiful. It can be used to heal injuries (cuts, scrapes, and burns) on the skin.

Photo credit: Silviarita

Modern Society

While we may not process or apply lavender the way people did generations ago, we still use it for many of the same issues. Made With Oils has gathered the complete list of lavender benefits and created a uses guide which you can use to learn more about this incredible plant.

The lavender oil is much stronger than the plant because of the essential oil production process. It take 250 pounds of lavender plants to make 1 pound of lavender essential oil. It takes 60 whole roses to make 1 drop of rose oil, and it takes 2,000 pounds of cypress trees to make 1 pound of essential oil.

The oil is easier to use, as you use less of it and it gives the same healing and relaxing results as it’s relative, the flower. Many exclusive cosmetic offer creams and products that are made with lavender oil.

Note: if you are going to make your own skin products using essential oils, be sure you use 100% pure essential oils. Coconut oil or body butter makes a good base. But go slowly when using essential oils, they are more powerful than you may think.

If your products will be applied to the skin, you will need to dilute it with a base.

Photo credit: Hans

5 Must know uses of Lavender Essential Oil for your skin

• Lavender will help clear the skin. It heals break-outs, minimizes scars, and treats an injury. Lavender has a natural antibacterial agent which is not eliminated in the essential oil process. However, Lavender is easily absorbed into the body by way of the thin membranes inside the nose. A little will keep you calm, relaxed, and ready for the day. However, too much Lavender essential oil can make you sleepy. You do not want to be sleepy while driving or working. So, save the stronger mixtures for your bedtime routine, and go lightly in the mornings.

• If you suffer from insomnia, Lavender essential oil is for you. Drop 3-4 drops of pure lavender oil into your palm and rub your hands together. Then gently rub your hands over your pillow. The pillow will continually release the calming scent through the night. People with restless legs report that rubbing their feet and legs with a few drops of Lavender essential oil allows them to sleep calmly.

• Nausea, Motion sickness. Morning sickness. Does the thought of going on a plane or a boat make you panic? Are you expecting a baby? Does the launch of your cubicle mate always smell like tuna? Place one drop of Lavender essential oil on the tip of your tongue to keep away nausea. If a one-time treatment will not get you through the day, place a drop behind each ear. You will gently smell it all day and it will continually keep your nausea under control.

• Lavender is part of the mint family. Adding lavender to peppermint or spearmint tea is not only tasty, it also will knock out a headache and a round of stomach issues.

• Once lavender is a fully grown plant it no longer needs water. Lavender can withstand a drought. Still, if you cut the lavender and allow it to dry, it can be sewn into sashes to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
  • Sprinkle some of the dried flowers onto your carpet for a home that smells delightful.
  • Use old stockings or knee-highs to keep your shoes and boots fresh. Simply put some dried flowers in the toe of the stocking, cut off the other end and tie it, and slip it in your shoes and boots.
  • When you are putting away winter clothes and coats add a sash of lavender to the pockets. When you open the closet or trunks next year, you will be amazed at how great they smell.

Bonus tips

• Use lavender in your shampoo for a more conditioned and shiny look. Read the bottle of shampoo. For every 10 ml of shampoo, add 10 drops of lavender. Shake it well. When you shampoo massage it gently into the scalp. Your hair will look better, you will feel calmer, and if you are experiencing hair loss, lavender will stop it.

• Pour purified water into a sprayer. Add two drops of lavender essential oil for every drop of water. Shake well before each use. Mist your face before you put on your moisturizer. The moisturizer will seal in the hydrated lavender and your skin will look young and healthy for years.

Lavender and many other essential oils have been used for years in beauty treatments. Give it a try and you will never go back.