Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use and trust. Thank you for supporting my content so that I can continue to provide you with wellness strategies for your mind and body.
Life is filled with many challenges. The constant demands can leave us feelings anxious, stressed, and tense. Finding moments of peace amidst all life throws at us can feel elusive. When I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed, my first go-to is lavender essential oil. Known for its remarkable calming properties, lavender oil has become an essential part of my self-care routine. In addition to all of its benefits, which I will discuss, it is also my favorite smelling essential oil.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties. Lavender essential oil, which is derived from the flowers of the lavender plant, has multiple benefits including:
- Promoting relaxation and stress relief: Research supports lavender’s ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation (Ghavami, et. al., 2022). There is also growing support from the literature that lavender oil may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of anxiety (Malcolm, B.J., 2017).
- Improving sleep quality: A review of research in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that lavender oil can improve sleep quality (Koulivand et al., 2013). This may be due in part to lavender’s scent promoting feelings of calm, which may aid in the ability to fall asleep.
- Reduces pain: Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties (Healthline, 2024). Several studies have looked at its ability to treat pain (Koulivand et al., 2013). I have personally used lavender to treat a variety of different types of pain and found it helpful.
- Skin care benefits: Lavender has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It can be used to soothe minor burns, insect bites, and skin irritations (Healthline, 2024). One study found that lavender essential oil promotes wound healing (Mori, H.M., et al., 2016). With its ability to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, lavender oil may help to prevent and heal acne breakouts (Healthline, 2024).
Navigating the World of Lavender Oils: Quality Matters
My journey with essential oils has taught me an important lesson: not all oils are created equal. Some of the lavender oils I’ve tried were so unpleasant that I had to throw them out. Then a friend introduced me to Vibrant Blue Oils. Their lavender oil has become my favorite. What sets it apart is its pure, floral aroma. The quality is noticeably higher and the scent is deeper and more authentic. Their oils are from wild crafted, organic plants grown in their indigenous locations. They are sourced through small farmers and do not contain any synthetic chemicals.
Application Techniques: Maximizing Lavender’s Calming Effects
When using lavender essential oil, I prefer topical application to pulse points. These areas, where blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface, allow for rapid absorption of the oil’s therapeutic compounds. Effective pulse points include:
- Wrists: A classic application point for easy access.
- Temples: Applying a small amount to the temples can help reduce tension.
- Behind the Ears: This area is particularly effective for promoting relaxation.
- Back of the Neck: Applying lavender to the back of the neck can ease muscle tension and stress.
- Chest: Applying to the upper chest can help with feelings associated with worry.
- Bottoms of feet: Applying to the bottoms of your feet is an effective way to enter the bloodstream.
I used to diffuse lavender oil, which is a popular practice you will see. However, I’ve since learned that diffusing essential oils can be harmful to cats. To ensure the safety of my two beloved tuxedo cats, I’ve discontinued diffusing. Instead, I’ve discovered alternative methods for enjoying lavender’s aroma:
- Cotton Ball Method: Placing a few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and leaving it in a room provides a gentle, consistent scent.
- Lava Rock Bracelets: These bracelets, with their porous lava beads, absorb and slowly release the oil’s aroma, which means you can bring the calming scent with you.
- Direct Inhalation: Simply inhaling the scent directly from the bottle can offer immediate relief during moments of stress.
Integrating Lavender with Other Stress-Reduction Techniques
Lavender essential oil complements a variety of stress-management practices. I often apply it before meditation sessions, enhancing the calming effects and promoting a deeper sense of relaxation. Combining lavender with deep breathing exercises, yoga, or journaling can further increase its benefits.
Important Note and Further Information
Prior to incorporating any essential oil into your wellness routine, remember that safety is paramount. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to minimize the risk of skin irritation. A patch test on a small area of skin is also highly recommended before widespread use, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions, consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils.
If you would like to learn more about how essential oils like lavender can improve your mental and physical health as well as more scientific evidence to support their use, then I would recommend you read Essential oils to boost the brain and heal the body: 5 steps to calm anxiety, sleep better, and reduce inflammation to regain control of your health (Cohen, J., 2021). For a free chapter of the book, click here.
I hope this discussion on lavender essential oil has been helpful. I encourage you to experiment with different application methods and find what works best for you.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article as well as products or services listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information in this article is intended purely as personal recommendations and is not to be interpreted as an attempt to prescribe or practice medicine.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, November 25). 6 lavender benefits and how to use it. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-benefits-of-lavender
Cohen, J. & Wahls, T. (2021). Essential oils to boost the brain and heal the body: 5 steps to calm anxiety, sleep better, and reduce inflammation to regain control of your health. Ten Speed Press.
Ghavami. T., Kazemina, M., & Rajati, F. (2022). The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 68 (102832). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229922000346
Healthline. (2024, September 27). How lavender oil may improve the health of your skin. https://www.healthline.com/health/lavender-oil-for-skin
Koulivand P.H., Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence Based Complement Alternat Med, 681304. https://doi: 10.1155/2013/681304.
Malcolm, B.J., Tallian, K. Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time? Mental Health Clinician. 2017; 7(4): 147-55. DOI: 10/9740/mhc.2017.07.147. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6007527/pdf/i2168-9709-7-4-147.pdf
Mori, H.M., Kawanami, H., Kawahata, H. et al.. (2016, May 26). Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model. BMC Complement Altern Med, 16, 144 (2016). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4880962/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2025, February). Lavender. Retrieved March 19, 2025 from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender
Vibrant Blue Oils. (n.d.). About vibrant blue oils. Retrieved March 23, 2025 from: https://vibrantblueoils.com/about-vbo/
