Lavender Essential Oil has amazing health benefits for the mind, body, and soul. You can use it for first aid uses, in recipes, aromatically, and for emotional and spiritual healing and well-being. There are many websites offering a variety of uses for lavender essential oil and I don’t want to waste your time with yet another endless list of uses. My aim for this article is to give you practical lifestyle uses along with how to use them for each use.
popular uses
The many benefits of using lavender oil include:
• Analgesic
• Anticoagulant
• Anticonvulsant
• Antidepressant
• Antifungal
• Antihistamine
• Anti-infectious
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antimutagenic
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Antitoxic
• Antitumor
• Cardiotonic
• Regenerative
• Sedative
There are minimum requirements of constituents in lavender to provide the best benefits. Insuring you have a high grade of lavender oil is essential when using for medicinal purposes. If an essential oil has chemical additives then the side effects could include nausea, headaches, and skin sensitivity. For a more in depth look at how lavender essential oil works from a scientific stand point, take a look at AromaScience for the many articles from various chemists and medical professionals.
There is no governing agency that gives over sight to the purity claim of essential oils, but some companies will label their bottles with a disclaimer to only use topically or aromatically. You may see the warning “do not ingest” or “not to be taken internally”. That could be because they aren’t 100% pure. If you’re unsure of the safety of an essential oil, call the company and ask if it’s safe for internal use. If not, then use only as directed by the company.
Some companies offer a guarantee that their oils are 100% pure, but if they strongly advise you not to take the oil internally, it’s either a topical only oil or it has other ingredients added that could be harmful if swallowed. According to WebMD, 100% pure lavender oil is safe to ingest for some internal remedial purposes. See their website for further cautions.
It is not recommended to be taken internally if you are pregnant or nursing.
dōTERRA offers their guarantee that their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG). This is their own method of quality control and not subjected to any outside agency’s oversight. However, chemists outside of their company have tested their oils and found them to be safe.
“*CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® is a registered trademark of dōTERRA Holdings, LLC, and represent internal standards of quality assessment and material control. The CPTG testing protocols require the use of independent laboratories for CPTG standardization and quality testing. The CPTG protocol is not administered by government or industry regulatory agencies and does not imply regulatory approval of dōTERRA products.” (source)
You can read their safety instructions here.
Most of these uses for lavender include my own recipes. Some of them can use additional drops according to your own preference. I recommend starting off with fewer drops and you can add more if needed.
Additional items you may want to consider purchasing if you have a desire to incorporate essential oils into your everyday lifestyle:
Empty essential oil bottles (colored)
Droppers for the sizes of bottles you purchase
Small sample size bottles for mixing oils prior to use
Carrier oils (such as fractionated coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil)
Vegetable glycerin
Small containers for creating beauty products
Distilled water
A concern many people have with essential oils is if they will use a lot of them. How quickly will you run out? It all depends on how many uses you plan to incorporate into your lifestyle. I started out using them sparingly due to the prices, until I became a member of dōTERRA. Now I get them at wholesale and I use a variety of essential oils in our everyday lifestyle. There are many uses for the variety of citrus oils they carry so you can opt for the more affordable citrus oils to be used for similar purposes. The same goes for many of the other oils. Naturally, there are some oils with much stronger potency that you’ll want for very specific medicinal purposes to get the best results for your need.
These are just a few lavender essential oil uses for the body:
Oatmeal Lavender Mask: Mix appx ½ C. oatmeal and add 5-8 drops of lavender oil into a bowl and mix well. Place in a small jar with a tight lid. Add a small amount of warm water to 1 Tbsp of the mixture in your hand and it becomes an excellent natural scrub! Apply to face and neck and let dry (about 5 minutes) then place a hot wet wash cloth over your face to moisten (about 1-2 minutes) then gently remove in circular motions.
Shea Butter and Lavender Moisturizer: Mix 3 Tbsp of 100% Shea butter into a microwavable container. Microwave appx 25 seconds at a time, mixing in between until softened (but NOT entirely melted). If it melts you can place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Scoop into a small container and add 2 drops of lavender. Mix well and cover with a lid. Keep UPRIGHT in your bathroom drawer to use as a moisturizer. Warmer climates might melt the mixture, so keep in a cool dark place. A little goes a long way! Dab finger tips into mixture and dot over face then massage into your skin. The warmth from your face and fingertips will melt it down further, giving you full coverage. This small amount has lasted me 2-3 weeks.
Astringent: You can add some lavender oil to witch hazel to use in your cleansing routine.
Why this works: Oatmeal is known for its skin soothing properties and has been commonly used to treat and heal skin conditions caused by chicken pox, eczema, psoriasis, to acne. Lavender is also known for its power to calm irritated skin. Lavender is also anti-inflammatory and has antiseptic properties, making it an ideal choice for acne prone skin. I personally use these remedies to promote healing to my face.
Pampering Babies: Soap can be drying to any baby’s delicate skin so add about five drops of lavender oil to warm bath water. Your precious little one’s skin will be pampered and promote a sense of calm. A real treat for a bedtime routine. You can gently massage lavender essential oil into the bottom of their feet to aid in the sleepy time moment.
Irritated Baby Bums: Proper hygiene is best for baby’s bum, but sometimes the skin gets a tad bit irritated. Mix a few drops of lavender with 4 oz fractionated coconut oil and keep in the diaper bag for a quick soothing ointment. Shake the bottle well and drop a few drops into a cotton pad for application.
Sensitive Breasts: Breastfeeding can make breasts quite tender. Make a warm compress with lavender oil to alleviate tenderness and engorgement. Mix 20 drops lavender oil to 6 C. warm water and mix well. Then saturate washcloths with the mixture, ring out, and apply to breasts. Water can be saved in a cool dark place (covered) and warmed for future use. Do not subject to high temperatures. When using essential oils with water, be sure to mix well for each use. While 100% pure lavender essential oil is safe for ingesting, clean nipples before nursing.
Bug Bites: Apply directly to bites to relieve itching and swelling.
Deodorant: Add lavender oil to your favorite homemade deodorant recipe.
Loss of Appetite: If you experience a loss of appetite due to recovering from being ill or due to stress, add lavender to honey then mix into chamomile tea to promote an appetite.
Cracked Lips: Mix lavender oil with 100 % cocoa butter for a soothing treatment for cracked lips once you’re indoors. *This is not intended to protect the skin from harmful ultra-violet rays. Always use an effective sunblock for your sensitive skin.
Stress Reliever: Anxiety and deadlines can increase blood pressure, cause headaches, and stiffen up muscles. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 C. Epsom salts to a hot bath. Not only will your skin absorb the soothing properties of the Epsom salt and lavender, but the senses in your nose will be trigger by the lavender as well, promoting a deep sense of calm from your daily stress. Lavender has been held in high regard for relieving headaches, including migraines. You can keep a lavender infused cotton ball in a Ziploc bag in your purse to use throughout the day.
Hair Conditioner: After washing your hair, add a couple of drops of lavender to a handful of water and work it into your hair. If you blow dry your hair, use the cool setting to keep the aroma of lavender in your hair for many hours to come. You can keep a colored bottle of distilled water with lavender essential oil in your bathroom cabinet to treat your hair to this pampering and aromatic treatment each time you shower. Shake well before using to make sure the oil is distributed through the water before applying.
Minor Burns, Major Relief: When you’ve slightly overdone it in the sun, a little lavender oil is helpful in preventing peeling skin. Add 5 drops to 1 C. fractionated coconut oil and store in a cool dark place during the summer. It aids in your skin’s healing. Apply after a cool shower. Be sure to BLOT your skin dry to avoid harming the burned skin.
Athlete’s Foot: “COMBINED EFFECT OF HEAT, ESSENTIAL OILS AND SALT ON FUNGICIDAL ACTIVITY AGAINST TRICHOPHYTON MENTAGROPHYTES IN A FOOT BATH.” (source)
Small Scrapes and Minor cuts: Lavender has disinfecting properties. It’s great for the skin, and wonderful for relief from cuts and scrapes. For the smallest of cuts or scrapes, you can dip a toothpick into the bottle to get less than a drop.
Alleviate Earaches. You can warm lavender (slightly, you don’t want to kill the healing properties by over heating) mix with olive oil and gently massage around the ears (not in the ears) and near glands in the neck. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to warm water and dip a wash cloth into it. Ring it out and place over the ear.
Soothe dry skin in low humidity climates: If you suffer from dry, itchy skin add lavender to fractionated coconut oil and apply to skin.
Dry Heels & Foot Fatigue: Wearing sandals all summer can make your heels look like the cracked ground in the desert, add 5-10 drops of lavender oil to a foot bath. This is not intended to remedy very dry and cracked heals. Be sure to visit your local nail spa for an intensive pedicure.
Neck & Shoulder Relief: When you have neck and shoulder tension apply lavender with fractionated coconut oil and gently massage out the knots.
Healing steam for cold and flu season: Next time you have a cold or the flu, remember the soothing power of lavender steam. Add 4-6 drops to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head, and inhale the vapor slowly and deeply.
Splinters: Working with wood chips in your garden can stab you with splinters. Rather than dig a hole in your finger trying to catch that splinter, add a few drops of lavender. The splinter will swell and slip out easier.
Allergies, Sinuses & Congestion: Lavender can calm down inflamed sinus issues, chaotic allergies, and other respiratory problems. Apply a few drops on the back of your neck, chest, and between your eyes. USE CAUTION not to get it in your eyes.
First Aid Kit: Basic First-Aid kits are often geared toward minor skin irritation, scrapes, rashes, etc. Lavender is great for all these issues. I keep a bottle in the kitchen for first-aid uses from minor burns to shallow cuts.
Headaches: Simply breathe in the vapors from your lavender essential oil bottle. Long, slow, and deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth will pump much needed oxygen into your sinuses and brain, giving your head some much needed relief. The lavender oil helps reduce swelling that causes many types of headaches.
Hot Pepper Relief: If you cook with hot peppers of any kind (cayenne, jalapeno, habanero), their juices could run deep into your fingers causing a burning sensation. AVOID getting those hot juices in your eyes. To relieve the burning sensation in your fingers, mix 1 Tbsp of coconut oil with 2 drops of lavender essential oil and rub into your fingers and hands. Lavender essential oil is safe for ingesting so it’s safe to use on the lips too. Sometimes just one bite of salsa could put your mouth on fire. Use this same mixture to treat the burning sensation on your lips. I keep a small jar of this remedy in the kitchen window. Can also be used to rid your hands of the smell of onion and garlic.
Lavender essential oil uses for the Mind:
Uncontrollable Crying: Inhale lavender oil and apply to temples with gentle massage to help calm emotions.
Grieving: Diffuse into the air to aid in balancing intense emotions of grieving.
Emotional Healing: Diffuse lavender to aid in emotional healing, especially during counseling sessions. It can help alleviate the stress of processing through difficult memories.
Tone Down Anger: Gently massage temples with lavender to promote a sense of peace. I recommend turning on soothing music or singing a calming song to aid in the calming effect of lavender.
Agitation due to Dementia: Diffuse lavender to help calm loved ones experiencing dementia.
Affirming Children: Using essential oils for affirming children can be done with a variety of oils from different plants. You can use lavender to instill in them the instinct for calming the mood. You can read a detailed article for affirming children here.
**Essential oils can be truly powerful for a variety of uses, but when using them for emotional healing and mental wellness, be sure to read how to properly use essential oils.
Lavender Essential Oil uses to be used in your cooking:
Sweet Treats: Adding lavender essential oil to treats such as sugar cookie frosting or cupcake frosting can be a surprising flavor. Add some finely chopped lemon or orange zest for an added zing.
Sleepy Tea: Add 1-2 drops of lavender oil to 2 Tbsp honey for your bedtime tea to promote relaxation.
Maple Syrup: Spike your maple syrup with a bit of lavender for a delightful topping to your homemade pancakes.
Lavender Essential Oil uses for Housekeeping:
Freshen Up Stale Closets: Place 5 drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and place in a sachet to hang in the closet. Make several for larger closets.
Creepy Crawlies: Moths, fleas, and mosquitoes aren’t fond of lavender. Mix some distilled water and a few drops of lavender oil in a colored bottle with an atomizer. Spritz your clothing, mattress, and skin for adding bug prevention.
Car Wipes: Place a few heavy duty paper towels in a Ziploc bag and add a small amount of water and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Keep in the glove box of your car and use for a quick pick-me-up before guests enter. This aroma can create a sense of calm when facing rush hour traffic and help minimize road rage.
Sleepy Time Sensation: Lavender water spritzed on their pillows works like magic. It will help ease their mind, calm them down, making bedtime a memorable experience.
Air freshener: Next time you are deodorizing a room, think of lavender and water in a spray bottle. Lavender’s antibacterial, antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic properties can help clear the air of stale smells and bring balance to your mood.
In the Dryer: Many will say to toss a cloth infused with lavender oil when you start the dryer, but I recommend you wait until the cool down cycle to do so. The high heat can eliminate the aromatic properties of the oil. If you want to add lavender to your dry cycle, do so at the end during the cool down.
Mute down your vinegar: If you clean with vinegar, but can’t stand the smell while using it, lavender can help mute the strength of vinegar’s smell. The amount to be used will depend on how much vinegar you’re using and how much you want its smell muted.
Liquid hand soap: If your liquid soap lacks fragrance, you can add lavender for additional aromatherapy benefits and antibacterial properties. It helps encourage kids to wash their hands too!
Lavender Linens: Add a few drops of lavender oil to an old clean hanky and keep in the linen drawer/closet to keep the sheets smelling fresh for their next use.
Upcycle Wax Melts: Left over wax from unscented candles can be melted down and poured into rubber ice cube trays to create aromatic wax melts. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to each cube. You can double the use of these by placing them in a small Ziploc bag with a few holes (punch holes with toothpicks) and use in the drawer where you keep your under garments. Why store them in the hutch when they could be used in the bedroom in the meantime?
Wood Floors: add a few drops of lavender oil to a swiffer pad for a quick addition of fragrance when you’re cleaning.
Wood Banisters: Using olive oil or mineral oil infused with lavender essential oil is a great way to condition and clean wood banisters. Lavender oil can help clean germs left by hands and make that wood banister shine (You can also use any citrus essential oil).
As Softener: Add ¼ C. vinegar and 5 drops of lavender oil into the softener cup (or in your softener ball).
Dusting: Dust is best picked up with moisture. Create a mix of 1 C. distilled water 20 drops of lavender oil and place in a colored glass bottle with an atomizer. Lightly spritz your soft cloth then wipe up the dust.
Deodorize Your Mattress: Add 10 drops of lavender oil to 2 C. baking soda and mix well (or use a sifter). Sprinkle the mattress with this mixture and let sit for an hour then vacuum. You can use this with your pillows as well. Remove pillow cases and place pillow in garbage bag with the mix. Twist the top of the bag closed and blow in some air to give it a balloon effect. Then shake vigorously. Remove the pillows (shaking off the mixture) and place in the dryer on the COOL setting.
Diaper Pail (Diaper Geenie): Put baking soda and a 5 drops of lavender oil in a small Mason jar and mix well. Punch holes in the lid. Place in the bottom of the pail under the bag.
Pet Odor Eater: Add the baking soda and lavender mixture to carpets and vacuum up.
Washing Machine and Dryer: These machines are often neglected, but using lavender and vinegar can help them sparkle. Make a mixture of 1 C. vinegar and 20 drops of lavender and place in a colored bottle with an atomizer. At the end of each laundry day, spray down the machines and wipe clean.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Buying essential oils at retail cost can be tricky for a limited budget. With dōTERRA, you can become a preferred member for $10 and enjoy a 20% discount on all your purchases.
For an additional financial benefit you can enroll for $35 to get your essential oils at wholesale, that’s 25% off the retail price. Even better is ordering your products before the 15 of each month, using the Loyalty Rewards Program (LRP), and inviting others to join. When you become a full participant in the company you can earn commissions and get free products.
Whatever your lifestyle goals are in using essential oils, there are a variety of ways to obtain the powerful healing benefits of essential oils on a limited budget.
You can contact me for further questions on Twitter @OrganicHSL or on Facebook. I’d be glad to go over your lifestyle goals and help you wisely select the option that fits your needs. Be sure to subscribe to get more updates about creating a holistic home where healing can happen.
*Disclaimer: As an Independent Product Consultant I provide my personal opinion and experiences with essential oils, and am not endorsed by dōTERRA Corporate. None of what I testify of has been evaluated by the FDA, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am not a registered medical professional and I encourage you to discuss your health concerns with your own doctor. I simply share resources and tools to raise consumer awareness.
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