Lavender Essential Oil: Calming Support for Mind and Body

So many benefits, and it smells so good!

Fun Fact: A French scientist, Rene Gattefosse, was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident!

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most versatile and widely studied essential oils.

Known for its calming fragrance, lavender oil has been used for centuries to ease stress, promote restful sleep, and support overall wellness. Modern research now confirms many of these traditional uses.

Key Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

• Stress and Anxiety Relief Lavender essential oil has well-documented calming properties. Inhaling lavender or using it topically can reduce cortisol levels, ease nervous tension, and support emotional balance [1].

• Improved Sleep Quality Lavender oil is often used as a natural sleep aid. Studies show it can help people fall asleep faster, improve sleep quality, and reduce insomnia symptoms [2].

• Pain and Headache Relief Topical lavender oil has been shown to reduce pain intensity, including menstrual discomfort and migraine headaches [3].

• Skin Health Lavender oil also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for minor skin irritations, burns, and wounds [4].

Everyday Uses for Lavender Oil

• Diffuse at night to promote calm and restful sleep.

• Add a few drops to a warm bath for relaxation.

• Mix with a carrier oil and massage onto the temples for tension headaches.

• Apply (diluted) to minor skin irritations or insect bites to soothe discomfort.

• Use in homemade natural cleaning sprays for a fresh, calming scent.

Safety Notes

Lavender oil is generally considered safe, but it should always be diluted with a carrier oil before topical use. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Children, pregnant women, and those with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult their healthcare provider before use.

The Takeaway

Lavender essential oil is more than just a pleasant fragrance — it’s a natural tool for calming the mind, improving sleep, relieving pain, and supporting skin health. Whether used aromatically, topically, or in daily routines, it can be a valuable part of a holistic wellness plan.

*Young Living has the purest essential oils (most can be ingested, used topically, and used for aromatherapy). To order click here. If you do not already have an account you may use our sponsor # 2037189 to create one for yourself!

*Oils found at chain stores, such as Whole Foods Market, Hy-Vee, etc., are only aromatherapy grade, and should not be used internally.

References

1. Kritsidima M, Newton T, Asimakopoulou K. The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety levels: a cluster randomized-controlled trial. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2010;38(1):83–87. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0528.2009.00511.x

2. Hwang E, Shin S. The effects of aromatherapy on sleep improvement: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2015;21(2):61–68. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0113

3. Sasannejad P, Saeedi M, Shoeibi A, et al. Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur Neurol. 2012;67(5):288–291. https://doi.org/10.1159/000335249

4. Cavanagh HM, Wilkinson JM. Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytother Res. 2002;16(4):301–308. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1103