Essential Oil Guide – Lavender
If you’re new to the world of essential oils, you may be curious about what they are, how to use them and the many benefits associated with them. Lavender essential oil is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something with relaxing properties, it’s been said to have many versatile health benefits and is used in everything from aromatherapy massages to treating skin conditions.
Known for its soothing aroma and multifaceted properties, lavender oil is a staple in many households and wellness routines. Extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant, lavender essential oil is acclaimed for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, which we will explore in more detail below. It is commonly used in organic skincare products including oils, balms, bath salts and more!
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about lavender essential oil including how lavender essential oil is made, lavender essential oil uses and lavender essential oil benefits. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about lavender essential oil and tips for choosing the best quality lavender essential oil products.
What is lavender?
Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is a colourful flowering plant that is part of the mint family. The lavender plant grows about 3 feet high and has silvery green leaves with a light purple flower, of which the colour lavender is named after.
The first record of lavender can be traced back to more than 2,500 years ago. The ancient Egyptians used lavender in the mummification process, as well as for its fragrant scent in perfumes. Traces of lavender were even found in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. The ancient Romans also used lavender for its soothing fragrance in washing and bathing.
Lavender’s name comes from the Latin word for washing, lavare. In ancient times, people used lavender to wash and perfume clothes, especially in Mediterranean climates where the plant was widely available. It was sometimes even used in garment drawers for a base fragrance for perfume. European doctors also used lavender for medicinal purposes, to clean and heal wounds and burns.
What is lavender essential oil?
Pure lavender essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers of the lavender plant. The oil is known for its calming and soothing properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy and organic skincare products, and its pleasant floral scent makes it a popular ingredient in candles, soaps, diffuser oils and other household products.
How is lavender essential oil made?
There are many different ways to extract essential oil from plants, but steam distillation is the most common way to extract lavender essential oil.
Once the lavender flowers have been harvested, they are packed into a large stainless steel vat. The vat is heated so that the lavender oil is gradually separated from the flowers into the steam that is created.
The hot steam mixture is then cooled to release the oil. The oil is separated from the condensed water in a special container, which then takes several months for the oil to cure.
Benefits of lavender essential oil?
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to reduce symptoms and provide support for multiple conditions. Thanks to its wide range of benefits, lavender oil is one of the most popular and studied essential oils in the world. Some of these include relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality, and aiding in wound healing, among others.
Lavender essential oil for sleep and relaxation
Once upon a time, lavender was recommended for people experiencing insomnia or other sleep disorders. People stuffed their pillows with lavender flowers to help them fall asleep and get a better night’s rest. Today, research suggests that breathing in lavender’s aroma could improve sleep quality.
A diffuser or pillow spray is a handy tool for enveloping your bedroom in the relaxing scent of lavender overnight.
Lavender essential oil for stress and anxiety
More recently, lavender is increasingly being used to manage symptoms of anxiety. This is because lavender is renowned for its ability to create a relaxing atmosphere. It is also thought that lavender may have several beneficial effects that help ease anxiety including improved mood, lower heart rate, lower adrenaline levels and regulate breathing.
The majority of research on lavender for anxiety symptoms suggests that oral administration of lavender oil in capsules and aromatherapy are the most effective methods to reduce symptoms.
Essential Oil Guide – Lavender
If you’re new to the world of essential oils, you may be curious about what they are, how to use them and the many benefits associated with them. Lavender essential oil is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something with relaxing properties, it’s been said to have many versatile health benefits and is used in everything from aromatherapy massages to treating skin conditions.
Known for its soothing aroma and multifaceted properties, lavender oil is a staple in many households and wellness routines. Extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant, lavender essential oil is acclaimed for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, which we will explore in more detail below. It is commonly used in organic skincare products including oils, balms, bath salts and more!
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about lavender essential oil including how lavender essential oil is made, lavender essential oil uses and lavender essential oil benefits. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about lavender essential oil and tips for choosing the best quality lavender essential oil products.
What is lavender?
Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is a colourful flowering plant that is part of the mint family. The lavender plant grows about 3 feet high and has silvery green leaves with a light purple flower, of which the colour lavender is named after.
The first record of lavender can be traced back to more than 2,500 years ago. The ancient Egyptians used lavender in the mummification process, as well as for its fragrant scent in perfumes. Traces of lavender were even found in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. The ancient Romans also used lavender for its soothing fragrance in washing and bathing.
Lavender’s name comes from the Latin word for washing, lavare. In ancient times, people used lavender to wash and perfume clothes, especially in Mediterranean climates where the plant was widely available. It was sometimes even used in garment drawers for a base fragrance for perfume. European doctors also used lavender for medicinal purposes, to clean and heal wounds and burns.
What is lavender essential oil?
Pure lavender essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers of the lavender plant. The oil is known for its calming and soothing properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy and organic skincare products, and its pleasant floral scent makes it a popular ingredient in candles, soaps, diffuser oils and other household products.
How is lavender essential oil made?
There are many different ways to extract essential oil from plants, but steam distillation is the most common way to extract lavender essential oil.
Once the lavender flowers have been harvested, they are packed into a large stainless steel vat. The vat is heated so that the lavender oil is gradually separated from the flowers into the steam that is created.
The hot steam mixture is then cooled to release the oil. The oil is separated from the condensed water in a special container, which then takes several months for the oil to cure.
Benefits of lavender essential oil?
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to reduce symptoms and provide support for multiple conditions. Thanks to its wide range of benefits, lavender oil is one of the most popular and studied essential oils in the world. Some of these include relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality, and aiding in wound healing, among others.
Lavender essential oil for sleep and relaxation
Once upon a time, lavender was recommended for people experiencing insomnia or other sleep disorders. People stuffed their pillows with lavender flowers to help them fall asleep and get a better night’s rest. Today, research suggests that breathing in lavender’s aroma could improve sleep quality.
A diffuser or pillow spray is a handy tool for enveloping your bedroom in the relaxing scent of lavender overnight.
Lavender essential oil for stress and anxiety
More recently, lavender is increasingly being used to manage symptoms of anxiety. This is because lavender is renowned for its ability to create a relaxing atmosphere. It is also thought that lavender may have several beneficial effects that help ease anxiety including improved mood, lower heart rate, lower adrenaline levels and regulate breathing.
The majority of research on lavender for anxiety symptoms suggests that oral administration of lavender oil in capsules and aromatherapy are the most effective methods to reduce symptoms.
Benefits of lavender essential oil?
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to reduce symptoms and provide support for multiple conditions. Thanks to its wide range of benefits, lavender oil is one of the most popular and studied essential oils in the world. Some of these include relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality, and aiding in wound healing, among others.
Lavender essential oil for sleep and relaxation
Once upon a time, lavender was recommended for people experiencing insomnia or other sleep disorders. People stuffed their pillows with lavender flowers to help them fall asleep and get a better night’s rest. Today, research suggests that breathing in lavender’s aroma could improve sleep quality.
A diffuser or pillow spray is a handy tool for enveloping your bedroom in the relaxing scent of lavender overnight.
Lavender essential oil for stress and anxiety
More recently, lavender is increasingly being used to manage symptoms of anxiety. This is because lavender is renowned for its ability to create a relaxing atmosphere. It is also thought that lavender may have several beneficial effects that help ease anxiety including improved mood, lower heart rate, lower adrenaline levels and regulate breathing.
The majority of research on lavender for anxiety symptoms suggests that oral administration of lavender oil in capsules and aromatherapy are the most effective methods to reduce symptoms.
How to use lavender essential oil
Diffuser
Aromatherapy diffusers disperse essential oils into the air, and as they don’t use heat, they don’t destroy any part of the oil. Not only do the aromas in the air help deodorise the room, but they also promote better sleep and ease symptoms of anxiety through inhalation, particularly helping to relax and calm.
Bath
Essential oils can be a great addition to a bath, helping to calm, soothe and relax. Add a few drops of essential lavender oil to a bath and soak away to enjoy its benefits. Additionally, calming lavender bath salts are a great way to enjoy this versatile oil, releasing the comforting aroma of lavender that helps to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
On the body
When topically applied through massage, lavender oil is rapidly absorbed into the skin, resulting in a relaxing effect. Generally speaking, lavender is safe to use directly on your skin, however, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should consult with your doctor. Lavender essential oil is also used as an ingredient in organic skincare products including our organic baby oil, organic baby balm, organic hair and body spray, organic dad oil and organic mum balm that are perfect for the whole family.
Lavender essential oil FAQs
Can lavender essential oil be used during pregnancy?
Of all the essential oils, lavender is one of the most well-researched and promoted options that is also widely available for pregnant women to use. Undiluted essential oils, however, are highly toxic and should not be swallowed during pregnancy or at any other time.
Can lavender essential oil be used on children?
Essential oils are extremely potent and must be diluted with a carrier oil or cream when used on the skin. This is especially important for infants and young children because they have more sensitive skin than adults. At Nature’s Divine, our organic baby skin products contain micro amounts of essential oils making them gentle and perfect for baby skin.
Is lavender essential oil pet safe?
While some essential oils are considered “safer” than others for pets, you should still always use them sparingly. Lavender essential oil is considered pet-safe when used correctly. If you would like to use essential oils in your home, be sure to keep all essential oils, whether considered toxic for dogs or not, well out of reach of curious paws.
Nature’s Divine have lovingly created organic skincare products using only the finest natural ingredients. Thorough analysis has been conducted throughout the supply-chain to ensure that, not only are our ingredients organic, animal cruelty-free and vegan but also soft and beneficial for sensitive skin from baby skin through to adult skin.
Our formulas are designed to be mild and nurturing, making them perfect for the tender skin of a newborn, while providing a restorative experience for the whole family. Explore our full range of organic skincare products today.
