Everything You Need to Know About Using Lavender Oil
Gaile Juknyte / EyeEmGetty Images
We've talked about coconut oil and rose oil but it's time to start talking about the most versatile oil in the essentials family: Lavender.
Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) was discovered 2,500 years ago and is traditionally used for therapeutic practices because of its benefits to the nervous system. "The ancient ingredient has been known to have calming properties that help with sleep, healing, and anxiety," explains Hanna Naranjo a wellness aesthetician at Haven Spa. But that's not all! "Lavender oil can treat everything from bug bites and minor wounds to insomnia, stress, headaches, and is great for skin." says Naranjo.
Naranjo stresses that it's important to find the right quality oil because of the hundreds of varieties of lavender options on the market. Before purchasing you should check both the label name and price. If the label does not state that the product is essential oil you should avoid it because it won't carry the same benefits of an essential oil. Also, cheaper lavender oils from drugstores are often diluted wth synthetic ingredients.
Below you'll find some of the best lavender oils on the market and a helpful guide on how to incorporate lavender oil into your beauty routine.
Lavender 100% Pure Premium Grade, Certified Organic Essential Oil
Purify purifyskintherapy.com
$10.95
Vitruvi Lavender Essential Oil
Vitruvi Anthropologie anthropologie.com
$18.00
Now Foods Lavender Essential Oil
thrive thrivemarket.com
$18.49
Thrive Market Organic Lavender Essential Oil
thrive thrivemarket.com
$17.89
Lavender oil for your hair...
Naranjo has had a number of clients who use it in their hair to nourish their scalp by mixing it with other products. Rubbing a few drops into your scalp can also help eliminate dandruff.
Lavender oil for your body...
"You can use it as a perfume everyday, massage it into your temples for relaxation or other areas like your shoulders that carry a lot of stress," explains Naranjo. Lavender oil is commonly used in lotions because of it's relaxing properties. Naranjo also recommends using lavender oil during your menstrual cycle as it can work to soothe period cramps.
Lavender oil for your face...
Lavender oil can be used for itchy skin or for acne as it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can also use it on your lips for moisture and hydration.
Lavender oil for your home...
The oil can be used for aromatherapy in any diffuser for calming benefits right before bed. It works to reduce anxiety and nerves to relax the brain so you can rejuvenate while you sleep.
And if DIY is for you, lavender oil can be made at home. Naranjo recommends turning to YouTube for quality videos and checking the comments for recipe tweaks or updates.
Chloe Hall Chloe Hall is an editor, producer, and Instagrammer who covers beauty, fashion, culture and Rihanna at ELLE.com.
