Table of Contents
Introduction
Lavender essential oils are some of the most popular and beneficial oils in aromatherapy and natural health. Known for their calming effects, therapeutic benefits, and versatility, lavender oils have been used for centuries to reduce stress, improve sleep, and treat various skin conditions. With so many brands offering lavender essential oils, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this guide, we review the 5 best lavender essential oils, covering everything from their origins to how they can benefit your health and enhance your well-being.
Introduction to Lavender Essential Oils
Lavender essential oils, extracted from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia, are prized for their powerful therapeutic properties and delightful scent. For centuries, lavender has been an integral part of ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, who used it for medicinal, aromatic, and ceremonial purposes. Today, lavender essential oils remains one of the most widely used oils in aromatherapy and skincare.
Lavender’s calming properties are perhaps its most well-known benefit, making it a go-to for stress relief and relaxation. Additionally, lavender essential oils are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties, making them a valuable tool for treating various skin conditions and soothing minor injuries.
The modern-day uses of lavender essential oils are vast, ranging from promoting emotional balance to alleviating headaches and improving sleep. Lavender oil is also effective in pain management and skincare applications, providing a natural solution for a wide range of health concerns.
Top 7 Benefits of Lavender Essential Oils
Lavender essential oil is one of the most versatile and beneficial oils in aromatherapy. Here are the top 7 benefits that make lavender essential oils a must-have in any wellness routine:
1 Stress Relief and Relaxation
Lavender essential oil is renowned for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. The soothing aroma of lavender can help create a sense of peace and calm when diffused or inhaled. Studies have shown that lavender essential oils can lower cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone), making it highly effective for stress management. Simply inhaling lavender oil or adding it to a diffuser can instantly create a relaxing environment.
How to Use for Stress Relief: Diffuse lavender oil in your living room, office, or bedroom. Alternatively, apply a few drops to a handkerchief and inhale deeply during stressful moments.
2 Enhanced Sleep Quality
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular natural sleep aids available. Its calming scent helps ease the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and achieve deep, restful sleep. Research suggests that lavender oil can reduce symptoms of insomnia and improve sleep quality by enhancing slow-wave sleep, the deepest stage of non-REM sleep.
How to Use for Sleep: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser in your bedroom before bed. Alternatively, apply diluted lavender oil to your pillow or bed linens for a gentle, soothing aroma as you drift off to sleep.
3 Skin Healing and Antimicrobial Properties
Lavender essential oil’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for treating skin issues like acne, eczema, sunburn, and minor wounds. Lavender oil can also help reduce redness, soothe itching, and promote healing by stimulating skin regeneration.
How to Use for Skin: Dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or jojoba oil) and apply it to affected areas to soothe irritation, calm redness, and accelerate healing.
4 Headache and Migraine Relief
Lavender essential oils is highly effective in treating headaches and migraines. Its natural analgesic properties help relieve pain, while its calming effects reduce the tension and stress that often accompany headaches. Lavender essential oils can also help relax the muscles in the neck and temples, which is especially helpful for tension headaches.
How to Use for Headaches: Dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil and massage it onto the temples, forehead, or back of the neck. Alternatively, inhaling lavender oil directly from the bottle or a diffuser can provide quick relief.
5 Pain Relief for Muscles and Joints
Lavender essential oils can be used to relieve muscle pain, joint stiffness, and inflammation. Whether it’s post-workout soreness or chronic joint discomfort, lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
How to Use for Pain Relief: Mix lavender oil with a carrier oil and massage it onto sore muscles or joints. For added relief, use lavender oil in a warm bath to soothe muscles and relax tension.
6 Emotional Balance and Mood Enhancement
Lavender essential oils has been shown to promote mental clarity and emotional stability. It is particularly useful in helping manage depression, anxiety, and emotional imbalances. Lavender’s ability to improve mood is supported by scientific research, which suggests that its aroma can stimulate the brain’s limbic system, the area responsible for regulating emotions.
How to Use for Emotional Balance: Use lavender oil in a diffuser throughout the day to help maintain a calm, stable mood. Alternatively, apply a few drops to your wrists or neck for a personal scent that can provide emotional support.
7 Insect Repellent and Bite Relief
Lavender essential oil is a natural insect repellent and can be used to ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective at reducing itchiness and swelling from insect bites and stings.
How to Use for Insect Bites: Apply diluted lavender essential oils to bug bites to reduce itching and promote healing. To repel insects, use lavender oil in a spray bottle with water and spritz on your skin or around your living space.
How to Choose Quality Lavender Essential Oils
Choosing the right lavender essential oils is crucial to ensure that you receive all its therapeutic benefits. Here’s what to consider when selecting a high-quality oil:
1 Purity
Always choose 100% pure lavender essential oil. Many brands dilute their oils with synthetic additives or fillers, which can reduce their potency and efficacy. Look for oils labeled as “100% pure essential oil” with no added chemicals or fragrances.
2 Sourcing
The region where lavender is grown can significantly impact its quality. France and Bulgaria are known for producing the best lavender oils due to their ideal growing conditions. Oils sourced from these regions tend to have a richer scent and more potent therapeutic properties.
3 Extraction Method
The extraction method used to obtain lavender essential oil is important. Steam distillation is the most common and preferred method because it preserves the plant’s natural compounds and essential properties. Avoid oils that use chemical solvents, as these can introduce unwanted impurities into the oil.
4 Certifications and Testing
Look for oils that are certified organic by reputable organizations like USDA Organic or ECOCERT. These certifications ensure the oil is free from pesticides and harmful chemicals. Third-party testing is also essential, as it guarantees the oil’s purity and quality by verifying that the product is free from contaminants and adulterants.
Top 5 Lavender Essential Oils Brands: In-Depth Reviews
With so many options on the market, it’s essential to know which brands offer the highest quality lavender essential oils. Here’s a closer look at the top 5 brands for lavender essential oil, based on purity, sourcing, and customer satisfaction.
1 doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil
doTERRA is known for its high standards and commitment to purity, as evidenced by their Certified Pure Tested Grade® (CPTG) certification. Their lavender essential oil is sourced from France, where the plants are grown in optimal conditions. Each batch is tested to ensure purity and potency, making doTERRA a top choice for those seeking high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils.
- Price: $60 for 15ml
- Pros: High purity, sustainable sourcing, rigorous testing, effective for aromatherapy
- Cons: Premium price
Customer Review: “I’ve tried many lavender oils, but doTERRA’s stands out for its potency and lasting aroma. It works wonders for my stress relief and sleep.”
2 Young Living Lavender Essential Oil
A pioneer in the essential oil industry, Young Living offers top-quality lavender essential oil through their Seed to Seal® process, which ensures the oil’s purity from planting to bottling. Their lavender oil is sourced from France and Bulgaria and undergoes stringent in-house and third-party testing. It’s widely regarded as one of the best oils for relaxation and sleep improvement.
- Price: $45 for 15ml
- Pros: High purity, strong therapeutic benefits, great for sleep and stress relief
- Cons: Higher price point
Customer Review: “I have been using Young Living lavender oil for years, and it never disappoints. It has a calming scent that helps me relax after a long day, and I’ve noticed a big improvement in my sleep.”
3 Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
Plant Therapy is an excellent choice for those looking for affordable yet high-quality lavender essential oil. Their oils are sourced from France and undergo third-party testing to ensure purity and potency. Despite being more affordable than some premium brands, Plant Therapy offers 100% pure lavender essential oil that is effective for aromatherapy, skincare, and relaxation.
- Price: $25 for 15ml
- Pros: Affordable, transparent testing, cruelty-free, versatile for various uses
- Cons: Less potent aroma compared to premium brands
Customer Review: “I love Plant Therapy lavender oil because it’s affordable and still great quality. I use it in my diffuser at night, and it helps me fall asleep quickly and stay asleep.”
4 Edens Garden Lavender Essential Oil
Edens Garden is known for its commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced essential oils. Their lavender essential oil is sourced from Bulgaria and undergoes GC/MS testing to ensure each batch is free from additives and fillers. Edens Garden offers a well-balanced oil that is both affordable and effective for relaxation, skincare, and pain relief.
- Price: $30 for 15ml
- Pros: Sustainably sourced, excellent quality, transparent testing, mid-range price
- Cons: Scent strength may vary between batches
Customer Review: “Edens Garden lavender oil has been a staple in my home for years. It’s affordable, and I trust that it’s pure and safe for my family. The scent is relaxing, and it’s great for my DIY skincare products.”
5 Now Foods Lavender Essential Oil
For those new to essential oils or on a tight budget, Now Foods offers a quality lavender essential oil at a much lower price point. While it may not have the same potency as premium brands, Now Foods lavender oil is still 100% pure and works well for aromatherapy, DIY projects, and skincare. It’s an excellent option for beginners or those looking for an affordable lavender oil.
- Price: $15 for 15ml
- Pros: Budget-friendly, decent quality for beginners, great for DIY recipes
- Cons: Scent may be milder and less long-lasting compared to higher-end brands
Customer Review: “Now Foods lavender oil is my go-to for making homemade bath bombs and candles. It’s affordable, and the scent is pleasant, though it’s not as strong as some other brands I’ve tried.”
How to Use Lavender Essential Oils Safely
While lavender essential oils offers many therapeutic benefits, it’s important to use it safely to avoid potential irritation or side effects. Here are the key ways to use lavender essential oil effectively:
1 Diffusion
Lavender essential oil is commonly diffused to create a calming atmosphere and promote relaxation. To diffuse lavender oil safely:
- Add 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil to your diffuser filled with water.
- Diffuse for 15-30 minutes at a time to avoid overexposure and prevent potential sensitization.
- Ensure the room is well-ventilated, especially if others are present, to avoid overwhelming anyone with the scent.
Pro Tip: Try combining lavender oil with other calming oils, like chamomile or bergamot, for a more complex and relaxing blend.
2 Topical Application
Lavender essential oil can be applied topically to address skin conditions, pain, or inflammation. However, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. Here’s how to apply it safely:
- Mix 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil).
- Perform a patch test by applying a small amount of diluted oil to the inside of your forearm. Wait 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivity.
- If no reaction occurs, you can apply the diluted oil to the affected area (e.g., on cuts, burns, or sore muscles).
3 Ingestion
Ingesting lavender essential oil is generally not recommended unless the oil is specifically labeled as food-grade and you have consulted with a healthcare professional. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and improper use can lead to side effects like digestive issues or toxicity.
If you do plan to ingest lavender oil:
- Only use food-grade lavender essential oil.
- Limit ingestion to 1 drop, diluted in a larger quantity of water, honey, or another carrier.
- Always consult a healthcare provider before internal use.
DIY Lavender Essential Oils Recipes
Lavender essential oil is incredibly versatile and can be used in various DIY projects to enhance your health, beauty, and home. Here are some of the best DIY recipes using lavender essential oil:
1 Lavender Bath Salts
Indulge in a relaxing and therapeutic bath with these easy-to-make lavender bath salts. Lavender helps soothe muscles, relieve stress, and soften skin.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom salts
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
- Optional: Dried lavender flowers
- Instructions:
- Mix the Epsom salts, sea salt, and dried lavender flowers (if using) in a large bowl.
- Add lavender essential oil and stir until evenly distributed.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container.
- Add 1/4 cup of bath salts to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes to relieve stress and tension.
2 Lavender Room Spray
Freshen up your home or bedroom with this simple lavender room spray. It’s perfect for promoting relaxation and creating a calm environment.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel
- 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
- Use as a room or linen spray to create a soothing atmosphere.
3 Lavender-Infused Body Lotion
Create a nourishing lavender-infused lotion that moisturizes your skin and provides a calming scent.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- Instructions:
- Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Stir in the lavender essential oil.
- Pour into a jar and let it solidify. Use daily to moisturize and soothe the skin.
4 Lavender Massage Oil
Lavender essential oil makes for a wonderful massage oil that can help reduce muscle pain and relieve stress.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- Instructions:
- Mix the sweet almond oil and lavender essential oil in a small bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Massage into sore muscles for relaxation and pain relief.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Knowing what others have experienced with a product can be incredibly helpful when making a decision. Here’s what customers have to say about some of the top lavender essential oils brands:
doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil
Customer Review: “doTERRA lavender oil is the best I’ve ever used. The scent is strong, and just a few drops in my diffuser makes the entire room smell amazing. It helps me relax at night and has improved my sleep tremendously.”
Young Living Lavender Essential Oil
Customer Review: “Young Living’s lavender oil is perfect for helping me unwind after a long day. I use it every night in my diffuser and also apply it topically to my wrists for stress relief. The quality is unbeatable.”
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
Customer Review: “I was hesitant to try a more affordable lavender oil, but Plant Therapy’s lavender oil exceeded my expectations. It’s affordable and works just as well as more expensive brands for helping me relax and sleep better.”
Edens Garden Lavender Essential Oil
Customer Review: “I love Edens Garden lavender oil for its purity and strong scent. It’s great for making my DIY skincare products, and I also use it in my diffuser to help me relax after a stressful day.”
Now Foods Lavender Essential Oil
Customer Review: “This oil is great for beginners like me. It’s affordable and smells wonderful, though the scent doesn’t last as long as some other brands. Still, it’s great for DIY projects and aromatherapy.”
Safety Tips and Precautions for Lavender Essential Oils
While lavender essential oil is generally considered safe, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to avoid any potential side effects or adverse reactions.
1 Patch Test for Allergies
Always perform a patch test before applying lavender essential oil topically to check for allergies or skin sensitivity. Apply diluted oil to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to ensure no reaction occurs. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
2 Proper Dilution
Lavender essential oil is highly concentrated and should always be diluted before applying it to the skin. Use a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil to dilute lavender essential oil. A safe dilution ratio is typically 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil for adults. For children, elderly individuals, or those with sensitive skin, reduce the amount of essential oil further.
3 Avoid Sensitive Areas
Never apply lavender essential oils near sensitive areas like the eyes, inner ears, or mucous membranes (such as the inside of the nose). If you accidentally get essential oil in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water or a carrier oil to help remove the oil.
4 Pregnancy and Children
While lavender essential oil is generally considered safe, pregnant women should exercise caution, especially during the first trimester. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using lavender or any other essential oils during pregnancy. Similarly, when using lavender oil on children, ensure that it’s properly diluted and consult a pediatrician if necessary. The recommended dilution for children is typically 1 drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.
5 Ingestion Precautions
As mentioned earlier, ingesting lavender essential oil is not typically recommended unless under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Essential oils are potent, and improper ingestion can cause digestive upset, nausea, or even toxicity. Always choose food-grade oils if ingestion is necessary, and consult a qualified expert before doing so.
6 Storage
Store your lavender essential oils in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its potency. Essential oils can degrade over time if exposed to light, heat, or air, so be sure to seal the bottle tightly after each use. Storing the oil in a dark glass bottle is ideal, as this helps protect it from harmful UV rays.
By following these safety tips and precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of lavender essential oil while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
DIY Lavender Essential Oil Recipes: Extended
Lavender essential oil is an excellent ingredient in a wide range of DIY beauty, health, and home care products. Here are some additional DIY recipes to incorporate lavender essential oil into your daily routine:
1 Lavender Hair Serum
This nourishing hair serum helps to promote healthy hair growth, reduce dandruff, and add shine.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons argan oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- Instructions:
- Mix the argan oil, jojoba oil, lavender essential oil, and rosemary essential oil in a small bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Apply a few drops to your scalp and massage it in. You can also use this serum on the ends of your hair to reduce frizz and add shine.
2 Lavender Face Toner
This gentle toner can help soothe irritated skin, balance oil production, and reduce acne breakouts.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional for acne-prone skin)
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle.
- Shake well before use.
- Spray the toner onto a cotton pad and gently apply it to your face after cleansing to tone and refresh your skin.
3 Lavender Pillow Spray
Promote better sleep with this easy-to-make lavender pillow spray.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon vodka or witch hazel
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops chamomile essential oil
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well.
- Lightly spray on your pillow before bed for a soothing, relaxing aroma that helps improve sleep quality.
4 Lavender & Honey Lip Balm
This homemade lavender lip balm soothes dry, chapped lips while providing a subtle, calming scent.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Instructions:
- Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lavender essential oil and honey.
- Pour the mixture into small lip balm containers and let it cool until solid.
- Apply as needed to moisturize and protect your lips.
5 Lavender Insect Repellent Spray
Lavender essential oil is a natural way to repel mosquitoes and other insects without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops citronella essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
- Spray on exposed skin and clothing to keep insects at bay during outdoor activities.
6 Lavender Yoga Mat Cleaner
Keep your yoga mat clean and fresh with this all-natural lavender cleaning spray.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Spray directly onto your yoga mat and wipe clean with a cloth after each session.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Lavender Essential Oils for Your Needs
Lavender essential oils offer a wealth of therapeutic benefits, from relieving stress and improving sleep to promoting skin health and reducing pain. With so many brands on the market, it’s important to choose one that fits your specific needs, whether you prioritize purity, sustainability, or affordability.
The top 5 brands—doTERRA, Young Living, Plant Therapy, Edens Garden, and Now Foods—all provide high-quality lavender essential oils that cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a premium oil like doTERRA or Young Living, or a budget-friendly option like Now Foods, there’s a lavender essential oil for everyone.
Remember to always use lavender essential oils safely, following proper dilution and application techniques to enjoy its many benefits without any risks. Whether you’re using lavender essential oils in your skincare routine, aromatherapy practice, or as part of your DIY projects, this versatile oil can enhance your wellness in numerous ways.
By incorporating these DIY lavender recipes and tips into your routine, you can fully experience the relaxation, calming, and healing properties of lavender essential oils, making it a staple in your holistic wellness journey.
