Lavender Essential Oil: Benefits, Therapeutic Actions, and Everyday Uses

Plant Profile

Essential Oil: Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.)
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Plant part used: Flower stalks and flowers
Aroma: Fresh, floral, and subtly sweet

Therapeutic Actions (Plain Language)

Here are some of the key therapeutic actions of lavender oil:

  • Essential oils that ease or reduce pain when applied to the body externally (Analgesic).
  • Essential oils that kill bacteria or slow their growth (Antibacterial).
  • Essential oils that lift mood and restore energy when spirits or activity are low (Antidepressant).
  • Essential oils that stop or slow the growth of Candida and other fungi or yeast (Antifungal).
  • Essential oils that destroy or slow the growth of microorganisms such as germs and microbes (Antimicrobial).
  • Essential oils that ease pain and stiffness linked to rheumatism (Antirheumatic).
  • Essential oils that help prevent decay and purify the air by reducing microorganisms (Antiseptic).
  • Essential oils that ease nervous tension and help reduce or prevent muscle spasms (Antispasmodic).
  • Essential oils that reduce or inhibit the activity and replication of viruses (Antiviral).
  • Essential oils that kill harmful bacteria (Bactericidal).
  • Essential oils that open nasal passages and ease breathing by reducing congestion (Decongestant).
  • Essential oils that support female reproductive health and help balance menstruation (Emmenagogue).
  • Essential oils that help relax the body and reduce blood pressure (Hypotensive).
  • Essential oils that kill insects (Insecticide).
  • Essential oils that help calm the mind and ease feelings of unease (Anxiolytic).
  • Essential oils that strengthen and support the nervous system (Nervine).
  • Essential oils that soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation (Sedative).

Everyday Uses

Lavender essential oil is cherished for its calming, balancing nature and its ability to soothe both body and mind. Its soft, floral aroma encourages relaxation, eases tension, and helps create a sense of peace at the end of a long day. Emotionally, lavender promotes grounding and ease, while physically, it supports rest, comfort, and overall well-being,  making it a timeless favourite for daily use.

Use lavender to help:

  • Calm the mind and ease feelings of stress or restlessness
  • Relax the body and support deep, restful sleep.
  • Promote emotional balance and a sense of inner peace.
  • Freshen linens, rooms, or yoga spaces with a serene, floral aroma
  • Add to a steam shower for a calming, spa-like experience and aromatic relaxation.
  • Diffuse during evening wind-down routines or moments of overwhelm.


You can find lavender in the Unwind Collection, designed to calm the senses, support relaxation, and create balance when life feels busy or overwhelming.

Emotional Benefits

Essential oils don’t just influence the body; they can also gently support emotional balance. Below are some commonly recognized associations between aroma and emotion, drawn from traditional aromatherapy practice and educational texts.

  • Calming the mind and easing nervous tension
  • Promoting patience and ease
  • Restoring calm in moments of panic
  • Encouraging trust and emotional openness
  • Soothing the mind and easing worry
  • Promoting relaxation and releasing tension
  • Expression, communication, and truth (Throat Chakra)

Cautions

  • Patch test before use
  • Avoid eyes
  • Not recommended for children, during pregnancy, or breastfeeding
  • Dilute before applying to the skin

These descriptions are for general educational purposes in aromatherapy and do not replace medical advice.

References

Mercier, P. (2007). The Chakra Bible: The definitive guide to working with chakras. Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. / Godsfield Press.


Petersen, D. (2020). Therapeutic Action Guide; ACHS Aromatherapy Department. [20th Edition]. American College of Healthcare Sciences. 


Petersen, D. (2022). Aroma 101; Introduction to Aromatherapy. [23rd Edition]. American  College of Healthcare Sciences. 


Petersen, D. (2022). Aroma 203; Aromatherapy I. [20th Edition]. American     
College of Healthcare Sciences. 

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