Updated: 08/09/2019

Lavender oil has long been used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is an essential oil which is extracted from the lavender flowers by the method of steam distillation. Like all essential oils, lavender oil isn’t a pure compound; it’s a complex mixture of phytochemicals consisting of linalyl acetate and linalool. Because lavender flowers have a unique aroma, lavender oil is used to make perfumes. Lavender oil can be mixed well with other essential oils such as clary sage, cedarwood, geranium, clary sage, and nutmeg. Today, lavender oil can be found in different forms such as gels, aromatherapy oil, lotions, infusion, and soaps. Besides, this oil provides you with lots of health and beauty benefits. This article on AllRemedies will list out some of the best benefits of lavender oil for hair, skin, and health.

22 Benefits Of Lavender Oil For Hair, Skin, And Health – Beneficial Uses Of Lavender Essential Oil

1. Protect You From Bugs And Insects

In the past, lavender oil was applied to the clothes to prevent moths and other insects. Although lavender oil is used to make perfume because of its special aroma, most bugs and insects, including midges, mosquitoes, and moths do not like its scent. Therefore, it may be used as a bug and insect repellent ^[1]. Moreover, many studies have found out that lavender oil contains several beneficial properties such as analgesic, antiseptic, insecticidal, calming, and therapeutic properties ^[2]. These healing properties are effective in preventing insect bites and alleviating bug bites pain and irritation.

According to Valerie Ann Worwood, the author of the book “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy,” lavender oil is beneficial for controlling the infestation of black fly, fleas, black beetle, greenfly, flies, and whitefly.

To protect you from insects and bugs, you can use lavender oil in lotion form or as a spray. When applying the lavender oil to your skin, you do not need to dilute this oil.

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If you want to enhance the benefits of lavender oil, you should mix this oil with eucalyptus oil or grapefruit oil. Lavender oil is well-known as a non-sensitizing and non-toxic oil. Therefore, both the elderly and children can use this oil. Even pregnant women may use this oil. However, before applying the lavender oil as an insect repellent, you still need to consult a qualified health professional.

2. Improve Sleep Quality

Lavender oil is often used to treat insomnia naturally  ^[3], ^[4], ^[5]. The elderly are vulnerable to insomnia. Many people said that lavender oil is a great natural alternative to sleeping pills and prescribed medications. This herb is useful for those suffering from restless leg syndrome, exhaustion, and insomnia because it can calm the nervous system and induce relaxation and sleep.

For this treatment,  you place some drops of lavender essential oil on their pillows before bedtime to solve sleep issues. You can also mix 5-6 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 teaspoon of witch hazel and ½ cup distilled water to make your sleep spray. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and then drizzle onto fresh linen or clean skin before hitting the bed.

3. Calm Nervous System

Calming the nervous system is one of the best benefits of lavender oil for health. Thanks to its calming properties, lavender oil is the best solution for the nerves and anxiety issues ^[6]. The refreshing, pleasant aroma of this herb can help you to fight against restlessness and nervous exhaustion while boosting the mental activity. There are many well-researched studies that found the impact of lavender essential oil on the autonomic nervous system  ^[7], ^[8]. It is the reason why this essential oil has been long used to improve insomnia and regulate the heart rate. A study showed that people who inhale lavender oil before the exam could reduce anxiety and mental stress and increase the cognitive function. Another oil that also has the benefit of calming the nervous system is rosemary oil.

4. Treat Headache

Lavender oil is believed to treat headaches and migraine effectively. It can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by a headache. It also contains coumarin compounds that are effective in dilating and opening up the blood vessels. As a result, it may help to relieve the headache pain ^[9]. Using lavender essential oil for massage therapy will help to relax your mind and body. Massaging your temples, forehead, and neck with lavender oil may help relieve head and neck tension, and enhance relaxation  ^[10], ^[11].

For this remedy, you put three drops lavender oil to a large bowl filled with three cups of boiling water and then lean your head over the bowl carefully to inhale its steam. For the better result, you should cover your head with a large towel to prevent the steam from escaping.

Alternatively, you can add two or three drops of lavender essential oil to a cup of cold or warm water. Soak a washcloth in this water and wring to remove the excessive water. Lie down and place this washcloth over the back of your neck or your forehead for a few minutes. Patients with headache or migraine can also apply a few lavender oil drops to the base of your neck or the temples to receive the significant relief from pain.

Note:

If you are using any pain killers or depressant, you should consult your physician before using this oil to relieve the pain.

Taking the lavender oil internally is toxic and dangerous. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mom should not use lavender oil treatment. When you inhale the lavender oil steam and experience the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction such as chills, vomiting, headaches, and nausea, you should stop using it.

5. Treating Eczema

Lavender oil may be used to treat many skin conditions, including eczema due to its antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties ^[12]. Using lavender oil also helps to retain the stability and balance of the skin, which also contributes to using lavender oil in alleviating eczema. Using lavender oil for eczema can give you a soothing effect. It further helps to inhibit a variety of symptoms of eczema such as blisters, bumps, scaling, redness, and abdominal pigmentation.

Lavender oil can work as a natural stress-reducer, alleviate the skin irritation, and improve the balance of the nutrients on your skin. Many people may not know that stress is one of the primary causes of eczema condition. The aromatic compounds found in the oil boast the potential healing properties. These compounds may travel from the bloodstream to the limbic system that is called “the emotional brain.”

To use lavender oil as an eczema relief, you need to make a homemade lavender oil spray. Here is the instruction.

• Put 10 drops of lavender essential oil into a cup of warm water
• Pour this water into a spray bottle
• Spray it on your eczema-suffered areas

You can also make a lavender oil lotion that also alleviates eczema effectively.

• Purchase a lotion containing vitamin E or Shea butter
• Add about 10 drops lavender oil into this lotion
• Mix it well
• Massage your affected skin with this lotion regularly

Alternatively, you can mix 15 or 20 drops of lavender essential oil with vegetable oil like sesame or coconut oil and then apply it to the affected skin topically. For better result, use this treatment daily.

6. Improve Arthritis

One of the health advantages of lavender oil is arthritis treatment. Lavender oil can give you a significant relief for arthritis condition because it contains anti-inflammatory properties ^[13]. Specifically, regular lavender oil application can boost the circulation and flow of oxygen to joints and muscles. This essential oil also has relaxing effects.

Here is the way on how to use lavender oil to treat arthritis.

• Mix 10 drops lavender oil with some drops of olive oil
• Massage your body with this mixture

Alternatively, you can enjoy the relaxing bath by adding  5 drops of lavender essential oil to it. Applying this treatment daily can give you a significant result.

7. Reduce Anxiety And Depression

Lavender essential oil is beneficial for treating depression and anxiety due to its sedative, calming, and anti-convulsive properties ^[14]. Therefore, this oil is considered as a useful herbal remedy for inducing relaxation and reducing restlessness ^[15]. One Korean study examined the effects of the method of hand massages with lavender oil in patients who get diagnosed with terminal cancer. Researchers found out that patients with terminal cancer receiving lavender oil treatment saw a significant reduction in depression and pain ^[16].

Another study involving postpartum women also showed that lavender oil might decrease the level of depression and anxiety without causing any unwanted side effects ^[17].

To get its benefits of relaxing, you can place a lavender plant in any corner of your room. Alternatively, you can buy some lavender stems and keep it in a small vase. Breathing the soothing aroma of the lavender plant can help to relieve stress and protect your house from mosquitoes and other bugs and insects.

8. Keep Digestion Problems At Bay

Many people experience indigestion nowadays because of the unhealthy diet and busy lifestyle. Indigestion can accompany with vomiting, abdominal pain, belching, and burning sensation in your stomach. Commonly, this problem can cause peptic ulcers. Lavender oil is effective in soothing the lining of your digestive tract and even boosting the production of bile that aid in digesting fat in your body. This is the reason why lavender oil are used as effective remedies for constipation and gas ^[18].

To relieve indigestion and intestinal disorders, drinking lavender tea is an excellent solution. Here is the instruction on how to make your lavender tea.

• Put 4 tablespoons of lavender buds into a tea sachet or tea ball
• Pour 8 oz. of boiling water and the lavender buds into a teacup
• Cover it well and let it steep for about 5 to 10 minutes
• Enjoy it daily

Sipping lavender tea before bedtime is a right way that can give you a restful sleep. Regular consumption of the tea can keep problems related to digestion at bay.

9. Heal Wounds And Cuts

Lavender oil contains beneficial antiseptic and wound-healing effects ^[19]. Therefore, it is considered as a topical treatment for cuts, wounds, and scrapes. By increasing the generation of new cells, it fastens the healing process ^[20]. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of lavender essential oil can keep the wounds and cuts from infection. Researchers and professionals in the University of Maryland Medical Center stated that lavender oil is recommended by herbalists for alleviating the injuries and fastening the healing process. They also found out that lavender oil was used to treat injuries and protect them from infection during the wartime.

To fight against wounds and cuts, you need to make a mixture of one part of lavender essential oil and 10 parts of jojoba or olive oil. Apply this mixture to the wounds regularly until you can see the significant result.

10. Reduce Nausea And Motion Sickness

If you are prone to nausea and motion sickness, you should keep a small bottle of lavender essential oil with you. When the symptoms of nausea and motion sickness appear, you can rub a drop of lavender essential oil on your tongue, under the navel, and behind your ears ^[21]. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found the close link between lavender oil application and the prevention of motion sickness ^[22].

You can get the optimum advantages of lavender oil by mixing it with spearmint or peppermint that can give the calming benefits for your stomach. For nausea treatment, you can mix one drop each of basil, peppermint, and lavender oils with two tablespoons of carrier oil. Put this mixture on your palm and rub your hands together to make this oil mixture warm and then massage this mixture over your abdomen for a few minutes.

11. Reduce Bloating

Bloating is often caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria inside your body. Polyphenols found abundant in lavender oil play an important role in reducing and killing the bad bacteria in your blood and thus, helping you to treat bloated stomach effectively and significantly. Lavender is proved to treat irritable bowel syndrome, a symptom of bloating ^[23].

Greek yogurt is known for the ability to provide your body the good bacteria that can fight against the harmful bacteria causing bloating. If you are experiencing bloating, you need to add some dried culinary grade lavender to the top of the Greek yogurt. Consuming it regularly can help to reduce the risk of bloating and support your proper digestion.

12. Treat Respiratory Disorders

Lavender oil is effective in treating numerous respiratory problems such as flu, throat infection, asthma, cold, cough, bronchitis, sinus congestion, laryngitis, whooping cough, and tonsillitis ^[24]. You can use this oil in the form of vapor or apply it to the skin of your chest, neck, or back. This oil can be added to many inhalers and vaporizers that aim to get rid of coughs and colds. Moreover, the stimulating nature of lavender essential oil may loosen the thick phlegm and alleviate the congestion related to respiratory conditions ^[25]. Regular use of lavender oil can help to fasten the recovery process by helping your body flush out of phlegm and other unwanted material. Moreover, thanks to the antibacterial effects of vapor of lavender essential oil, it can help to fight against respiratory tract infections.

13. Boost The Blood Circulation

Lavender essential oil is beneficial for boosting blood circulation and blood flow in the body. Moreover, recent studies have found out that aromatherapy with lavender oil is effective in improving coronary circulation ^[26]. The oil can help to lower blood pressure and relieve hypertension. The good blood circulation is contributed to increasing the oxygen to the organs of the body, boosting health, enhancing muscle strength, stimulating the brain activity, and remaining the bright skin. Poor blood circulation can easily lead to the risks of atherosclerosis and heart attack.

14. Relieve Pain

Lavender oil can be considered as a natural pain relief ^[27], ^[28]. Applying it topically can help to relieve the pain caused by muscular aches, tense and sore muscles, sprains, rheumatism, lumbago, and backache. Massaging with lavender oil regularly can give the patients with joint pain a significant relief. A study examined the benefits of lavender oil vapor in combination with oxygen supply during the surgery in relieving postoperative pain ^[29]. It found out that this combination is much more effective as compared with oxygen only.

15. Reduce Acnes

Acne is a common skin condition that affects anyone at any age. However, teenagers who experience hormonal changes in their body are often vulnerable to this skin condition. Acnes are caused not only by the hormonal changes and hormonal imbalance but also the excessive production of oil on your skin. The oil, dirt, and bacteria can be stuck in large pores, which cause acne. According to aromatherapists and dermatologists, lavender essential oil is one of the beneficial oils that may help to treat acne naturally ^[30]. Inhaling lavender essential oil has a calming impact on the participants ^[31]. Stress often leads to acne, and using this oil can help manage the breakouts.

To treat acne and pimples on your skin, you need to add a little lavender oil to other ointments or creams. Regular application can give you significant relief and healing.

16. Detoxify The Skin

Numerous environmental toxins and pollutants may harm your skin and make your skin look dull. Every day, your skin may get exposed to harmful radicals and sunlight. Therefore, it is the reason why skin health is worsening and deteriorating day by day. You need to protect your skin from the harmful bacteria and factors existing in the environment.

Loaded with powerful antioxidants, lavender oil can help your skin fight against toxins, pollutants, and harmful bacteria.

According to a study that was conducted by the Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, lavender oil may inhibit the bacteria growth  ^[32].

17. Heal Burns

One of the benefits of lavender oil is healing burns ^[33]. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are contributed to this benefit. In addition to healing burns, lavender oil is also useful in reducing scars left behind the burns or scars caused by injuries. Lavender oil can work as great pain relief.

In order to heal burns and alleviate the pain caused by it, you just need to apply a sufficient amount of lavender essential oil to the affected areas and then keep it under running cold water for a couple of minutes until you can feel the relief. Doing this after a burn immediately can fasten the healing process. However, in the case of serious burns, it is important to consult a doctor to get the proper treatment soon. Do not treat a serious burn by yourself at home.

18. Heal Insect Bites

Insect bites are not a severe problem. However, it can affect your daily activities. The itchy and discomfort sensation makes you want to scratch. Sometimes, this problem can result in some embarrassing situation. Fortunately, lavender oil can help you to relieve the insect bites.

Lavender oil works well on repelling the insect from your house^[34].  Moreover, topical application can give you significant relief from insect bites.

There are many scientific studies and clinical data that support these benefits of lavender oil. One Australian study also proved this traditional uses of lavender essential oil ^[35].

To reduce the swelling and itching problem caused by insect bites, you need to apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the affected skin areas.

Note:

Lavender oil should be applied with caution if used to treat insect bites in children. According to the University of Arizona, children below the age of 2 years should not use lavender oil.

19. Relax Tired Muscles

Working long hours can result in tired muscles. Massaging the tense and tired muscles with lavender oil is useful. However, if you do not have enough time to do the massage, some other methods with lavender oil can help you.

To relieve the tense and tired muscles, add 4 to 6 drops lavender oil to a large bowl of warm water and then soak your hands and your feet in this water for about 10 minutes. It can give you the relaxing and refreshing effects. Alternatively, you can enjoy the warm bath added a little lavender oil in the evening before bedtime. It can help you to reduce the pressure, relax tired muscles, and sleep better.

You can also relieve the tired muscles on your feet by rubbing a little lavender oil to your feet for a couple of minutes before bedtime

Lavender oil has been proven to hydrate and soften any rough patches and spots on your feet ^[36].

20. Control Hair Loss

Regular application of lavender essential oil can help to stop hair loss. As mentioned earlier, lavender oil is useful for treating stress, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. These problems are the leading causes of hair loss. By reducing and getting rid of these conditions causing hair loss, lavender oil is considered as one of the best solutions for hair problems ^[37]. Regular massaging with this oil can increase the blood circulation and thus, control the hair loss, and boost hair growth.

Certain preliminary studies suggested that people with hair loss can get the optimum benefits of this oil by combining it with other herbs.

21. Treat Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is one of the common autoimmune diseases. Patients with alopecia areata experience hair loss in patches. A Scotland study has found the close link between the use of efficient essential oils including lavender oil and the significant reduction in alopecia areata. Another study showed that a therapeutic massage with lavender oil could boost the blood circulation to the scalp and thus, treat hair loss ^[38], ^[39].

If you are experiencing alopecia areata, you need to take a sufficient amount of lavender essential oil in your hands. Rub your hands together to make this oil warm and then apply this warm oil to the dry scalp. Massage gently for a few minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Repeating this treatment regularly for at least a few months can give you a significant result.

22. Kill The Head Lice

Lavender oil can help to kill the lice, lice eggs, and nits on your scalp because of its powerful antiseptic properties ^[40]. To get this benefit, you need to massage your scalp with lavender essential oil for at least 10 minutes before shampooing.

Some Precautions When Using Lavender Oil

• Young boys who have not passed the puberty should not use lavender oil for skin. This is because it can lead to some hormone effects in the body of these boys. Young boys using lavender oil for skin may experience abdominal breast growth.
• We cannot have enough evidence to determine that lavender essential oil is safe for pregnant women. Thus, breastfeeding moms and pregnant women should avoid using lavender oil.
• Lavender oil is said to slow down the nervous system. Therefore, you need to make sure that you do not use lavender oil two weeks before and after surgery.

What do you often use lavender oil for? Do you know other benefits of lavender oil for hair, skin, and health? Tell us by leaving your comments below. For more articles about the benefits of other ingredients, please go to our Superfoods page.

References:

Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Johnson, Certified Medical Practitioner & Aromatherapist [Link]