Lavender oil is one of the best-known essential oils and is mainly used when you want to bring more calm, relaxation and gentleness into your day. The scent is often chosen in the evening, during times of restlessness or as part of a natural self-care routine. On this page, you can read about the effects of lavender oil, what it is used for and how to use it safely.
By ‘lavender essential oil’, we usually mean the naturally pure oil extracted from lavender, which you can diffuse or apply to the skin after diluting it. The exact experience varies from person to person, but the oil is best known for its calming, gentle and harmonising properties. Would you like to understand the differences between the various types better? Read more at Types of lavender and how they differ.
What are the effects of lavender oil?
The effects of lavender oil are most often described as soothing and relaxing. Many people use the scent of lavender when they need to reduce sensory stimulation, achieve greater physical relaxation or ease into the night. This makes lavender a popular choice for stressful days, when the mind is restless, and as part of evening routines.
Lavender oil is also used in natural skincare. When applied in diluted form, the oil often has a soothing effect, which is why lavender is a common ingredient in massage oils, bath rituals and skincare blends.
The sensory experience of scent plays a major role here. Lavender has a floral, gentle and distinctive scent. It is precisely this scent that makes many people associate the oil with relaxation, tranquillity and comfort. Are you curious about the variant with a slightly spicier profile and a different composition? Then read about Spike lavender: properties and uses.
What is lavender oil most commonly used for?
For relaxation and tranquillity
This is by far the best-known use. Lavender oil is often diffused after a busy day at work, during a meditation or yoga session, or when you want to consciously create a calm atmosphere in your home. The scent helps many people to let go more easily and be more present in the moment.
Before going to sleep or as part of an evening routine
Lavender oil is also known for its effects on sleep. The oil is often used in the bedroom, in a diffuser or as part of a regular evening routine. Not because it is a sleep aid, but because the scent can help make the environment feel more peaceful and allow you to wind down more effectively before bed. Are you looking for something to support your evening routine? Discover the Products for better sleep and pleasant dreams.
For use on the skin, always diluted
Lavender oil is also used in skincare, for example in a carrier oil, in essential oil massages or as a bath oil. Many people choose lavender when their skin needs extra softness or care. As essential oils are highly concentrated, it is always best to use them diluted.
How do you use lavender oil?
In a diffuser
For many people, diffusing is the easiest way to experience the benefits of lavender. Add a few drops to your diffuser, following the device’s instructions. It’s best to start with a low dose rather than too much, so that the scent remains pleasant and doesn’t become too intense. Not sure about the right dosage? Read: How many drops do you put in the diffuser?
On the skin, diluted in a carrier oil
If you wish to use lavender oil on your skin, mix it first with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil. This will make it gentler and more pleasant for the skin. Use a small amount and test it on a small patch of skin first if you have sensitive skin.
In the bath or as a massage oil
Lavender is ideal for a relaxing bath routine or a soothing massage. Do not add undiluted essential oil directly to bath water; always mix it first with a suitable base, such as bath oil or a carrier oil. This ensures the oil disperses more effectively and is gentler on the skin. Read more about safe and enjoyable bathing with essential oils: Using essential oils in the bath.
Can you use pure lavender oil directly on the skin?
Generally speaking, it is wiser not to use lavender oil undiluted, but to dilute it first. Essential oils are highly concentrated and may cause irritation or sensitivity in some people. Using them diluted is therefore the safest and most common option.
If you have sensitive skin, test a small amount on a small area of skin first. Stop using the product if you notice any redness, irritation or discomfort.
Safe use of lavender essential oil
As with all essential oils, it is important to use them with care. Please bear in mind these basic rules:
- Don’t use too much. A few drops are usually enough.
- Dilute before applying to the skin. This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Use with caution in children and during pregnancy. If in doubt, always seek expert advice and follow the instructions on the product label.
- Ventilate the room. A pleasant, well-ventilated environment is certainly nice, especially when vaping.
Lavender has a reputation for being gentle, but gentle does not automatically mean that every use is suitable for everyone. So listen carefully to your body and keep it simple. Would you like a summary of all the guidelines? Take a look at Safety when using essential oils.
What should you look out for when choosing lavender oil?
If you’re using lavender oil for its therapeutic benefits, it’s a good idea to choose a naturally pure essential oil. Synthetic fragrance oils are primarily about the scent itself, rather than the full aromatic experience that people seek in genuine essential oils.
You should also ensure that the product description and instructions for use are clear. Clear information is particularly important if you intend to vapourise the oil or apply it to the skin in diluted form. At De Groene Linde, you’ll find lavender oil as a single essential oil, but also in blends for calm, relaxation and sleep, such as a spray or roll-on if you prefer a ready-to-use product.
FAQ
How do you use lavender oil to help you sleep?
The most popular way is to diffuse it in the evening, for example in the bedroom or in a room where you can unwind. Use a small amount and combine the scent with a relaxing evening routine, such as reducing screen time, dimming the lights and sticking to a regular bedtime.
How should you use lavender oil?
That depends on the purpose. For fragrance and ambience, lavender is usually used in a diffuser. For topical application, the oil should be diluted in a carrier oil. In the bath, lavender should only be used mixed with a suitable base and not added directly to the water in its pure form.
Which essential oil should you use during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it is important to exercise extra caution when using essential oils. Only use products in accordance with the instructions on the label and, if in doubt, seek advice from an expert. Avoid experimenting with high doses or internal use.
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