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How to Use Lavender for Your Health & Wellbeing

In a Burner | In a Bath | For Massage| As an Inhalation | Compress | Infusion or Tea | Vaporiser | Gargling and Dental Care| Skin Treatments | Sitz Baths | FIRST AID: Colds, Cuts, Burns, Acne, Headache, Bites & Stings, Sleeplessness, Sunburn

Nature’s Medicine Chesthow ssential Oil

Lavender is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. It is one of the safest essential oils, with low toxicity levels and no contra-indicators.

There are many beneficial ways to use lavender essential oil, however, as with all essential oils, it is highly concentrated and should be treated with respect.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.

Please refer to the Lavender-Blu Safety Guide for general information and guidelines on the safe use of lavender essential oil.

In a Burner

Scent the air with lavender oil by adding 3-4 drops to your aromatic burner. Wonderful both inside – as a room airfreshener/disinfectant or outside at any time of the year, it is particularly beneficial in the summer as it also repels insects. It relaxes the mind and relieves headaches too.

Lavender is a comforting fragrance that 'stabilises' forms of depression and soothes frazzled nerves. Anyone struggling through a stressful change in their lives, such as a birth of a new baby, new job, change of environment, etc., can benefit from this amazing quality lavender emanates.

Burners should never be left burning unattended, should never be left in a child’s room and should never be left alight after you go to sleep.

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In the Bath

A lavender bath is deeply relaxing, mildly antiseptic and helps to heal tiny cuts and scratches, bites or swellings. It is also a thoroughly enjoyable way to end any day. Add five to ten drops of lavender oil to a warm bath, then lie back and luxuriate!

Baths are particularly helpful if taken as well as massage, but always take the bath first and then apply the massage. For handicapped or elderly people a footbath is the ideal alternative to a conventional bath. Use only 3 or 4 drops of essential oil in a footbath.

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For Massage

Lavender Oil blended with a base massage oil such as almond oil, sunflower oil or olive oil can be great for relaxing and de-stressing. Blend it in the proportion of two to three drops of essential lavender oil to 1 tsp of base oil. For larger quantities, use 20-60 drops of lavender to 7 tbsp base oil.

This is one of the oldest and best methods to enjoy aromatherapy due to the added benefit the massage brings. Massage is also the most efficient method because the skin – our largest organ, covers a large area and readily absorbs the oils into the bloodstream.

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As an Inhalation

Used for centuries to help all respiratory tract problems, this method is a highly effective way to deliver essential oils into your system. To clear a stuffy nose, or to help to clear skin blemishes and acne, make a facial steam bath.

Add five to eight drops of essential lavender oil to a bowl of hot, steaming water. Lean over the bowl and breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes until relief is felt. Place a clean towel covering your head and the bowl to help direct the vapours.

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Compress

This is a highly effective method of pain relief and first aid. A HOT compress is for relieving chronic pain, period cramps etc. and a COLD one for reducing swelling, sprains and headaches. Put 4-6 drops of the oil into very hot or icy cold water.

Using a small towel soak up the oils without fully immersing in the water, wring out excess and apply to the affected area. Finally, cover the area with a towel.

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To Make an Infusion or Tea

Pour boiling water into a cup, let it cool for 30 seconds, then add a teaspoon of fresh or dried lavender. Cover and leave to steep for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and drink lukewarm. The antiseptic qualities of a weak infusion of lavender tea help to cleanse the system and to relieve headaches and stomach upsets. Sweeten it with a little honey if you prefer.

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Vaporiser

Excellent as a room disinfectant and air purifier, it also creates a soothing atmosphere to relax or meditate. Lavender essential oil is particularly useful when used during illnesses as it is proven to kill airborne bacteria and helps prevent the spread of infections.

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Gargling and Dental Care

For the treatment of mouth and gum infections, add 5-10 dropps of lavender oil to a glass of warm water, mix well, then rinse the mouth and/or gargle.

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Skin Treatments

Lavender is used in creams, gels, lotions, masks and oils for its beneficial properties. It has excellent antiseptic properties, yet is very mild to the skin. In addition, it also promotes tissue or cell regeneration and prevents scarring.

As a deodorant and antiseborrhoeic oil, lavender is also a valuable skin care agent and is used for a wide range of common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, seborrhea and spots. It has been credited with ‘rejuvenating’ properties, and since it also has a pleasing floral fragrance, lavender has a long history of traditional use throughout Europe as an ingredient in various types of cosmetic and toiletry preparations, including the famous ‘lavender water’.

A light, simple lavender water can be made up using 100 ml distilled water and 25 drops of lavender oil - shake well before use.

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Sitz Baths

For vaginal and genito-urinary infections, add 6-8 drops of lavender oil to shallow bath or bowl of warm water and bathe the affected area.

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First Aid - Direct Application

Note: Most essential oils should not be used neat on the skin. Lavender oil - due to its gentle nature - is an exception. However, some aromatherapy practitioners still advise against neat applications due to skin sensitivity. See the Lavender-Blu Safety Guide for more information.

Colds, Asthma or Hay Fever

For instant relief if you are suffering from a cold, congestion, asthma attack or hay fever, put 3 or 4 drops of essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and gently inhale, - a handy method to use when out of the house. This is also the recommended application for asthmatics, who should not expose themselves to steam.

Cuts, Burns, Spots

Use the oil direct from the bottle - dabbing with the fingertips or using a cotton bud or a cotton swab to help heal cuts,spots and grazes, as well as for inflammation including those from burns, boils, acne, dermatitis and eczema.

Acne

Blend two drops of pure lavender oil into your normal unscented moisturizer to help to heal stubborn spots and pimples.

Headaches

Dab a drop of lavender oil on each temple to help relieve migraine and other headaches.

Insect Bites & Stings

Take the sting out of bites with a drop of essential lavender oil.

Sleeplessness

Spread a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow next to your nose as you drift off to sleep. The aroma will relax you, inducing drowsiness.

Sunburn

Add a few drops of lavender oil to still mineral water, and use an atomizer to spritz it on to sore skin.

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