Hands-down the most popular of the essential oils used today, the health benefits and healing properties of lavender were discovered more than 2,500 years ago. A powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial and sedative properties, it’s easy to see why this natural remedy has been used for so much of human history.

The History of Lavender

A purple flower from the mint family known for its beauty and sweet aroma, it didn’t take long for humans to realize the benefits of lavender.

The Bible contains many references to lavender, particularly in the “Song of Solomon.” Additionally, lavender is one of the “holy herbs” required for preparation of the Holy Essence—a blend of extracts from a range of essential oils.  

The ancient Greeks were some of the first to experiment with this wonderful essential oil as a natural remedy. In fact, it was such a large part of their culture that cities were named after it. The Greeks called lavender “nardus,” and gave its name to the city of Naarda in modern-day Syria because of its plentiful lavender supply.  It was also a major part of the ancient Roman economy and lifestyle; they used it to clean their beds, baths, clothes, and hair, while also using it in medicine.

Ancient Egyptians used lavender in embalming practices as well as cosmetics. Researchers have discovered large amounts of lavender incorporated into King Tut’s tomb. Egyptian high priests and members of the royal family used it in massage oil and medicine. This makes it one of the most sought-after plants in Ancient Egypt.

Terpene Properties

It is lavender’s underlying chemistry that allows for the diversity in its uses. A range of biochemicals, terpenes, and acetates account for the healing properties of lavender. Though dozens of compounds make up this essential oil, the most important ones include:

• A-pinene
• Limonene
• 1,8-cineole
• Cis-ocimene
• Trans-ocimene
• 3-octanone
• Camphor
• Linalool
• Linalyl acetate
• Caryophyllene
• Terpinen-4-ol
• Lavandulyl acetate

These terpene agents work together to provide the antiseptic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antistatic, antiviral, antibacterial, and decongestant properties. Each of the biochemical agents is beneficial on its own, but when combined together they result in the unique chemistry of lavender essential oil, making it more potent and powerful.

Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

Right off of the bat, the benefits of this essential oil include, but aren’t limited to alleviating stress and anxiety, improving cognitive function and memory, speeding up the recovery of burns and wounds, improving sleep quality, clearing up the skin, and eliminating pain or tension. Lavender essential oil is best used topically—with the help of a carrier cream—or used aromatically through a diffuser.

You’d be surprised at just how versatile this essential oil is as an all-natural healing agent. Some of its most important properties are highlighted below.

Protection Against Toxins 

One of the most impactful benefits of lavender essential oil is its ability to fight free radicals, dangerous toxins and chemicals, and bacterial and viral infections in the body. Studies have shown that lavender is a powerful antioxidant that fights against harmful agents in the body.

Free radicals are responsible for everything from aches and pains to central nervous system disorders. The body’s natural response to free radicals is the release of powerful antioxidants. This is a response mimicked by lavender essential oil when it produces similar antioxidants, such as glutathione, working to destroy free radicals as well as repair the pre-existing damage.

In terms of fighting infection, the antibacterial and antiviral properties in lavender essential oil make it useful in protecting the body against disease or speeding up recovery.

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Lavender essential oils are key in the world of aromatherapy because of its ability to alleviate stress, pressure, and anxiety.

We live in the middle of a fast-paced society, with new stressors popping up daily. However, the relaxing properties of lavender essential oil alleviate that pressure and provide an opportunity to reset and unwind. Studies have proven that lavender essential oil alleviates anxiety, balances sleep schedule, and improves mental clarity, cognitive function, and memory.

Lavender essential oil can be used for its stress relieving properties. You’ll find yourself falling asleep faster, staying asleep, and waking up each morning feeling rested and refreshed. A 2014 study found that lavender essential oil was almost 1.5 times more effective at helping people fall asleep and stay asleep than three insomnia prescription medications.

Furthermore, a 2008 study looking at the relaxation effects of lavender essential oil found that lavender oil aromatherapy reduces cortisol levels in healthy men, as well as potentially improving coronary circulation.

Improvement of Cognitive Function

As we have already highlighted, lavender has a variety of neurological benefits.

New research shows that these essential oils may help in finding a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The study indicates that using lavender oil may prevent oxidation in the brain, reduce cognitive impairment, and help repair the myelin that is typically broken down in individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Swiss researchers have also conducted research into lavender essential oil acts as a preventative measure against strokes, due to the antioxidants it contains.

Improvement of Respiratory Function

The stimulating characters of lavender essential oil make it an ideal choice for alleviating the symptoms of respiratory issues. This includes the flu, coughs, colds, and sinus congestion. The oil can either be used as vapor through a diffuser or applied to the skin of the neck, chest and back after being diluted with a carrier oil or lotion. This can loosen up phlegm, relieving congestion and speeding up overall recovery.

Skincare and Haircare

Because lavender essential oil has antiseptic properties, it is known to support healthier-looking skin. In the past, lavender baths were popular among the royalty in Persia, Greece, and Rome. Now, it continues to be a popular spa ingredient. For skin use, a few drops of essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the selected area. Patches of dry skin may benefit the most from this oil. Additionally, a few drops of this essential oil can be added to a warm bath or used in a bath salt or bath oil.

In addition to its efficacy in removing lice, lice eggs, or nits, lavender has also proved helpful for individuals who experience hair loss. Remarkably, it presents a 40% increase in hair growth in some cases if rubbed regularly on the scalp.

Safety and Precautions

Lavender is considered to be one of the safest essential oils today. However, it is still critical to be mindful when using it.

As with all essential oils, this essential oil is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

It is not recommended that this oil be combined with sedative medications. Because it is a powerful all-natural sedative, when combined with other sedatives, it can lead to excessive drowsiness. This is particularly dangerous for driving or operating heavy machinery.

Lavender essential oil shouldn’t be digested. Rather, it should be applied topically when mixed with a carrier oil or lotion or as part of aromatherapy. It can be toxic if it is ingested, and may lead to side effects such as abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, difficulty seeing or blurred vision, difficulty breathing, rashes, or burning sensations in the intestines. In the case that it is ingested, it is advisable to contact a poison control center as soon as possible.

Some research has indicated that use of too-high amounts of this essential oil in young boys may put them at risk for gynecomastia. This is the enlargement of male breasts. However, these effects go away a few weeks after discontinuing use.

Final Thoughts About Lavender Essential Oil

From its anti-aging properties to its role in alleviating stress or improving cognition, the benefits of this essential oil explain its popularity in society throughout the years. Incorporate the use of lavender essential oil into your daily routine topically when mixed with another oil or lotion, or try it as aromatherapy through a room diffuser or personal essential oil diffuser.