The Many Uses of Lavender Oil

Uses of Lavender  

Lavender Oil:

Produces a fresh and calming atmosphere.

Insect repellent:     Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a little sunflower oil and rub onto skin

Moth repellent:     Use sachets of dried lavender buds in wardrobes and linen drawers

Inhalation:   Clear a stuffy nose – add 5 drops of lavender oil to a small bowl of hot, steaming water.

Burns or sunburn:     A few drops of lavender oil on burns can relieve pain and help healing.

Scars:     Add lavender oil to a carrier oil and massage gently into scarred area. Must be applied within a few weeks of scarring to obtain a reasonable diminishing of the scar.

Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis:     Lavender oil will assist in control of these skin problems.

Acne:     Lavender will assist in controlling and relieving acne and other associated skin problems.

Sleep Disorders:   A few drops of lavender oil on the pillow or massaged gently into temples will help in inducing sleep.

Massage:     Add 45 drops of lavender oil to 100mL carrier oil and massage.

Headaches:   Gently massage a couple of drops of lavender oil on to temples.

Sunburn:     Add a few drops of lavender oil to water (mineral) and spray onto sunburned skin.

Bathing:     Enjoy a relaxing bath and relieve stress by adding lavender oil to the bath.

Cosmetics:   Add a couple of drops of lavender oil to your favorite face cream or bath product.

Washing floors:     Add a few drops to your floor washing water. Great for timber, tile or slate floors.

Drying clothes:     In a clothes dryer – put a few drops of lavender oil onto one item of clothing and place in dryer with others. Will give your clothes a beautiful fragrance and scent your house.

Lavender Water:

Has all the properties of the oil but in a much milder form. It has been termed the 'ethereal sibling' of the essential oil.

Sleep disorders:     A few drops of lavender oil on the pillow or a spray of lavender water will help induce a restful sleep.

Ironing:     Use lavender water in the iron to give your clothes a fresh scent and prolong the life of your delicate linens.

Insect repellant:     Lavender water may be safely sprayed around foods to keep flies away. It may also be sprayed on plants to control mealy bug and aphids.

Antiseptic:   Cuts and scrapes may be cleansed with lavender water to reduce the risk of infection.

Cosmetic applications:     Lavender water is good to clean makeup off and to tone the face.

Pet wash:     Terrific in the final wash to keep your pet flea free and cuddle-worthy.

Lavender Bath

Excellent for aching muscles, relaxation, stress relief. Add 6-8 drops Lavender essential oil after running the water and vigorously agitate water. Add the drops to a capful of milk or Epsom salts and then put in the bath as this helps to disperse the oils through out the water. This is a great way to receive the benefits of Lavender oil. Lie back and enjoy!

Lavender Shower

After wetting your hair, add 3 drops Lavender oil to a capful of water and tip onto your head. Stand under running water and allow oils to rinse off. Cup your hands over your face and breathe in the vapors. Add oils when shampooing your hair and rinse off as normal.

Lavender Vaporization

Fill the top dish of an 'oil burner' or 'vaporizer' with water and add 6-8 drops of Lavender oil. Place a lit tea light candle in the space provided underneath the dish. This is a very good way to receive the benefits of the Lavender oil. Use in the bedroom or living room. Vaporization is especially good to use when you have a cold or feel unwell. Keep burner away from draughts and open windows. Hint: use warm water in the dish for quicker results.  I use an oil diffuser which I bought from Ebay for about $40.

Lavender Massage

This is a particularly effective way to apply the oils when you have tight and sore muscles or have sustained an injury. The oils will be absorbed quickly into the blood stream, thus assisting the body and mind. NEVER massage UNDILUTED oils, always use a good quality vegetable or carrier oil. Add 5 drops of Lavender oil per 10ml of vegetable oil. Use 1-2 drops for babies and the elderly. Only use lavender with babies.

Lavender Tissues/Handkerchief

Good for instant relief from flu, sinusitis and anxiety. Use 1-3 drops Lavender oil and inhale immediately as required.  You can buy empty inhalers on Ebay very cheaply.  Just fill up the cotton centre with your choice of oils and snap on the outer case.  Carry in your handbag.

Lavender Steam Inhalation

Great for colds and flu or as part of a skincare/acne regime. Add 4-6 drops to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe in the vapor. Keep your eyes shut. Continue to breathe deeply for a few minutes, occasionally removing the towel and your head from the bowl.

Lavender Hand/Foot Bath

Great for tired feet, fatigue or sore/dry hands. Add 4-6 drops Lavender oil to a large bowl of warm water and soak for approx 10 minutes. Then apply a Lavender lotion for added benefits.

Lavender Compress

In a bowl or warm water add 6-8 drops Lavender oil and swirl around. Soak a cloth then gently squeeze out and apply to area of your body you wish to treat. Use cold water for treating new muscular injuries or sprains.

Lavender directly for Burns

After running cold water on the burn for approx 10 minutes, put a few drops of neat lavender oil onto the burnt area (including sunburn). This will greatly assist the healing process. ONLY use lavender. Remember serious burns must be seen to by a doctor.

The dosages mentioned are recommended for average sized adults. For the elderly, disabled, the very sick or young children, half the dose is recommended.

So, you see there are tons of uses for essential oils and lavender is one of the most versatile!