There are so many benefits of lavender essential oil and is so versatile, it’s one you shouldn’t be without.

Here’s the thing, I actually didn’t like the smell of lavender when I first started using it! I had heard about some of the possible benefits and so gave it a try, but wasn’t a huge fan. Until I noticed how greatly it affected my mood.

I’ve experienced so many of the benefits first-hand and this research has only backed those outcomes.

Research-Backed Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil & How to Use It!

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Not to mention, it is one of the oils I use most in my cleaning products to add scent (more on that below).

So if you have yet to try essential oils or if you haven’t yet tried lavender, I would really encourage you to click over and try out this inexpensive, organic and pure lavender essential oil!

So let’s get onto some of the research-backed benefits of this powerhouse oil.

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor or professional. If you have any serious medical conditions or concerns, I recommend seeing your doctor.  This information is in no way a substitute for medical or professional advice.

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

Relieve Stress & Anxiety

This is one of my favorite benefits of lavender. I struggle with anxiety and coping with stress and so I’ve found some natural ways to help me manage my anxiety. Using lavender oil has been so helpful in the process.

And I love that there is so much research geared towards understanding and showing the powerful benefits lavender oil has for anxiety! (1)

Not to mention that they’ve done numerous studies showing the effectiveness of lavender oil in relieving anxiety specifically before procedures and at the dentist! (2) How many of you also get anxious when the dentist brings that drill towards your mouth?

Effective in Reducing Anxiety & Depression in Postpartum Women

Postpartum struggles with depression and anxiety are very common and this is just another benefit of lavender essential oil. Studies have found aromatherapy to be effective in reducing the anxiety and depression levels of women after having a baby (3)

Effective in Reducing Pain

Lavender essential oil has been shown to reduce pain time and time again. It has been shown to be effective in reducing both acute and chronic pain in several settings (labor/childbirth, post-operative, outpatient, etc.). (4)(5)

If you are looking for natural ways to try and manage pain, I would definitely recommend the use of lavender essential oils.

Helps Improve Sleep Quality

Lavender essential oil has been shown to be very effective in helping with sleep issues or insomnia. (6) I have used it on so many occasions when I was struggling to fall asleep or dealing with nightmares.

I love to use lavender at night because of its calming properties. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, try diffusing lavender, rolling it onto your wrists or feet or putting a drop on your pillow at night!

Reduces or Eliminates Headaches and Migraines

Lavender essential oil has been shown to reduce or eliminate migraines and headaches in a majority of people. Studies have shown that diffusing and inhaling lavender essential oil is a powerful method in helping with headaches and migraines. (7)

As one who suffers from constant headaches and occasional migraines, this is a game-changer for me. I am always looking for ways to naturally relieve this pain and lavender is a great option.

Antifungal Properties

Lavender has been shown to have antifungal properties (8) and is a great natural option to prevent or help with fungal infections or concerns. I’ve seen a lot of diy itchy scalp recipes and it is great to be added to your hand soap or lotions with this added benefit!

Effective at Keeping Bugs Away

As we learn more and more about the dangers of chemicals in common bug sprays, it’s been exciting to find more natural ways to keep those pesky mosquitos and bugs away. This summer, I made a diy bug spray for my family and everyone was amazed at how well it worked. One of the key ingredients: lavender essential oil.

Lavender is one of the oils that has been shown effective in repelling insects and mosquitos. (9) And not only will it keep the bugs away, but it will smell amazing and help relieve stress and anxiety at the same time.

Go ahead and try using lavender next time you feel mosquitoes driving you crazy!

As essential oils are becoming increasingly popular, experts are realizing the need for more research to prove their benefits. While it is important to seek medical treatment for any serious condition, lavender may be great as a supplemental treatment or as a way to relieve some of the symptoms discussed above.

Ways to Use Lavender

  1. Put a drop in your hand in the shower and cup over your nose and mouth. Breathe deeply several times. I literally feel myself relax as I do this.
  2. Add to any unscented laundry soaps, hand soaps or other cleaning and beauty products as a great way to add natural fragrance
  3. Diffuse when stressed, anxious or needed a room freshener
  4. Add several drops to half a cup of baking soda as an air freshener for a room
  5. Add several drops to a roller with grapeseed oil (I like to include frankincense & ylang ylang) to help relieve stress and anxiety
  6. Mix 1-2 drops in your hand with your lotion or some oil and rub on your face or underneath your eyes for a skin boost
  7. Add several drops to dryer balls with your dryer load to not only decrease drying time, but make your clothes smell really fresh! (The resulting smell is great, even for men’s clothes)

These are just a few of my favorite ways to use lavender essential oils!

You can get your own bottle of lavender oil here. Plant Therapy is a great inexpensive option that is pure, trustworthy and has several organic oils in their collection.