Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a beautiful, herbaceous plant with a royal history. Lavender adds colour to backyard landscaping and is widely known for its calming properties and alluring scent.
Updated Mar. 17th, 2026 | Read Time: 6 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Plant Information
- Lavender Essential Oil Information
- Lavender Oil Applications & Benefits
- Shopping Tips For Quality Lavender Oil
- Lavender Oil DIY's
Plant Information
Plant History
The colour purple is known for being a rich colour that exudes royalty; therefore, it is no surprise that Lavender and lavender essential oil was a favourite among royal families. The Lavender plant has Egyptian and Mediterranean origins. Egyptian royals and high priests used Lavender all throughout life by adding it to their cosmetics, medicines and tombs. While lavender was used cosmetically and for it’s alluring aroma, it wasn’t until 77 AD when a Greek philosopher had the first record of Lavender being used for its healing qualities. At that time it was noted that when taken internally, Lavender helped with indigestion, headaches and sore throats, while externally, it helped clean wounds, alleviate burns or other skin irritations. As time passed, the Romans used Lavender in their washing to scent both their baths and clothes as well as for its healing and antiseptic properties. Roman soldiers took Lavender in their first aid kit when heading off to war to dress wounds. WhileLavender originated in Egypt & the Mediterranean, the English played a large role in its history by cultivating some of the most fragrant Lavender in Europe and by bringing Lavender into mass markets. In the 17th century, an English herbalist deemed Lavender oil as a “cure-all” and during the plague of 1665, Lavender oil sale prices skyrocketed because it was believed to protect people from the infectious disease. During the Victorian era, Mitcham, a suburb of London, was the hub for Lavender oil production and during that time, England's Lavender products became well known world wide. Lavender production continued to grow and is being used today as a remedy for stress, insomnia, tension and congested sinuses.
Botanical Information
Lavender is one of 47 species of flowering plants that are part of the mint family. It is a perennial shrub and its flowers are a favourite amongst bees. While purple or mauve-blue lavender flowers are most commonly known, this plant can also bloom white or pink flowers. There are 3 main types of Lavender used in essential oils: Lavandula angustifolia, which is the main type that’s used in aromatherapy because of it’s potency and its sweeter scent. The second strain is Lavandin,which is a cross between Lavendula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, this strain offers more oil production and is used to give products a Lavender scent, like laundry detergents and perfumes, but isn’t as potent as the former, and therefore shouldn’t be used for therapeutic grade essential oils. Lastly, Spike lavender, which is more herbaceous and therapeutic,therefore it is used in medicinal settings with the guidance of a certified aromatherapist.
Growing Information
Lavender is a great addition to any garden as it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. This plant can survive in a dry environment with a high ph soil. Lavender thrives best when watered occasionally, has adequate drainage and space and lots of sunlight. It is easy to maintain as it only needs to be pruned once or twice a year and once it’s established, it doesn’t need to be re-fertilized.
Parts Used To Make Lavender Essential Oil
The flowers, buds and leaves of the lavender plant can be used for various purposes. Typically, the buds are dried and used to enhance culinary dishes, teas or in a healing compress. The fresh flowers are used for decoration or to garnish dishes and the dried flowers are popular in potpourris and perfumes. The flowers can also be dried or distilled for oil extraction. The leaves are great when dried to mix into spices, such as Herb de Provence and other various seasonings or to add to a compress to relieve headaches or muscle tension.
Lavender Essential Oil Information
Extraction Method: How To Make Lavender Oil
Therapeutic essential oils are extracted either through steam distillation or cold expression. Lavender oil is extracted through straight steam distillation using a Still. The plant is hung inside an apparatus above boiling water. As the steam rises, it pulls the oil out of the plant. The steam then carries the oil along the tubing of the apparatus and into the condenser where the steam is then cooled. This causes it to re-liquify, forcing the essential oil to float on top of the water vapour, which is then siphoned off. The floral water is then used as a fragrant water in cosmetics and the oil is used for therapeutic purposes in aromatherapy.
Active Ingredients Found in Lavender Oil
The Lavender flower is the main source of Lavender oil extraction. The active ingredients found in Lavender are: 51% Linalool, and 35% Linalyl Acetate. Linalool is a terpene alcohol and it’s what gives Lavender it’s floral scent.
Lavender Oil Applications & Benefits
Calming Benefits
Lavender is widely known to create a calm, stress free environment and is linked to anxiety support. Some ways you canincorporate Lavender essential oil in your routine to create a soothing, euphoric environment is to:
- Add 1-4 drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bath and mix in with water
- Add 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser
- Mix 1 drop of lavender essential oil with 1 drop carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba oil) and rub on your temples, wrists or upper lip to inhale
- Put 1-2 drops on a handkerchief and inhale during meditation or slow breathing
- Carry a rollerball of lavender oil and inhale with slow breaths when feelings of stress or anxiety arrive
Deodorant
Lavender oil can make for a great natural deodorant because it’s anti-bacterial. Therefore, it can prevent the growth of bacteria, leaving fewer bacteria to mingle with sweat that causes unpleasant body odor. While a natural deodorant won’t stop you from sweating like commercial antiperspirants, they are safe to reapply as needed and by making your own, you can alter the proportions to your personal preference/needs (see below for recipe).
Headache Relief
Lavender oil relieves stress and tension and can be a natural remedy for headache relief. In fact, Queen Elizabeth 1 used Lavender to treat her migraines. Below are some Queen approved ways you can try it out for yourself:
- Add 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil in 3 cups of boiling water, place face 14 inches from bowl, close eyes and slowly inhale the steam.
- Mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil into a cup of cold or warm water, depending on your preference, dip a facecloth in the water, wring it out and lie down, placing the wet cloth on the forehead or base of the neck.
- Add 1 drop of lavender oil per 1 drop of your favourite carrier oil (grape seed, jojoba) and apply it to your temples, hairline or the base of your neck.
Pest Banisher
Lavender has been used in repellants for a long time. It can help fight off pesky mosquitos, moths, flies and even fleas on your pets. To keep your backyard pest free you can:
- Plant lavender flowers
- Burn a lavender infused candle
- Rub lavender oil (mix 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 drop of your favourite carrier oil) on exposed areas, i.e. neck, underarms, behind ears, ankles etc.
- Diffuse lavender oil outside.
- To keep flies out of your home, simply diffuse 10-12 drops of lavender oil in your diffuser, or place lavender bouquets inside your house.
Insomnia Support
As previously mentioned, lavender oil can help induce feelings of calmness and can help promote deep, slow wave, sleep. The findings of an EEG scan in one study showed participants were in a more drowsy state after undergoing a lavender aromatherapy session. Ways to help insomnia with lavender oil is to:
- In a small spray bottle, add 1 ounce of witch hazel, 10 drops of lavender essential oil and mix with 3 ounces of water. Just before bed, spray on your bed linens or pajamas for a restful nights sleep.
- Diffuse 10-12 drops of lavender oil 30 minutes before bed and let it run into the night
- Apply 2-3 drops of lavender oil per ounce of carrier oil and apply to the body, especially the feet
Shopping Tips For Quality Lavender Oil
Lavender oil should be steam distilled if you want an oil that's pure and free of solvents. At National Nutrition, we carry a variety of high quality lavender oils.
Recipes
| Deodorant Spray | ||
|---|---|---|
| In a 60ml spritz bottle mix: | 6 drops Lavender oil | 3 drops Lemon oil |
| 2 drops Tea Tree oil | 90ml Witch Hazel | |
| If you want to combat door and wetness, follow this recipe: | 10 drops Lavender oil | 4 drops Grapefruit oil |
| 2 drops Vanilla oil | 4 tbsp Coconut OR Jojoba oil | |
| 4 tbsp Baking Soda | 4 tbsp Cornstarch | |
| Calming Moisturizer for Sensitive skin | ||
|---|---|---|
| In a pot mix: | 5 drops Lavender oil | 2 drops Rose oil |
| 2 drops German Chamomile oil | 1/3 cup Coconut oil | |
| 1 tbsp Beeswax (optional) | ||
| Nourishing Moisturizer for Dry skin: | ||
| In a bowl, mix: | 15 drops Lavender oil | 8 drops Rose oil |
| 3 ounces Coconut oil | 1 ounce Shea Butter | |
| 1 ounce Rosehip OR Vitamin E oil | 1 ounce pure Aloe gel or liquid | |
| Body Moisturizer | ||
|---|---|---|
| In a jar mix: | 2 drops Lemon oil | 2 drops Juniper Berry oil |
| 2 drops Lavender oil | 2 drops Rose oil | |
| 2 drops Mandarin oil | 1 drop Roman Chamomile oil | |
| 1 drops Carrot Seed oil | ||
| Blend then add: | 10 drops Rosehip oil | 5 drops Argan oil |
I have used lavender essential oil for years for insomnia and relaxation. I enjoy the uses and benefits especially the calming effect of lavender. There are great brands at National Nutrition which has been my go-to online shop for remedies of all sorts. This article is super useful.
Hello AL K,
Lavender oil is the most popular essential oil and it definitely helps in getting a more restful nights sleep if you have insomnia. Its smell is pleasant and all of our essential oil brands offer pure and potent oils for your enjoyment. If you enjoyed this article, you'll enjoy our others as well as our essential oil series on youtube.
https://youtu.be/EONKjnTkE5k
Have a healthy day
I love the smell of lavender oil. I find that it is a very relaxing smell and helps to induce a nice sleep.
Hello Lorraine,
Lavender is the most popular essential oil and for good reason, it supports many ailments. It's a great oil to diffuse at nighttime to promote sleep and as part of a good sleep hygiene routine. If you enjoyed this article, you may like our lemon essential oil article. It's an excellent oil to kick start your day and for natural cleaning DIY's.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/essential-oils/lemon-essential-oil/
Stay healthy & well!
I haven't seen such an informative and beneficial article on aromatherapy as I have this one. Learning about the history and purity of the oils and what to look for when shopping as well as all the DIY's, made this article exceed my expectations. Wow!
Hello Danielle,
We are so thrilled that you thoroughly enjoyed our Lavender article. The information is very interesting and it's nice to hear you enjoyed making the DIY's. Oils have so many different benefits, it's great to know how to use them to their full ability.
Be sure to check out our other articles and youtube videos on essential oils too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EONKjnTkE5k
Have a healthy day!
I enjoy using lavender essential oil for sleep, relaxation, headaches and to keep bugs away. Besides, the aroma is amazing. I also use lavender oil in infusions for keeping my home scented. The recipes of combinations in this article are excellent and I will most definitely try some of them. I was not aware of lavender for allergies so this is something I learnt.
Hello Roger,
We're glad you enjoyed the recipes in this article, there are many great ways to blend essential oils and lavender pairs well with many others and has many uses itself. If you enjoy essential oils, be sure to check out our series on our youtube channel to learn more about some of the oils.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EONKjnTkE5k&list=PLFydSZTC8qlbfjY2KHRR9lCDLZNLDd5k5
Have a healthy day!
I love lavender essential oils. It really helps me to unwind and relax when I use my essential oil diffuser. It helps promote better sleep as well.