What is Lavender Oil?
Lavender essential oil is a soft, floral oil steam distilled from the flowering buds of true lavender, and it's the most popular oil for relaxing diffuser blends and DIY body care. There are multiple varieties of lavender in the Lavandula genus, which is part of the same plant family as mint. To make our lavender oil, we use the Lavandula angustifolia species, which was formerly known as Lavandula officinalis. This is also called true lavender or common lavender and grows throughout the Mediterranean. Other varieties have been documented to have grown in Ancient Greece and Rome.
The flower has historically been used for perfumes for over 2,500 years. In the first century AD, Greek naturalist Dioscorides wrote about lavender in his famous guide to plants. Ancient Romans would bathe with lavender oils and the English name for lavender actually comes from the Latin verb lavare, which means “to wash.” In more modern times, the plant has many culinary uses and is a part of the blend herbes de provence, which includes dried herbs typical in the south of France.
To extract our lavender essential oil, we use a process called steam distillation. This involves placing the flowering buds of the lavender plant into a vat and introducing steam. The heat vaporizes the essential oils in the flowers. We then distill this back into a liquid, separate the oils from water, and purify them.
Complementary Scents
For a sweet and floral scent, try pairing lavender with rose. It also goes well with citrus oils including lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Combining lavender with frankincense or clary sage allows you to take advantage of the spiritual properties that these oils possess.
Primary Benefits
Perhaps the most well-known benefit of lavender oil is its calming scent. This aroma is used in many products that are intended to help you relax and unwind. Whether you use it as a massage oil, add it to a bath, or diffuse the oil in your home or office, it’s easy to create a soothing atmosphere. Adding other oils allows you to create a blend that is most calming for you.
Lavender essential oil is also an excellent choice to add to your skin care routine. It adds a soft floral scent to homemade lotions and body oils. Make sure to dilute with a carrier oil before any application and to use a lower concentration if you use the oil on your face.
How to Use Lavender Essential Oil
To diffuse lavender oil, simply add a few drops to your diffuser and follow any instructions for your specific model’s operation. Be careful not to add too much as this can lead to an overpowering scent. We also recommend limiting your diffusion time to avoid overexposure.
When applying our lavender essential oil topically, always dilute it with a carrier oil first. Jojoba, coconut, and olive oil are all excellent options. We recommend using three drops per teaspoon of the carrier oil for standard application and three drops in four teaspoons when using the oil on your face. You may need to adjust this depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
Lavender Oil FAQs
What is lavender oil used for?
Lavender is most often diffused to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere, especially in the evening. Diluted, it is also a favorite in massage oils and DIY lotions.
Can you diffuse lavender oil at night?
Yes. Many people diffuse a few drops of lavender in the bedroom as part of a wind-down routine. Follow your diffuser instructions and run it for limited periods rather than all night.
What does lavender oil smell like?
Lavender smells soft, floral, and slightly sweet with a light herbal note. True lavender is smoother and less camphorous than lavandin, its sharper cousin.
What blends well with lavender oil?
Lavender pairs well with almost everything. Try it with bergamot or orange for a bright blend, or with frankincense and clary sage for a calming one.
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