Lavender
- Laura Van Horn
- Dec 8, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Fragrant Well-Being
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - is the herb I reach for when life gets hectic or my skin needs some extra care. Its familiar scent—like a deep breath for your nerves to melt away stress and anxiety. The name comes from the Latin lavare ("to wash"), a throwback to the Romans tossing it in their baths for that clean, fresh scent. But lavender is not just a pretty smell. It is a workhorse—great for cuts, bites, infections, pain, even headaches. If you have it in your garden or a jar of it in your home apothecary, you are well set.
This herb has been a loved for nearly forever; growing wild around the Mediterranean and popping up in gardens everywhere else. It is in perfumes, lotions, cleaners—you name it. Herbalists love it for both its aromatic qualities as well as its medicinal benefits. Lavender is a champ at easing tension, helping you sleep, settling your stomach, and healing minor skin wounds. It is simple, honest goodness for both physical and mental well-being.
How to use Lavender
Lavender-infused oil boasts a range of benefits; its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties reduce skin itching and redness and calms spasmodic muscles. Additionally, this oil also provides an aromatic impact on the mind, offering relief from stress and anxiety. Whether used in the bath for relaxation or as a favored massage oil, lavender oil is a go-to solution for those seeking relaxation.
Spray
Create a soothing spray by utilizing lavender hydrosol, lavender-infused witch hazel, or lavender-infused aloe. This lavender spray is effective for minor burns, sunburns, and general wounds.
2 oz spritz bottle
45 ml lavender hydrosol
15 ml aloe vera
12 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix all ingredients into the spritz bottle and shake well. Be sure to label it. Shake before each use. Store in the refrigerator and use as an after-sun cooling spray.
Lavender-infused oil is a great option for making an all-purpose salve that accelerates healing for a range of skin issues. Ideal for addressing dry, chapped lips, winter skin, eczema, bug bites, burns, wounds, and more.
Tea
Lavender tea is very soothing and relaxing, especially when blended with chamomile, lemon balm, or hops. Lavender tea can be used to reduce cramps, and improve digestion, or used topically to reduce inflammation of bites and stings. Use 2 tsp of dried lavender, or 1 Tbsp of fresh lavender per 1 cup of hot water. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes for a relaxing cup of tea.
Lavender tincture is a digestive bitter and carminative that aids in digestive health. Its analgesic properties effectively ease tension headaches and migraines when taken promptly. The sedative properties contribute to its use in treating anxiety and depression. Lavender tincture can be used topically for small cuts, burns, or minor skin irritations. Combined with yarrow tincture and used topically, it can be effective at stopping bleeding from minor wounds.
Lavender’s Key Properties
Antiseptic/Antimicrobial
Lavender can be used when cleaning out or healing wounds and it will help prevent an infection. Lavender's diverse properties make it excellent for wounds, infections, and bug bites. Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties promote wound healing, address infected wounds, alleviate pain, dry out damp eczema, reduce acne, and soothe sunburn.
Analgesic
Lavender is effective at alleviating tension headaches and migraines, whether applied directly or used internally. Additionally, lavender is used to relieve excessive inflammation and ease pain in conditions such as kidney stones, post-surgical discomfort, and uterine cramps, as well as reducing pain perception.
Vulnerary
Lavender is an effective wound-healing ally, when applied to a wound, lavender helps stimulate scabbing, reduces redness and inflammation, and promotes healing and new cell growth. Lavender is effective for burn discomfort, providing soothing relief for sunburns and contact burns. It is a great option in general skincare for normalizing oil production, reducing redness, and calming itchy skin.
Anxiolytic/Sedative
Lavender truly shines when your nerves are frayed, or sleep feels miles away. Herbalists have long since leaned on it to quiet anxiety, ease restlessness, and promote restful sleep. Sip a mug of lavender-chamomile-lemon balm tea before bed, tuck a sachet under your pillow, rub some essential oil—diluted in lotion—on your neck and feet, or diffuse it with bergamot and valerian. These are simple moves that work like a charm, settling the storm in your head and ushering in calm when you need it most.
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Aromatherapy
As already alluded to, lavender can be utilized as an herb for its medicinal and culinary applications, but it is also a versatile essential. Its calming aroma enhances baths and massage oils, providing a soothing experience. Lavender sachets, when placed in drawers, offer a gentle natural floral scent and can promote restful sleep when tucked under a pillow. The essential oil proves valuable in room sprays, fostering an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
In addition to its calming reputation, lavender essential oil showcases diverse properties, addressing stress, anxiety, insomnia, providing analgesic effects, anti-inflammatory benefits, and antimicrobial qualities. Furthermore, lavender essential oil is effective in treating minor burns when diluted with aloe gel. Possessing antispasmodic properties, it is a suitable addition to blends targeting pain and muscle spasms. Lavender's versatility extends to skincare, functioning as a cell regenerator, preventing scarring and stretch marks, and addressing various skin conditions.
Why Lavender Works
Lavender’s versatility makes it stand out. Two key compounds—linalool and linalyl acetate—drive its effects. Research shows linalool, a primary component, reduces anxiety by calming the nervous system, while also easing pain and inflammation. Linalyl acetate, another major player, complements it by cutting inflammation, relaxing muscles, fighting infections, and promoting rest. Whether used as an herb or essential oil, lavender delivers. That’s why herbalists and aromatherapists often say, “When in doubt, reach for lavender.”
Safety & Considerations
Lavender’s generally safe per the FDA, but there are caveats. It may affect menstruation, so caution during pregnancy is smart. Essential oil can lower blood pressure—watch that if it applies. Some studies flag it for young boys, though the data is thin and questionable. It is best to avoid ingesting the essential oil without proper guidance. Used right, it’s low-risk and high-reward.
Final Thoughts
Lavender is more than just a pleasant scent—it is a hardworking herb that has earned its place in the kitchen, garden, and medicine cabinet. From calming a frazzled mind to healing a stubborn cut. Safe, simple, and effective, lavender shows that well-being does not need to be fancy; it just needs to work. Keep some on hand—you will most likely love it.
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