If you've never used lavender essential oil before, it's about to become your new best friend. Not only does it smell wonderful, but it also contains calming and medicinal properties that can be used for a number of different purposes. Apply the versatile product as a topical ointment, melt away stress [1] with aromatherapy, and so much more. See all the ways it can benefit you ahead.
Induce Sleep
The relaxing scent of lavender oil can help prepare you for a good night's sleep. Dilute it with a bit of distilled water in a spray bottle and spray onto your sheets and pillows, or rub a little oil directly onto your palms and smooth it over your pillow.
Relieve Pain
Soothe sore muscles by rubbing lavender oil directly onto the area, or alleviate headaches by rubbing some into your temples. (Make sure your oil is 100 percent lavender, and test an area on your body first.) Minor cuts and wounds can also benefit from a topical treatment.
Freshen Your Bathroom
Drip a few drops of oil on the inside of a toilet paper tube [3] for a lasting, pleasant scent throughout your bathroom.
Relieve Stress
Add a few drops to your bath for a calming soak or into your oil burner to allow your whole home to fill up with lavender. For those extrastressful days, try steam inhalation [4] by adding some drops to a bowl of hot water and covering your head with a towel.
Get Rid of Dandruff
Lavender also has antifungal properties that can help treat dandruff. Add it to apple cider vinegar for a soothing rinse [5], or combine it with other essential oils to create a preshampoo treatment.
Repel Bugs and Mosquitoes
Ward off pests [6] by adding 30 to 40 drops of lavender oil into a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Spray the solution over your body and bed before you sleep, and wake up bite-free.
Deodorize
Make your laundry smell fresh and clean by adding 12 to 15 drops to your laundry detergent [7] or to a wash cloth that you can throw into the dryer.
Fight Bacteria
Create an antibacterial spray [8] that you can use to clean around the home, or put together a spray to refresh your yoga mat after use [9].
Treat Acne and Eczema
Lavender oil is said to be effective in healing blemishes [10], scars, acne, and irritated skin. To aid with acne, dilute the oil and apply to your skin, or add it to a bath for an all-body soak.