Just starting out on your journey to wellness with essential oils? Let me be your trusty guide as we venture into the magical realm of lavender oil. Frequently hailed as the ‘gateway potion’ in the world of essential oils, it’s unassuming yet incredibly powerful and versatile.
The Origin Story
It was a time in my life when stress was incredibly high, and sleep seemed elusive, almost a luxury, and, yes I was very skeptical. Could a simple oil really bring the tranquility and relaxation it promised? Spoiler alert: it did truly help me. Not only for me but also for my worry-prone daughter. We diffuse Sleepyize (made up of Lavender, Geranium, Roman Chamomile, and Bergamot) every night in my daughter’s room, and it helps with winding down after a crazy day.
How to Use Lavender Oil for Better Sleep
One of the most well-known benefits of lavender oil, and what keeps me reaching for it night after night, is its ability to promote a healthy sleep cycle.
And it’s super easy to use. You only need a few drops in your evening bath or diffuser to help promote relaxation. Another way to leverage its sleep-inducing properties is to make a pillow spray (inspired by my stay at Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas). Let me tell you, my stay there was one of the best hotel experiences ever, which I’ll write about in another post, but what really put the icing on the cake was the pillow spray provided by turndown service at night. Seeing as you likely won’t be making a trip to Hotel Emma just for pillow spray anytime soon, you can make your own at home with 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil + distilled water in a small spray bottle! It is what dreams are made of and has become part of our bedtime routine every evening.
Best Lavender Oil Blends to Promote Better Sleep
Below are a few of my favorite blends using lavender to promote relaxation and sleep:
- Serenity Slumber: 6 drops Lavender // 4 drops Bergamot
- Tranquil Orange: 6 drops Lavender // 3 drops Sweet Orange
- Dream Time: 5 drops Lavender // 3 drops of Frankincense // 2 drops Geranium
- Serenity Fusion: 5 drops Lavender // 4 drops Frankincense // 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- Sleepy Eyes Blend: 3 drops Lavender/ 2 drops Geranium // 2 drops Chamomile // 2 drops Bergamot
For additional essential oil sleep blends, see this post.
More Than Just a Sleep Support
But lavender oil is not just a one-trick wonder. It’s a versatile oil whose comforting aroma can also soothe stress, calm the mind, and even enhance skin health. It’s no wonder lavender was my ‘gateway’ oil; its extensive benefits make it an essential part of my daily routine.
Lavender oil has also been found to positively affect hair health. It can help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss when applied to the scalp (and also doubles as a perfume). It can also help improve the overall health and appearance of the hair by reducing dandruff and dryness. Lavender oil is also generally considered safe for most people when used as directed.
If you are new to the world of essential oils and are uncertain about where to start, lavender oil is your fail-safe ticket. It’s dependable, versatile, and smells great by itself! This was the first oil I ever tried and it’s what got me, and many others, hooked on oils.