By far one of the most popular and versatile essential oils, lavender essential oil is a powerhouse of healing properties and is great for reducing stress, relieving pain, improving blood circulation, repelling insects, providing relaxation, disinfecting wounds and much more!

Used for centuries, as early as ancient Egypt for mummification, and for cleansing baths during the Roman civilization, lavender oil is just as popular today as it was over 2000+ years ago.

Extracted from the fragrant flowers of the lavender plant, using the process of steam distillation, lavender oil is used in everything from soaps, shampoos and lotions to potpourri, massage oils and air fresheners.

In this post we’ll cover the many amazing benefits of lavender oil and provide helpful tips on how you can benefit from this versatile oil daily!

Lavender Essential oil Benefits

Lavender essential oil has many health benefits including:
Nourishing skin due to its high antioxidant content
Natural anti-inflammatory making it excellent for treating skin conditions
Keeping acne at bay
Reducing stress and anxiety
Inducing sleep
Helping to heal wounds and minor burns
Alleviating pain
Controlling diabetes
Stimulating the brain
Improving blood circulation
Disinfecting the home
Serving as a natural air freshener!

Lavender oil for Skin

Rich in antioxidants, lavender oil is great to add to your daily skincare routine. As a natural antibacterial, research shows that lavender essential oil helps to prevent acne and its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate inflammation caused by acne flare-ups, bug bites, allergic reactions and skin conditions such as eczema.

1.Lavender oil for Glowing Skin

Want smooth, glowing skin? Mixed with a nourishing carrier oil such as argan oil or jojoba oil, lavender essential oil can have amazing benefits for your skin.

How to use lavender oil for glowing skin:

Apply topically: Add 1 drop of lavender oil to a few drops of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil (great for facial skin) and massage gently into the skin.

Sunspot treatment: Combined with frankincense essential oil, lavender oil is great for reducing the appearance of sunspots. Mix 1 drop of lavender oil and 1 drop of frankincense oil to 1/2 tsp of jojoba oil or grapeseed oil and massage gently into affected areas right before bedtime.

Nourishing bath oil: The name lavender comes from the Latin ‘lavare,’ which means ‘to wash’. No wonder lavender baths were so popular in ancient Greece and Rome! A lavender bath will not only help you sleep better and smell great, but its antiseptic, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties are great for your skin. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a hot bath and soak in the goodness!

2.Lavender oil for Acne

Unlike harsh over-the-counter chemical-based acne treatments, natural plant-based oils are a much better and safer alternative. Being a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory lavender oil is great for unclogging pores and reducing inflammation caused by acne, naturally.

Lavender oil also helps to improve circulation which brings nutrients to the skin to accelerate healing.

How to use lavender essential oil for acne:

Soothing facial toner: Add 2 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 tsp of witch hazel. Mix and soak a cotton ball with the blend and apply onto the affected areas. Witch hazel helps to tone the skin and lavender oil acts as an antiseptic killing acne bacteria and reducing irritation and redness.

Spot treatment: For that huge zit that just seemed to pop-up overnight, blend 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 drop of argan oil (an excellent anti-inflammatory) and apply on the pimple directly. Do this twice a day and you should see the pimple drying up in no time. This works great for scars too!

3.Lavender oil for Eczema

Eczema is an uncomfortable skin condition that affects millions of people all over the world.

It is characterized by dry, scaly, itchy skin and can range from being mild to severely chronic, affecting one or more parts of the body.

Essential oils blended with healing carrier oils can do wonders for treating eczema. As a natural antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory lavender oil can help reduce irritation, redness and control eczema symptoms.

How to use lavender oil for eczema:

Healing salve: Combining the antibiotic properties of tea tree or (melaleuca) essential oil, the antiseptic properties of lavender oil and the anti-inflammatory properties of fractionated coconut oil, you can create a powerful healing salve that works wonders to soothe irritated skin and fight eczema naturally. Add 2 drops each of tea tree essential oil and lavender essential oil to 2 tsp. of coconut oil and apply to affected areas daily.

4.Lavender oil for Detoxifying the Skin

Naturally detoxify with lavender oil! We are constantly bombarded with numerous environmental toxins as well as daily stressors that adversely affect our mental and physical well-being. They are especially quite taxing on the skin and can cause premature aging or rough, dull, unhealthy looking skin.

Lavender oil contains natural antioxidants that can help to detoxify and soothe the skin and also calm the mind, reducing stress.

How to use lavender oil to detoxify:

Detoxifying salt bath: While you can add drops of lavender oil to creating a soothing bath, adding in a cup of Epsom salts to a warm bath as you soak in helps in drawing out toxins. Add 1 cup of Epsom salts to your tub as the water runs. Add in 10 drops of lavender oil and swish the water around to disperse evenly. Soak for at least 15-20 minutes.

5.Lavender oil for Lips

Have dry, chapped lips? Hydrate your lips with a nourishing carrier oil blended with lavender oil that helps soothe and protect. Also great to prevent sunburn!

How to use lavender oil for dry lips:

Soothing lip treatment: For an instant lip treatment, mix 2-3 drops of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, avocado oil or argan oil with a drop of lavender oil. Rub onto your lips, especially when going out in the sun.

Luscious lip balm: This lavender lip balm not only smells great but is a an all-natural chemical-free alternative to store bought lip balm — and is super simple to make!

1/2 tbsp. yellow beeswax beads (available online)
1/2 tbsp. coconut oil
3 drops lavender oil
Lip balm tubes or small metal tin
An eye dropper/syringe
In a double boiler slowly melt the beeswax beads and add in the coconut oil until fully melted and blended. Take off heat and stir in essential oil. Pour into lip balm tubes (using eyedropper) or into metal tin immediately (as it will solidify right away). Enjoy!

LAVENDER OIL FOR WOUNDS
Did your child scrape a knee while riding his bike? Head over to your medicine cabinet and grab some lavender oil.

Known for its antibacterial properties, lavender oil has literally been used for centuries for its wound healing properties. There are numerous studies proving lavender oil’s efficacy in accelerating wound healing.

6.Lavender oil for Cuts and Scrapes

Due to the antimicrobial properties of lavender oil, it has shown to speed up the healing of cuts, burns, scrapes and wounds.

A 2016 study showed that lavender essential oil accelerated early wound healing in lab rats by promoting granulation tissue (healing skin tissue) from forming much quicker than the area of wounds not treated by the oil but by a control solution. The study concluded that the “topical application of lavender oil promoted collagen synthesis,” accelerating wound healing.

How to use lavender oil for cuts and scrapes:

Heal cuts and scrapes: Using clean hands, mix 3-4 drops of lavender oil with a few drops of coconut oil or tamanu oil. Tamanu oil is proven to promote cicatrization (wound healing) by stimulating the skin to produce new cells, accelerating healing and skin regeneration. Use a cotton ball to apply the mix to the bruise.

7.Lavender oil for Burns

The major active components of lavender oil such as linalool and linalyl acetate, are known to have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anesthetic (numbing) effects. Lavender oil also contains a small amount of beta-caryophyllene, which adds to its anti-inflammatory effect.

All these properties make it an effective treatment to use for alleviating pain and inflammation from minor burns caused by ironing or cooking.

How to use lavender oil for burns:

Burn salve: Mix 1-3 drops of lavender oil with 1-2 tsp. of a carrier oil such as coconut oil or moringa oil. Mix more or less depending on the size of the burn. Lavender oil helps soothe the burn and serves as an antiseptic. Being a strong anti-inflammatory, moringa oil is excellent for healing minor burns, accelerating healing and reducing scarring. Apply thrice a day until the burn heals.

8.Lavender oil for Sunburn

The best way to protect from sunburn is to prevent it by applying sunscreen, wearing a hat or trying to stay in a shady area. However, if you still find your skin turning red and stinging, lavender essential oil can help.

Being a natural pain-reliever (analgesic), anti-inflammatory, and having rich antioxidant properties, lavender oil helps in combating the symptoms associated with sunburn.

A 2012 study discovered that a blend of lavender oil, geranium oil and aloe vera showed superior results in treating second-degree burns when compared to using silver sulfadiazine, an antibiotic cream.

How to use lavender oil for sunburn:

Chemical-free sunburn spray: In a clean spray bottle add 1/4 cup aloe juice, 2 tbsp. of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, 2 tbsp. of distilled water and 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well and spray onto the area of the sunburn. Repeat 2-3 times a day for soothing relief.

9.Lavender oil for Scars

Due to its ability to support wound healing, lavender essential oil prevents the skin from scarring in the first place. It also improves circulation and promotes the generation of new skin cells, to accelerate healing and reduce the appearance of scars.

How to use lavender oil for scars:

Scar treatment: The best way to prevent scarring for minor scrapes, cuts and burns is to use a mix of lavender oil and carrier oil while the wound is still fresh and apply everyday till the wound heals to prevent infection, speed up healing and prevent scarring. To reduce the appearance of scars, mix 2 drops of lavender oil with 2 drops of black seed oil. Research suggests that black seed oil prevents scar formation and clears blemishes. Repeat twice daily.

LAVENDER OIL FOR HAIR
Lavender oil has shown to be effective in treating hair loss and helping to promote hair growth. As a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, lavender oil also helps in reducing dandruff and supporting scalp health. It also keeps your hair smelling great!

10.Lavender oil for Hair Growth

Research from Scotland reported that sufferers of alopecia (a condition where the body refuses to accept its own hair follicles) causing patchy baldness can be treated using a combination of lavender oil and other essential oils combined with a nourishing carrier oil like emu oil. In fact over 40% of alopecia sufferers demonstrated positive hair growth after applying the blend.

The study concluded that the combination of emu oil along with the “hair growth-stimulating properties of essential oils of Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood it is possible to successfully promote healthy hair growth in humans where the oil treatment is massaged into the scalp once a day for at least three months and is allowed to penetrate the scalp for up to 12 hours.”

How to use lavender oil for hair growth:

Add to your shampoo: Mix 1 drop of lavender oil in your shampoo every time you take a shower to serve as a natural anti-bacterial and keep your hair and scalp clean. Lavender oil also helps to stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.

Hair growth massage oil: Mix 2-3 drops each of lavender oil, cedarwood essential oil and thyme oil in 1 tsp. of emu oil and massage into the scalp daily for a minimum of 3 months. Emu oil contains nourishing Vitamin E and is excellent for promoting hair growth when compared to a hair treatment pharmaceutical drug. Leave overnight for best results.

11.Lavender oil for Scalp Health

Have a dry, itchy scalp? Mixed with a nutrient-rich carrier oil, lavender oil can help keep your scalp clean and healthy. With its powerful antibacterial and antiseptic action, lavender oil helps control and prevent dandruff from occurring.

How to use lavender oil for scalp health:

Dandruff control: Combined with tea tree oil, an amazing proven antifungal and anti-inflammatory, lavender oil can help combat dandruff causing fungus and minimize itching and redness. Simply add 2 drops of tea tree essential oil and 2 drops of lavender oil to a mild shampoo when you wash your hair. Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Hot oil treatment: A hot oil treatment is great for deeper conditioning. The warmth of the oil stimulates the hair follicles to open and absorb the essential oils. Combine 10-15 drops of lavender oil with 1-2 tbsp. of warm coconut oil (an excellent anti-inflammatory). You can also add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to soothe an itchy scalp. Massage your scalp with the blend and wrap a towel around your head. Leave for an hour and wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Repeat weekly.

LAVENDER OIL FOR PAIN
Owing to its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties, research has shown that lavender essential oil is a proven pain-reliever especially when it comes to joint pain relief, headaches and muscular and rheumatic pain.

12.Lavender oil for joint pain and aching muscles

A 2004 randomized control trial showed that acupressure using lavender oil reduced lower back pain by up to 39% and also “improved walking time,” and “spine flexion range.”

In another study of 50 postoperative patients, half were given only oxygen and the other half oxygen supplemented with lavender oil. The study concluded that “patients in the lavender group reported a higher satisfaction rate with pain control than patients in the control group.”

Yet another study proved that lavender oil is an effective natural pain-reliever. In the study conducted on 80 participants, lavender oil massage helped alleviate pain caused by a condition called dysmenorrhea which causes menstrual cramping and lower abdominal pain. The study concluded that, “lavender oil massage decreases primary dysmenorrhea and it can be used as an effective herbal drug.”

How to use lavender oil for pain:

Apply topically: Mix 3-4 drops of lavender oil with 1 tsp. of a carrier oil such as olive oil or moringa oil (a proven anti-inflammatory excellent to relieve arthritic pain). Rub into painful joints twice daily.

Add to your diffuser: Aromatherapy with lavender oil calms and relaxes the nerves and muscles improving circulation and relieving body aches.

Hot compress treatment: For pain relief from muscular injuries and minor sprains, fill a bowl with hot water and add in a few drops of lavender oil. Soak a towel, wring out the water and use it as a hot compress on the affected area.

13.Lavender oil for headaches and migraines

If you suffer from occasional headaches, or worse, migraines — lavender oil can help. In fact, lavender essential oil has shown to significantly reduce pain in migraine sufferers who inhaled the oil for fifteen minutes. The study concluded with astounding results, stating that “from 129 headache attacks in cases, 92 responded entirely or partially to lavender.”

Lavender oil works so well as it not only serves as a pain-reliever due to its analgesic properties but also as a sedating agent and relaxant, that calms the nerves to relieve tension.

How to use lavender oil for headaches and migraines:

Headache rub: Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil and 2 drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil such as olive oil. Peppermint oil has shown to provide a “significant analgesic effect with a reduction in sensitivity to headache.” Massage the blend into your temples, behind the neck and behind the ears for soothing pain relief.

LAVENDER OIL FOR MENTAL WELL BEING
Attributing to its wonderfully calming aroma and medicinal properties, inhaling lavender oil has shown to positively affect the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, calm headaches, reduce depression and fatigue, and increase general mental well being.

14.Lavender oil for stress and anxiety

Feeling tired and stressed out? The refreshing aromatic scent of lavender oil might just be enough to calm the nerves when you’re feeling over-stressed, or just want to unwind after a long day at work.

In fact, a 2014 study reported that a lavender oil preparation known as Silexan surpassed a placebo or the prescription drug paroxetine, when treating GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). The study further concluded that, “Silexan showed a pronounced antidepressant effect and improved general mental health and health-related quality of life.”

How to use lavender essential oil for stress and anxiety:

Inhale directly: Feeling stressed and agitated? Inhale lavender oil right out of the bottle to immediately relax and calm the mind. You can also rub some oil into your palms and cup them over your face and take long breaths. A neat idea is to keep a bottle on your desk at work and use as needed.

Apply topically: If you feel a tension headache coming on, rub 1-2 drops of lavender oil with a few drops of jojoba oil into your temples, behind the ears, and on your wrists.

Diffuse in the air: Alleviate stress and induce sleep by diffusing lavender oil to wind down. Great to let the oil diffuse as you sleep for a good night’s rest.

15.Lavender oil for depression

Lavender has been used to relax and calm since the ancient Romans. Today, research has documented that lavender can help fight the symptoms of anxiety as well as insomnia and depression.

In a 2012 study, postpartum woman with postnatal depression were administered aromatherapy using lavender oil for two months. The study concluded by reporting a significant reduction in postnatal depression and suggesting the aromatherapy protocol as being an effective mode of treatment and “complementary therapy in both anxiety and depression.”

In another study, daily use of a lavender oil supplement helped reduce depression by 32.7% in 47 patients with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The therapy also helped improve mood and sleep quality.

How to use lavender oil for depression:

Apply topically: Rub a few drops of lavender oil on your temples and behind the ears to increase focus, calm and reduce depressive thoughts.

Diffuse: Place a diffuser where you sleep and diffuse the oil right before you go to bed. Sleep quality is often affected by depression, so lavender oil will help to calm and relax and improve sleep, leading to a better day when you wake up rested in the morning.

Inhale directly: Feeling low and agitated? When you need a quick perk me up, inhale lavender essential oil directly from the bottle to relax and feel less irritable.

16.Lavender oil for brain health

Recent research has shown that lavender oil does more than just improve the mood and beat stress and anxiety — it can actually help to promote brain function.

Aromatherapy via lavender oil has shown to improve cognition by helping the brain alleviate oxidative stress in lab rats, which makes it a promising natural alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The 2017 study concluded by stating that lavender oil with its active component, linalool, “may have the potential to be developed as the drug for preventing or improving cognitive deficits” in Alzheimer’s disease.

How to use lavender oil for brain health:

Diffuse in the air: To support brain health and promote overall nervous system well being, simply diffuse lavender oil in your surroundings to reap the medicinal benefits of the oil.

17.Lavender oil for sleep

Why rely on addictive sleeping pills, when you can use an all-natural alternative like lavender oil?

Lavender oil is proven to calm, sedate and induce sleep. Studies on elderly patients have shown that lavender oil provides a “sedative effect” helping to promote improved sleep in ill elderly participants. The results of the study demonstrated “a positive trend towards improvement with lavender.”

In another study postpartum women were divided into two groups. The group inhaling lavender oil 4 times a week for 2 months reported a considerable improvement in their sleep quality.

Unlike over-the-counter or pharmaceutical drugs that can have adverse side effects, lavender oil can be a much better and safer alternative to improve sleep quality and duration.

How to use lavender oil for sleep:

Apply topically: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as grapeseed oil or jojoba oil and rub onto your temples, front and back of the neck, wrists and behind the ears. Also rub some into the soles of your feet for fastest absorption in the bloodstream for full body relaxation and restful sleep.

Diffuse in the air: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your diffuser just before going to bed to calm and relax the body and mind and enhance sleep quality.

Soothing warm bath: A warm bath with lavender could just be what you need to completely and fully relax. Adding a cup of Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender oil in a warm bath can help the body detoxify, improve circulation and set the mood for a full night of snooze.

LAVENDER OIL FOR INSECTS
Lavender oil not only has the power to repel insects such as mosquitoes and moths but is also great for reducing irritation, itching and swelling associated with insect bites.

18.Lavender oil to repel mosquitoes

Lavender has a potent aroma that can help to ward off mosquitoes. If you notice the ingredients of some commercially available mosquito repellents you’ll find that they contain lavender oil.

How to use lavender oil to repel mosquitoes:

Mosquito repellent candle: To make a quick but effective mosquito repellent, add 6-7 drops of lavender oil to a candle and place outdoors (on the patio) to repel mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellent spray: In an 8 oz. spray bottle of water add 4 drops of lavender oil and shake well. Spray lightly onto your skin and clothes before heading outdoors to keep mosquitoes at bay.

19.Lavender oil to soothe insect bites

Due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties lavender oil is great for preventing infection, reducing redness and numbing pain caused by insect bites.

How to use lavender oil for insect bites:

Apply topically: Mix 1-2 drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply directly on the affected areas at least twice a day. For stinging pain add a drop of peppermint oil to numb the pain.

LAVENDER OIL FOR THE HOME
Imagine the aromatic scent of lavender wafting through your home every time you clean! Being a natural antimicrobial, lavender oil not only packs some powerful cleaning action, but serves as a natural air-freshener — without all those harmful chemicals.

20.Lavender oil for cleaning

From general house cleaning to scenting your soap, lavender oil is quite versatile to use around the house. Unlike commercially available cleaning products, you also don’t have to worry about safety issues and dealing with toxic ingredients day in and day out.

How to use lavender oil for cleaning:

Natural disinfectant: Combined with a natural cleaning agent such as white vinegar, lavender oil takes your surface spray to a whole new level. In a 16 oz. spray bottle add 1 1/2 cups of hot water and 1/2 a cup of white vinegar. Add in 15 drops of lavender oil. Spray to clean countertops and sinks. Makes a great stove cleaner too!

Add to your detergent: Want your laundry to smell super fresh and clean and kill germs? Simply add a few drops of lavender oil to the wash cycle.

Add to your dryer: Wool dryer balls are a great way to naturally fluff fabric, lessen drying time and reduce static. Naturally deodorize, and make your laundry smell great by adding a drop of lavender oil to each ball before popping it in the dryer.

Chemical-free air freshener: Due to its sweet, gently aroma, lavender oil blends well with many different essential oils. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your diffuser to naturally deodorize and purify the air. You can also add 2-3 drops of lime oil and grapefruit oil for a citrusy twist. Or add 2-3 drops of cedarwood oil for a deep, woodsy scent. Adding 3-4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with lavender oil is great if you’re feeling under the weather (also great for flu season!).

21.Lavender oil perfume

Want to smell great without using an alcohol or chemical-based perfume? Lavender oil imparts an amazing scent and makes an excellent natural perfume.

How to use lavender oil as a perfume:

Apply topically: Being a gentle oil you can apply a drop of lavender oil directly to your wrists and also rub into your neck area. For a subtler scent or if you have sensitive skin, mix the oil with 1-2 drops of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and then apply.

Add to your shampoo: Add 1-2 drops of lavender oil to a mild shampoo every time you shower for beautiful looking and smelling hair!

LAVENDER OIL FOR HEALTH AND WELL BEING
Research has shown that lavender oil is good for preventing and treating a variety of different health issues. It can help restore hormonal balance, boost circulation, treat respiratory problems, and even help to cope with cancer.

22.Lavender oil for respiratory issues

Lavender oil helps treat a wide variety of respiratory disorders including cold and cough, sinus congestion, throat infections and more. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, inhaling lavender oil can help loosen phlegm and provide soothing relief.

How to use lavender oil for respiratory issues:

Cold and congestion: Have a stuffy nose? Add hot water to a large bowl and add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil and 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory). Cover your head with a towel to trap the steam in and breathe deeply!

Soothing balm: To relieve chest congestion simply add 2 drops of lavender oil and 2 drops of peppermint oil to a tsp. of carrier oil such as olive oil and rub on the neck, chest, back and under the soles of the feet.

23.Lavender oil for cancer

Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy to deal with the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment. Research states that lavender oil “is found to be beneficial in reducing the distress in cancer patients.”

A 2012 study documented that inhaling essential oils, especially lavender oil, can help cancer patients cope with symptoms and also manage side effects of treatment which include nausea, pain, feeling low and depressed, and stress. Aromatherapy using lavender oil helped patients with malignant brain tumors feel “more relaxed” and “less tense.”

In another study, 20–30 minute aromatherapy massage sessions with lavender oil helped alleviate pain and also demonstrated a “noticeable reduction in swelling” in breast cancer patients.

How to use lavender oil for cancer treatment:

Diffuse in the air: To deal with stress and anxiety usually prior to or after chemotherapy sessions, diffusing lavender oil can be very helpful in relaxing the body and mind. You can also take a deep sniff directly from the bottle just before treatment.

Relieve nausea: Research has shown that lavender oil can help relieve feelings of nausea and motion sickness. Rub some oil behind your ears and under your navel. You can also inhale lavender oil directly from the bottle or rub a few drops between your palms and cup your face as needed.

Apply topically: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil and massage into areas that are causing joint and body pain. Rub into your temples and behind the neck to relieve headaches, nausea and induce relaxation.

24.Lavender oil for blood circulation

A 2008 study documented that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil improved relaxation and coronary circulation in thirty young and healthy male participants. Lavender oil can also help lower blood pressure and is great for people who suffer from hypertension.

Inhaling lavender oil or aromatherapy massage using lavender essential oil can prove to be a beneficial complementary therapy for improving overall blood circulation.

25.Lavender oil for diabetes

Can lavender essential oil help to treat diabetes naturally? Well, a 2014 study set out to explore just that.

In a fifteen day study conducted on lab rats, researchers observed that lavender oil “significantly protected against the increase of blood glucose” and also helped to reduce oxidative stress attributed directly to lavender oil’s “potent antioxidant properties.”

Although additional research is necessary to completely understand how lavender oil can possibly be used to prevent or perhaps even reverse diabetes symptoms, this study is a promising example proving how natural treatments like essential oils can be used to combat major diseases.

Diffusing lavender oil in the home, applying it topically or supplementing with it may help control diabetes symptoms.

HOW TO BUY ESSENTIAL OILS

When buying essential oils make sure the bottle says 100% pure essential oil, and has the proper name of the species mentioned on the label of the bottle.

If you see the word ‘fragrance’ it almost always means there are other additives.

Ideally it’s always best to buy essential oils that are labeled as “Therapeutic grade,” meaning they are free of toxins and chemicals and are unfiltered and undiluted.

Also beware of genetically modified ingredients and choose Non GMO essential oils.

SIDE EFFECTS AND WARNINGS

Essential oils are natural but powerful. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to any oil so it’s always best to try a little by doing a small skin patch test on your arm or leg (never your face or neck) to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

If you’re pregnant or nursing, or on any kind of medication please check with your doctor before using essential oils.