Lavender is well known for smelling great and having relaxing properties, but it's also one of the most versatile essential oils out there. I never leave the house without a bottle of it in my purse. Here are the most common ways that I use lavender essential oil in my life every day.
1. Aromatherapy For Stress Relief And Relaxation
Lavender is my go-to for when I need to chill out. (Which is often. You could say that I have a hot temper, but I am a fire sign.) If I'm at home I'll put a few drops of lavender in a diffuser and then sit there inhaling. Not only does the aromatherapy help, but the deep breathing is also stress relieving. The stress really does melt away after a minute or two. There's just something calming about lavender that makes us feel like everything will be okay. If I'm out in public, I'll whip out my bottle and just start sniffing it (my mom says that I look like a coke addict when I do this, but I don't care) or I'll apply it to my neck like perfume so that I can smell the lavender throughout the day. As a bonus, lavender is safe to be applied without being diluted by a carrier oil!
2. A Natural Sleep Aid
My favorite way to use lavender for sleep is to diffuse it next to my bed, that way I can experience the benefits throughout the night. My diffuser also works to help humidify my room, which is necessary in the dry Vegas weather. If you don't have a diffuser, you can put some of the lavender on your pillow or rub it on your chest to experience the benefits.
3. Soothe Skin Irritations
Lavender isn't just calming to the mind, it's also calming for your skin. I apply lavender oil to my skin all the time. I have very sensitive skin that can't tolerate chemicals, so I often find myself coming into contact with things that make my skin itchy or bumpy. Since I'm not a fan of looking like a lizard with bumpy skin, I apply lavender oil and it greatly reduces the redness, swelling, and itching. Lavender essential oil can be used to combat a range of skin issues including minor cuts, itchy skin, rashes, dry skin, and even acne!
4. Keep The Kitties And Doggies Calm
Lavender is one of the best essential oils for pets. It calms them just like it calms us. If you're going to be gone for a long period of time, or if another stressor might arise in your pet's environment, try using lavender around your house or spraying a homemade lavender spray on your furniture. The scent will be relaxing to your pets and help to keep them calm through the stress. You can also put some lavender on your own hands and then pet your animal. The essential oil will transfer to their fur, which not only relaxes them but also makes them smell good! Just make sure that you're using a high quality and safe oil!
5. Flavoring For Food
As long as you're using a high quality and pure essential oil, it's fine to use certain essential oils in your food. Get creative with your use of lavender in cooking and baking. It mixes well with citrus. I use lavender in tea, baked goods, and in an awesome lavender coconut chia seed pudding. It mixes really well with lemon and it can help reduce anxiety when taken internally.
