Did you know it can take 30 lbs of lavender to produce one 15 ml bottle of lavender essential oil? That little bottle you hold in your hand is packed full of the precious lavender plant, along with the wide range of benefits it provides. Lavender might be one of the most versatile essential oils available, with diverse uses ranging from home to health to culinary. That’s right, you can even use it in your food recipes!
Natural Lavender Oil For Your Household
There are countless lavender oil uses and benefits, but it is most well known for its calming qualities. Among some of the oil’s most useful properties are:
- Analgesic: pain relief
- Anticoagulant: prevents blood clots
- Antidepressant
- Sedative
- Antimicrobial
- Antiseptic
- Anti-inflammatory
Lavender is one of what I like to call the “gateway oils”. Meaning, once you experience the positive effects on both the mind and body, you will become an emphatic user – instantly! Furthermore, lavender is one of the the less intimidating products for new “oilers.” Simply put, if you’re looking to explore the world of essential oils, lavender is a great place to start.
So without further ado, let’s talk about some of its many uses.
Uses For and Around Your Home
Let’s start with some simple home remedies. Using lavender you can make a delightful carpet powder by mixing baking soda, borax and 5-12 drops of lavender oil. Sprinkle on carpets and let sit about 15 minutes prior to vacuuming. This is especially helpful if you have pet odor issues in your household.
Freshen your fabric with a spritz of water and lavender oil. Use when you change sheets or for a mid-week freshener. It works great on clothing as well.
Give your hardwood floors a facelift. Harsh chemical cleaners can harm beautiful natural wood flooring. Add a few drops lavender oil to water and a bit of mild detergent. Believe me, your floors will thank you.
Disinfect bathrooms with lavender. Mix your own natural cleaner and add lavender to enjoy its microbial benefits. There are dozens of wonderful green cleaning recipes to be found online. For example:
- One teaspoon of borax
- Two tablespoons of vinegar
- 12 drops of lavender oil
- One teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of lavender castille soap
Mix borax and vinegar in 16 ounce bottle. Fill 3/4 full with water and shake. Add soap, oil, and lemon juice. Shake and use!
Uses For Your Health
You can even treat burns with lavender. Minor burns where only the first layer of skin is damaged can be soothed using lavender oil. Sunburns can also be treated using lavender oil.
It can also treat earaches. Just dab a bit behind or on the ears to experience relief. Note: Earaches are often the result of an infection. And while using essential oils are not always an exclusive solution to this problem, they are the perfect adjunct to other treatments.
Lavender has natural anti fungal properties as well, so if you suffer from fungal infections try using lavender essential oils to remedy and control these infections.
No one likes the feeling of cold sores of the mouth. Dilute just 1 drop of this natural oil with fractionated coconut oil. Then apply.
Kick dandruff with an all organic solution! Did you know most dandruff results from a PH imbalance and/or fungal infection? Add a drop or two to your usual shampoo application.
It can even be used to help with hair growth!
Whole Body Wellness
Lavender is well-known for its calming and sedative properties, and it’s one of the more popular uses. Lavender can assist in depression, anxiety, focus, insomnia, and other psychological matters. Diffusing this oil can be especially useful for creating a calm mood at home, at work, or even in the car. It can be great in a bubble bath after a long, hard day. Applying topically before bedtime can make for a restful sleep.
Cooking With Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is quite versatile and can complement savory or sweet dishes. It is a food grade essential oil that works wonders in the kitchen (note: always read the brand label before applying). From sauces to meat dishes, to teas, lavender essential oil recipes abound. Add unique flavor to your family favorites. Here are a couple ideas:
- Honey lavender ice cream
- Potatoes roasted with lavender
- Lemon and lavender coated chicken
- Pink lemonade lavender sorbet
- And more!
Pure Therapeutic Grade (PTG)
Remember, in order to enjoy the full benefits of essential oils, be sure you can purchasing from a reputable and safe source. Many varieties offered at your local health food store are not certified pure therapeutic grade and are not safe for consumption or direct application on skin. All oils receive this rating standard. Don’t cut corners with less expensive oils!
