Lavender Oil: What It Is and How It Is Used
About lavender oil
Lavender oil is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant, mainly by steam distillation. Lavender flowers have been used for centuries in potpourri and perfumery, and the oil is widely used in aromatherapy and scented products. The plant name comes from the Latin lavare, meaning "to wash", and the scent has long been associated with clean linen and bathing.
How people use lavender oil
Scent at home: a few drops in a diffuser, or lavender in candles and room sprays.
Linen and wardrobes: dried lavender bags or a lightly scented linen spray are traditional ways to freshen drawers and bedding.
Bath and body products: lavender is a common fragrance in soaps, lotions and bath products.
Massage oil: essential oil is always diluted in a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond, before touching skin.
Perfumery: lavender is one of the most widely used natural fragrance ingredients.
What about health claims?
You will see lavender oil described online as a remedy for many conditions. Lavender oil is not a medicine, and we do not make health claims for it. Research is ongoing and not conclusive, and essential oils should not replace advice or treatment from a doctor. If you have a health or skin condition, or you take medication, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using essential oils.
Choosing and storing lavender oil
Check the label for the plant name (for example Lavandula angustifolia) and the country of origin.
Look for a product that is pure essential oil rather than fragrance oil, if that is what you want.
Store it in a dark glass bottle, away from heat and direct sunlight, with the lid tightly closed.
Essential oils lose their scent over time, so replace an old bottle if the smell has changed.
Safety notes
Never swallow essential oil.
Always dilute it before applying to skin, and patch test first. Some people react to lavender oil with irritation or an allergic reaction.
Avoid broken skin and keep oils away from eyes.
Strong scent can cause headaches in some people. Stop using it if you feel unwell.
Check with a doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a health condition.
Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
If you simply like the scent, our lavender oil, lavender bags and lavender soap are there for that.