Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular herb known for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Lavender essential oil, including that produced by doTERRA, is derived from the lavender plant.
History
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Ancient Use: Lavender has a long history of use dating back to ancient civilizations. It is believed to have been used by the Egyptians for mummification and as a perfume. The Romans also valued lavender for its scent and medicinal properties.
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Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, lavender was used in Europe for various purposes, including as a strewing herb to mask odors and to ward off illness.
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19th Century: Lavender gained popularity in the 19th century as a remedy for various ailments, and it was commonly used to treat head tension, anxious feelings, and as a cleanser.
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Modern Aromatherapy: Lavender essential oil is widely used in modern aromatherapy for its calming and soothing properties. It is also used in skincare products, massage oils, and as a fragrance in perfumes and candles.
Plant Description
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Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia is the botanical name for true lavender, also known as English lavender or common lavender. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family.
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Appearance: Lavender is a small, woody shrub that typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm). It has narrow, gray-green leaves covered in fine hairs.
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Flowers: The most distinctive feature of lavender is its fragrant, spike-like clusters of flowers. These flowers are usually purple-blue in color, although some varieties may produce pink or white flowers. They have a sweet, floral scent.
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Fragrance: The fragrance of lavender is widely appreciated and is often described as sweet, floral, and herbaceous. It is this aroma that makes lavender essential oil highly sought after.
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Growing Conditions: Lavender thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and prefers full sun. It is drought-tolerant and does well in Mediterranean climates. It is cultivated in various regions around the world, including France, Bulgaria, and the United States.
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Harvesting: Lavender flowers are typically harvested when they are in full bloom, usually in the summer. The flowers are then distilled to extract lavender essential oil.
Lavender essential oil, such as that produced by doTERRA, is valued for its versatility and is used for a wide range of purposes, including aromatherapy, massage, and skincare. It is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties and is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Take a Closer Look
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Powdery, Floral, Light
BOTANICAL FAMILY
Laiatae (mint)
PLANT PART
Flower
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
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Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
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Topical Use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
RECOMMENDED USES
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Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet at bedtime.
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Keep a bottle of Lavender on hand to soothe occasional skin irritations.
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Freshen your linen closet, mattress, car, or the air by combining Lavender with water in a spray bottle.
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Take internally to reduce anxious feelings.
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Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts.
BENEFITS
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Aches & Tension: Lavender oil has soothing properties that can help alleviate head tension, muscle- & Join aches when applied topically.
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: Lavender helps promote a healthy inflammatory response.
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Skin Care: Lavender oil is effective in treating minor burns, irritations, and blemishes. Its positive properties can help cleanse and promote the healing of damaged skin.
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Blemish Treatment: Lavender helps treat mild acne when applied topically.
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Hair Care: Lavender oil can be used in hair care products or as a scalp treatment to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff.
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Respiratory Health: Inhaling lavender oil may help relieve symptoms of respiratory concerns.
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Sleep Aid: lavender's ability to promote relaxation can indirectly improve sleep quality by calming the mind and body.
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Blood Circulation: Lavender oil may help improve blood circulation when massaged onto the skin, which can be beneficial for overall cardiovascular health.
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Digestive Aid: Lavender oil can be used to ease digestive discomfort and reduce symptoms like indigestion and bloating.
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Tension: When used in conjunction with other therapies, such as massage or hot/cold packs, lavender oil can help manage discomfort from head and neck tension.
CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
10 ways to use lavender oil
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Lavender Linen Spray: Create a DIY linen spray by mixing lavender oil with water in a spray bottle. Spritz it on your pillows and bedding to promote relaxation and improve sleep.
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Natural Insect Repellent: Mix lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to your skin to help repel mosquitoes and other insects. You can also add a few drops to candles or diffusers to deter bugs indoors.
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DIY Cleaning Products: Add lavender oil to your homemade cleaning solutions to impart a pleasant scent while providing natural cleansing properties.
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Laundry Freshener: Add a few drops of lavender oil to a damp washcloth or a dryer ball and toss it in with your laundry for fresh-smelling clothes.
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Scented Candles: Create your own scented candles by adding lavender oil to melted soy or beeswax. This adds a soothing aroma to your home.
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Calming Bath Soak: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with Epsom salt and add it to your bathwater for a relaxing and muscle-soothing soak.
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DIY Hand Sanitizer: Make a natural hand sanitizer by mixing lavender oil with aloe vera gel and rubbing alcohol or witch hazel for a fragrant and sanitizing solution.
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Aromatherapy Jewelry: Place a drop or two of lavender oil on a diffuser bracelet or necklace made of porous materials like lava beads. Enjoy the calming aroma throughout the day.
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Homemade Potpourri: Create your own potpourri by mixing dried flowers, herbs, and a few drops of lavender oil in a bowl. Display it in your home for a fragrant and decorative touch.
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Flavor Enhancer: Lavender oil can be used sparingly in cooking and baking to add a unique floral flavor to dishes. It works well in recipes like lavender-infused honey, lavender lemonade, or lavender cookies.
diy recipes with lavender oil
1. Lavender-Infused Bath Salts
Purpose: Relaxation and Muscle Relief
Ingredients:
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1 cup Epsom salt
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1/2 cup sea salt
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10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
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5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
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5 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
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Dried lavender buds (optional, for added fragrance and aesthetics)
Instructions:
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In a bowl, combine the Epsom salt and sea salt.
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Add the Lavender, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus Essential Oils to the salt mixture. Stir well to distribute the oils evenly.
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If desired, mix in a small amount of dried lavender buds for extra fragrance.
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Store the mixture in an airtight container.
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To use, add a few tablespoons to a warm bath and soak for relaxation and muscle relief.
2. Lavender and Lemon Infused Homemade Cleaning Spray
Purpose: Natural Cleaning and Fresh Scent
Ingredients:
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1 cup distilled water
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1 cup white vinegar
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20 drops Lavender Essential Oil
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10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions:
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In a spray bottle, combine the distilled water and white vinegar.
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Add the Lavender and Lemon Essential Oils to the mixture.
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Shake the bottle well to combine.
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Use this DIY cleaning spray on countertops, glass, and surfaces for a natural, fresh-smelling clean.
3. Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Facial Toner
Purpose: Skin Care and Blemish Control
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup witch hazel
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2 tablespoons rose water
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5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
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5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions:
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In a clean bottle, combine the witch hazel and rose water.
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Add the Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils to the mixture.
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Shake well to blend the ingredients.
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After cleansing your face, apply this toner to help balance the skin's pH, control blemishes, and provide a refreshing sensation.
4. Lavender and Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Purpose: Hair Nourishment and Relaxation
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons coconut oil (warmed until liquid)
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5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
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5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
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Shower cap or towel
Instructions:
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In a small bowl, combine the warmed coconut oil with the Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils. Mix thoroughly.
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Apply the mixture to dry or damp hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends.
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Massage your scalp for a few minutes to promote relaxation and stimulate blood circulation.
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Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and leave the mask on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deep conditioning.
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Rinse and shampoo as usual for soft, nourished, and fragrant hair.
5. Lavender and Cedarwood Essential Oil Sleep Sachets
Purpose: Aromatherapy for Better Sleep
Ingredients:
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Small muslin bags or sachet pouches
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Dried lavender buds
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Dried cedarwood chips or shavings
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5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
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3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix dried lavender buds and dried cedarwood chips in equal parts.
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Add the Lavender and Cedarwood Essential Oils to the mixture and stir well.
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Fill each muslin bag or sachet pouch with the scented mixture.
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Place the sachets under your pillow or in your linen closet to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. You can also hang them in your bedroom for a soothing aroma.
essential emotions & spirituality
Lavender - The Oil of Communication
Lavender helps you to express yourself verbally. It calms insecurities and self-doubt, when wanting to voice your true thoughts and feelings. It addresses deep fears of being seen and heard, and helps to stop hiding within, blocking all forms of true self-expression.
Emotional Benefits
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Stress Reduction: Lavender oil is well-known for its calming properties, helping to reduce stress and anxious levels. Inhaling its aroma can promote relaxation and a sense of tranquility.
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Mood Elevation: The soothing scent of lavender can help elevate mood, making it beneficial for those experiencing feelings of sadness or mood swings.
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Improved Sleep: Lavender oil is often used to improve sleep quality by promoting a restful and peaceful night's sleep. It can help alleviate insomnia and promote relaxation before bedtime.
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Emotional Balance: Lavender essential oil may help regulate emotions, providing a sense of emotional stability and reducing irritability or restlessness.
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Confidence Boost: Some individuals find that lavender's calming aroma can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, helping them face challenges with a more positive mindset.
Spiritual Benefits
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Spiritual Purification: Lavender has a long history of use in spiritual practices for purifying spaces and promoting a sense of spiritual cleanliness.
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Meditation Aid: The calming and grounding properties of lavender can enhance meditation and mindfulness practices, helping individuals connect with their inner selves and find inner peace.
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Enhanced Intuition: Lavender is associated with enhancing intuitive abilities and insight, making it a popular choice for those seeking spiritual guidance and self-discovery.
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Protection: Lavender is believed to have protective qualities, and it's often used in spiritual rituals or as an essential oil for anointing objects, such as crystals or talismans, to enhance their protective properties.
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