Love Lavender? Here Are 20 Ways To Use It

Heather Dessinger

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lavender essential oil uses

We may not sprinkle lavender buds between our sheets as was common in the 16th century, but this fresh, sweet-smelling herb is still used for bathing, laundry, natural remedies and more – and for good reason. More than just a pretty scent, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)) is the source of one of the most gentle, versatile essential oils we know of.

It’s often called the “Swiss Army Knife of Oils” because it’s so widely used in skincare and natural remedies, for emotional balance, and for immune support. If you’ve ever purchased a bottle and wondered what to do with it, here are some ideas I think you’ll love:

1. Sea Salt Lavender Scrub

Rejuvenate tired, dry skin with a blend of 1/2 cup sea salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil. Scoop a tablespoon of the scrub into damp hands and rub them together. Apply to body and scrub in a circular motion until most of the crystals dissolve, focusing on rough areas such as elbows, knees, and heels. Rinse and repeat if desired. Follow with moisturizer.

vapor rub recipe homemade a

2. Vapor Rub

Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils are often used in vapor rubs because they contain a high percentage of monoterpenes – a component believed to support respiratory function. Unfortunately, they also contain 1.8 cineole, which can causing breathing difficulties in young children.

Although it’s not well known, lavender is another essential that contains a high percentage of monoterpenes, making it a great alternative for use with children in homemade vapor rub.

3. Muscle Tightness

Put lavender essential oil in a lotion or homemade massage oil to relax muscles. A 2% dilution is recommended for general soreness. Click here for a guide to diluting essential oils.

salt sock home remedy for ear infections

4. Soothing Lavender Salt Sock For Earaches

According to the lead author of the new AAP guidelines for diagnosing ear infections, the medical community has contributed to the over-diagnosis of ear infections. Since even a true ear infection is more likely to be viral in nature than bacterial, research suggests that the common use of antibiotics may actually increase a child’s risk of recurrent ear infections.

The AAP now recommends a “wait and see” approach for uncomplicated earaches along with comfort measures. I tried this salt sock remedy recommended by Lillian Beard, M.D. with one of my littles a few months ago and it was very helpful. As mentioned in the post, you can add a few drops of lavender to the sock if desired.

5. Soothe A Sunburn

For minor sunburns, add 6-12 drops of lavender essential oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and apply to area. Another option is to add 25 -30 drops to 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and stir well, then add 1/4 cup water and spritz on skin. When you don’t have lavender on hand, here are some more sunburn remedies I’ve collected from doctors and respected herbalists. Most use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

linen spray recipe

6. Linen Spray

Make drifting off to sleep so much sweeter with a relaxing linen spray. Mix 30 drops lavender oil with 3 tablespoons vodka and stir. Add 3 tablespoons water and pour mixture into a 4 ounce spray bottle. Children love to spray their own pillows. If you want a scent with a little more complexity, try this “fresh laundry” scented air freshener and linen spray.

7. Create A Calming Environment

Diffuse about 10 drops for half an hour to calm body and mind.

how to make hand sanitizer

8. Hand Cleansing Gel

When soap and water are not an option, I use this super easy hand cleansing gel instead of conventional sanitizer. It’s adapted from a recipe found in Treatment Alternatives For Children, which was written by holistic pediatrician Lawrence Rosen, MD.

9. Make Massage Oil

Grapeseed oil absorbs quickly, making it perfect for this use.

To Make: Combine ingredients in a container.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight.

homemade deodorant

10. Deodorant

Summer-tested, husband approved. Lavender and tea tree are the oils I use most often in this homemade deodorant, which  is easy to make and WORKS! My husband calls it “Man Stink Killing Deodorant.”

11. Bee Sting And Insect Bites

Put one drop on a bee sting or insect bite to calm itching and support healing. Dilution is generally recommended, but occasional neat application to very small areas can be helpful. See this guide to diluting essential oils for more information.

homemade bath salts

12. Relaxation In A Jar (Bath Salts)

This easy homemade bath salt recipe is made with lavender and a few other ingredients like magnesium, the “Magic Mineral” that helps with stress, detoxification & maintaining healthy energy levels.

13. Scented Birthday Invitations, Cards & Letters

Add a drop to stationary to create a joyful, multi-sensory experience for your recipient.

how to make tallow balm recipe 1

14. Tallow Skin Balm

Tallow balm is uniquely compatible with our skin?s biology, leaving it supple and nourished after use. It’s perfect as a daily face and body moisturizer, or as a soothing balm for dry/chapped skin, diaper rash, sunburns, and eczema. Click here for my tallow balm recipe.

15. Minor Burns

As I mentioned in what to put on a burn, lavender essential oil “contains Linalyl Acetate (24-45%) and Linalol (25-38%) which have local analgesic and anesthetic effects.” (source)

Mix 3-6 drops of lavender with one tablespoon aloe vera gel or lotion and apply to a minor burn after the skin has cooled.

Lotion Bar Recipe

16. Lotion Bars

Luxurious and silky smooth, this blend of cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax and essential oil is my favorite lotion bar recipe. Lavender is one of my favorite oils to use, along with peppermint and orange with vanilla.

You’ll love the way it feels, and you’ll feel good about knowing what you’re putting on your skin. (Makes a great holiday gift, too!)

17. Aromatherapy Inhaler

According to renowned expert Robert Tisserand, breathing in essential oils is a highly efficient way to absorb them into our bloodstream. Here’s how to use them to make an inhaler that supports healthy respiratory function.

What you’ll need:

–  An inhaler 
–  About 15 drops lavender for an adult or 6-10 drops for children.

essential oil aromatherapy inhaler parts

To Make

Place the desired number of essential oil drops on the cotton pad, then place pad in the base and pop the cap for the base into place. Breathe in essential oils through the holes at the top of the tube, and place cap on the tube when not in use.

18. Scented Play Dough

Add a few drops of lavender to homemade play dough for a multi-sensory experience.

diy all purpose cleaner

19. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner With Lemon and Lavender

I love the bright, fresh scent of this DIY all-purpose cleaner. It’s so inexpensive and easy to make, too!

20. Magnesium Body Butter For Relaxation And Sleep

Magnesium is often called the “magic mineral” due to it’s ability to relax muscles, help with stress, support restful sleep, and ease growing pains for littles

Unfortunately for some people, magnesium oil can cause an itchy or uncomfortable sensation when applied in undiluted form. In this recipe, I’ve blended it with coconut oil and beeswax to ensure that it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. To make it even more soothing, you can also add lavender essential oil – details in this magnesium body butter recipe.

Want more research-backed natural remedies?

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

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3 thoughts on “Love Lavender? Here Are 20 Ways To Use It”

  1. My daughter was very fussy as a baby and I would use Lavender oil scents on her bed linens and stuffed toys. It helped a lot to soothe her!

    Reply
  2. Fantastic work on a great topic, Heather. I really loved how many ways to use Lavender you found and recommended!

    Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    I just stumbled upon your site when googling what to put on a burn, and I loveee 😍 all your recipes that you have for them. And to make it better not only was everything natural remedies, but I had all the ingredients right in my home.

    Thank you for all the information!!! I will continue to visit your site in the future!!

    Reply