Lavender Essential Oil: Uses and Benefits for Your Wellness Routine

Lavender essential oil can be an easy addition to your wellness routine if you enjoy its floral scent. You can use it while getting ready for bed, taking a break from work, or settling into a quiet moment after a busy day.

The simplest approach is to pair lavender with something you already do. That lets you enjoy the scent without adding another task to your schedule.

Try one of these options:

• Run a diffuser while you read or stretch before bed, following its instructions for how much oil to use.

• Place a drop on a tissue and keep it nearby during a break, giving yourself a moment to breathe and step away from your screen.

• Add diluted lavender oil to a hand or shoulder massage if you find the scent pleasant. Mix it with a carrier oil first and test a small area of skin.

Some people find lavender’s scent relaxing, which may make these moments more enjoyable. Research has not established that inhaling lavender oil reliably improves sleep or treats anxiety, though, so pay attention to your experience without expecting it to solve a persistent problem.

Use the oil with care. Undiluted essential oil can irritate your skin, and even a diluted mixture may cause a reaction. Stop using it if you notice itching or redness, avoid getting it in your eyes, and keep the bottle out of children’s reach. Don’t swallow lavender essential oil.

If you’re unsure where to begin, try adding lavender to your evening routine for a few days. You might enjoy the scent while you read, or you might prefer a quiet room without it. Either response helps you decide what belongs in your routine. The goal is to find something that feels comfortable enough to repeat, whether lavender is part of it or not.

Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.