5 Ways To Use Lavender Essential Oil

Please note that I use Doterra Essential Oils and am referencing their dosage suggestions. If you are using a different brand, please make sure to read the instructions carefully. Please do not ingest lavender oil unless the instructions specify that it is safe to do so.

1. HEADACHES. I'm prone to stress headaches and pain medications tend to upset my stomach, so I started researching the benefits of natural medications and found lavender often works just as well as drugstore painkillers. You can rub some under your nose and use it like aroma therapy, or rub it on your temples, neck, and behind your ears, where it will act as a muscle relaxant.
2. TIGHT MUSCLES. Another thing lavender is great for is tight muscles, especially your shoulders and neck. Grab some coconut oil to use as a carrier oil and rub it in, and don't be afraid to use a lot. Once that's done, use a warm compress to push the oils deeper. It might take a time or two, but you'll notice a marked difference.
3. INSOMNIA. I suffer from insomnia, and I've found that the only thing that works for me is lavender. I rub it under my nose, into the bottoms of my feet, behind my ears, over my temples, and sometimes on my collar bone. Then, I turn on my oil diffuser which I keep filled with lavender and settle down for a good night's sleep.
4. SOOTHING AGENT. Even if you use essential oils frequently, you might not know this tip. If you are treating a sprain or skin condition with essential oils (such as lemongrass for a sprain or tea tree for a rash), make sure to add in a good amount to lavender with them. Lemongrass, tea tree, eucalyptus, and other like oils can irritate sensitive skin and lavender will help sooth any irritation. Be sure to use coconut oil whenever applying oils to rashes or sprains, as coconut acts as a carrier and is able to penetrate your skin easier than just essential oils on their own.
5. CALMING AGENT. Restless? Agitated? Your kids antsy? Lavender will do the trick. Rub it on their feet and necks and after a few minutes, you'll notice that they've started to calm down and loosen up. It's great to put it on them after their bath so that when bedtime comes, they're already relaxed. You can also find Lavender bath products such as Dr.Teal's Lavender Epsom Salt and Bubble Bath box (Walmart). You can use these for soaking baths and foot soaks.

If you have additional tips for lavender oil, please leave them in the comments below.

I am not a licensed doctor or nutritionist. Use common sense when following these tips.