Plant Extract Essence: How to Use Lavender Essential Oil!
Pure lavender essential oil comes in three forms: single oil, blended oil, and hydrosol. Single oil refers to the pure essential oil extracted and refined to remove toxins and impurities. Blended oil is also pure essential oil, but it’s a mixture of lavender essential oil with other oils based on specific scientific principles. Lavender oil is versatile and can be mixed with any other essential oil, and when combined with two, three, or even more oils, its effects multiply. However, the proportions in blending essential oils are critical, requiring high technical expertise, making blended oils superior to single oils in both quality and price.
Steam Diffusion Method
Pour clean water into the reservoir of the diffuser and add 5 to 6 drops of essential oil. Light a candle under the diffuser, allowing the heat to slowly release the essence from the water. You can add different oils for varied effects, helping to create different atmospheres. For a calming environment, use 3 to 5 drops, adjusting based on the room size.
Inhalation Method
Pour near-boiling water into a glass or ceramic basin. Choose 1 to 3 types of essential oils, not exceeding six drops in total. After mixing the oils into the water, cover your head and the basin with a large towel, alternately breathing through your nose and mouth for 5 to 10 minutes.
Massage Method
Health massages typically start at the back, with both hands placed on either side of the spine just above the hips. Hands move upward along the spine to the shoulders, then outwards to massage the sides and shoulders, returning to the starting point. When massaging, use a continuous motion without pausing. Dilute 2 to 3 essential oils (no more than 3 drops total) in 3 to 4 ml of plant-based massage oil for a facial, head, neck, or full-body massage. This method improves circulation and helps detoxify the body. Each oil has different therapeutic benefits, so it’s recommended to consult a professional in a beauty salon.
Compress Method (Cold or Hot Compress)
Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil into cold (or hot) water and stir evenly. Soak a towel in the mixture, wring it out, and place it on the desired area. Gently press the towel to allow the oil-infused water to penetrate the skin. Repeat the process 5 to 10 times. For body massages, the ratio is about 200 ml of water to 5 drops of essential oil, while for the face, only 1 drop is needed. Cold compresses help soothe and relieve pain, while hot compresses promote circulation, detoxification, and increase skin permeability.
Women’s Health
A 2012 study in Turkey on nursing students showed that massaging with lavender essential oil reduced menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). To ease muscle cramps, mix 30 ml of St. John’s wort-infused oil with 10 drops of organic lavender essential oil, 8 drops of rose geranium oil, and 5 drops of clary sage oil. Additionally, drinking yarrow and rose geranium hydrosols or herbal teas with raspberry leaf can provide further relief.
Culinary Use
Lavender essential oil can be combined with dried oregano, winter savory, and citrus peels to create a seasoning for marinating meat before grilling. Use 100 grams of salt, ½ teaspoon of oregano leaves, ½ teaspoon of winter savory, and 1 teaspoon of citrus peel, thoroughly mixed for use.
Bath Soak
Mix 30 drops of lavender essential oil with 180 grams of bath salts and Epsom salts. Add 1 tablespoon of this blend to your bath and soak for about 20 minutes.
Beverage Mix
To make a lavender cocktail, mix 5 fresh mint leaves, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 5 ml of organic blood orange hydrosol, ½ teaspoon organic edible lavender petals, and 60 ml of rum. Strain out the mint leaves, pour the mixture into a cocktail glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with a fresh lavender sprig.
Can Lavender Essential Oil Be Applied Directly to the Face?
Most essential oils, especially those with high concentrations, shouldn’t be applied directly to the face as they may burn the skin. However, lavender essential oil is one of the few that can be directly applied to the skin in small amounts. When using it, be cautious not to overapply; use a cotton swab to dab a small amount on acne or wounds. Avoid spreading it across large areas, as even lavender oil can cause skin damage if overused.
Since everyone's skin tolerance differs, some might feel discomfort or a stinging sensation when applying lavender oil directly to the face. Avoid using it near the eyes. If the stinging is too intense, wash it off and switch to using diluted lavender oil with a carrier oil.
Washing with Lavender Oil
Add 1 to 3 drops to your facial cleanser or moisturizer. For washing hair, soaking in a bath, or soaking feet, add 5 drops to the water. For face washing, add 3 to 5 drops of pure lavender oil (depending on water amount), ensuring the oil mixes evenly with the water. It promotes cell regeneration and softens the skin. Apply diluted lavender oil to scars from burns, cuts, or surgeries to help fade them and nourish the skin. Additionally, place 2 drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball inside your pillow to ensure a restful sleep.
Lavender Oil Blends
Spike lavender oil can be blended with cypress, juniper, bergamot, lemon, neroli, petitgrain, rosemary, blue eucalyptus, jasmine, and oakmoss essential oils.
Lavender Essential Oil: Nervous System, Digestive System, Urinary System, Reproductive System
Use with caution around these systems.
Precautions for Using Lavender Essential Oil
100% pure essential oil is highly concentrated, so avoid direct skin or eye contact unless diluted. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if irritation occurs. People with sensitive skin, serious illnesses, or pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Always check with an aromatherapist for suitable oils, especially for babies, elderly individuals, or sensitive populations. Essential oils are flammable, so keep them away from open flames and high heat.