Oil of the Week: Lavender

Lavender...where to begin? So many uses, so little time! I don't know if I could think of one person who could not benefit from Lavender! We love having it in our family; all 4 of us have at least one way to use it on a regular basis.  

Lavender: An Oil for Every Member of the Family

Lavender is versatile. We love it as a part of our nighttime routines, skin soothing support and, of course, its fresh scent. So many uses make it a great starter oil. 

Lavender is versatile. We love it as a part of our nighttime routines, skin soothing support and, of course, its fresh scent. So many uses make it a great starter oil. 

#1 Baby Benefits

This is my favorite way to use Lavender currently! I have a 10 month old who is not quite old enough to communicate why she may be fussing. Mamas, you know the drill:

  • Does she have a tooth pushing through?
  • Does she feel warm?
  • Is it a season change that’s causing the sniffles?
  • Is she restless?

You never quite know the answer! But I can tell you this, I always have the same answer...rub some lavender on! It is so versatile and supports so many systems that chances are, it will give her relief in one way or another!

I just apply it on her feet, and then on her chest for respiratory support and to help her relax.

Fun fact: Did you know our feet are our most porous part of our body? Apply an oil to the feet and it will absorb and know just the right spot to travel to!

#2 Toddler Triumphs   

In addition to our sweet little girl, we have a sweet (but tough!) 31/2 yr old boy. I must say Lavender is great to have around for soothing the many bumps and bruises of toddlerhood! I apply straight on at times, or dilute with some coconut oil when he's a little more sensitive.

#3 Happy Hubby Habits

My husband has a lot of stress from day to day and needs a little extra assistance calming his mind at night. To help, we start it in the diffuser a little before bedtime. We both love how it promotes a relaxing atmosphere as we get ready for bed.

DIY Tip: I've heard of others making a linen spray and spraying it on their sheets and pillows as well!

#4 Mama Merits

As far as I'm concerned I have two favorite uses for lavender. Sorry I tried to narrow it down to just one, but I couldn't!

Game-Changer at Season Changes

The first is during the change of seasons. This was actually how I was introduced to essential oils! I used to battle sinus irritation whenever the temperature changed (which happens pretty frequently in Arkansas!). One weekend, I was staying with a dear friend who used essential oils. She recommended a few and after that I was hooked! Now when I sense a change in the weather I apply a drop or two directly over my cheekbones and along my neck. Sometimes, I put a drop under my tongue as well for quicker relief!

After-Sun Soother

I also have another dilemma: You see, I'm a girl who loves the sun! Like I really feel like I can never get enough of it! Unfortunately, my German descent doesn't agree with this. Yup, I have the blonde hair blue eyes and very very fair skin, so I usually have to suffer the consequences after a long day in the sunshine. This is where lavender becomes my best friend! When I get home or even throughout the day while I'm out, I take a few drops of lavender, mix it with coconut oil and rub it wherever needed! I love the smell of the coconut/lavender combo and it's very soothing to the skin!

Lavender Vitality: A Refreshing Recipe Addition

Another great way to use Lavender? In recipes! Yes, Young Living makes a Lavender Vitality oil that can be ingested!

Honey Lavender Lemonade

Check out this summertime favorite on the Young Living blog. It’s so cool and refreshing!!

Lavender Blackberry Scones

Take a good scone recipe and mix in a handful of blackberries. Then, make a frosting of powdered sugar, lemon juice and a drop of Lavender Vitality. Drizzle on top of your freshly baked scones....mmmm.

Here are a few other creative ways to use Lavender...

  • Add a drop of Lavender to your tube of mascara to support healthy lashes.
  • Add a few drops to wool dryer balls to refresh your laundry (I especially love to do this for our sheets and my little ones "blankies").
  • Get some raw Shea butter and mix with coconut oil, add a few drops of Lavender for a luxurious whipped body butter!
  • Apply a drop under the tongue or along the neck before mowing the lawn for preventative respiratory support.
  • Diffuse with other oils for a lovely smelling home. Some of my favorites to mix with are lemon, orange or eucalyptus blue.

What's your favorite way to use Lavender? We'd love to hear about it! Any questions? Contact me at inspirationsbyrae@gmail.com