Lavender is an herb. The flower and the oil of lavender are used to make medicines and essential oils.

Lavender is commonly used for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, headache, and pain. In foods and beverages, lavender is used as a flavor component. Lavender is also used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri, and decorations.

How does it work? Lavender contains an oil that seems to have sedating effects and might relax certain muscles. It also seems to have antibacterial and antifungal effects.

If you want to bring a little more relaxation to your life, give this oil or one of the others listed a try.

Recipe: Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions to inhale directly

Add up to 6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a handkerchief/tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times per day.

Instruction for steam inhalation

Add 3 – 12 drops of undiluted essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Inhale slowly and deeply for 5 – 10 minutes. Use up to 3 times per day.

Tip: Lavender isn’t the only calming essential oil. You can also use angelica, balsam, benzoin, bitter orange, cedarwood, celery, chamomile, cornmint, cumin, curry, frankincense, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, labdanum, laurel, lemongrass, marjoram, nutmeg, palmarosa, parsley, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rosewood, sage, sandalwood, scotch pine, spearmint, star anise, sweet basil, sweet orange, thyme, or ylang ylang.