For The Love of Lavender

Lavandula, the Latin name for the more commonly referred to lavender, is by far the most well-known, well-loved and perhaps most versatile of all essential oils. There are 47 known species of lavender, which is part of the Mint family called Lamiaceae. The most widely cultivated species is Lavandula angustifolia, which is the species from which we source our 100% pure essential oil, used as a both a single note and as part of over 100 different products we offer here at Saje. The flowering tops and stems of the plant are steam distilled, producing a pure, fragrant oil that is highly regarded for its use in perfumery and aromatherapy. For the love of lavender, we can’t wait to share more about our top recommendations for its use.

Lavender for deep calm and relaxation

Probably what lavender is best known for, its use in helping people de-stress, find calm and re-center, is well documented. In her book, “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy” ¹, author Valerie Worwood says, “Arguably, everyone in the whole world is under stress of some description”. For environmental stress caused by bright lights, outside noise, incessant ringing and beeping from our devices or a cramped office space, she recommends essential oils of lavender, geranium and chamomile, all of which can be found in our Stress Release line of products. We formulated these products to soothe feelings associated with stress, restlessness and mild nervous tension.

Products to consider:

Stress Release roll-on - roll on to temples, wrists and forehead to support balance and feelings of peace

Stress Release mist - spritz 3-5 times in the air above your head, close your eyes and mouth and breath deeply to feel grounded

Lavender for treating minor cuts, scrapes and burns and abrasions

In his book “The Healing Power of Essential Oils”², author Dr. Eric Zielinski details the most useful, versatile essential oils he believes are necessary for anyone looking to begin their journey into natural healing, and he lists lavender as his #1. He goes on to say, “Lavender is well known for its soothing and calming properties, and is wonderful for accelerating the healing time for burns, cuts, stings and other wounds”. His recommendation is to mix lavender with a gentle carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil at a ratio of 12 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil, which is in line with other experts in the field of Aromatherapy, Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, who wrote the book “Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals”³.

Products to consider:

Lavender High Grade - 100% pure essential oil

Lavender for restful sleep and to combat insomnia

Indications of lavender to help the body ease into rest at bedtime are based on both tradition and long standing use. Worwood also touts the benefits of lavender essential oil in helping to combat mild sleep issues, and she recommends massaging the oils into the body and following with a warm bath, reading a book, or simply heading straight to bed. Some of the other essential oils she recommends to be blended with lavender to help induce rest are valerian, marjoram and roman chamomile, which can be found in our Sleep Well and Tranquility lines of products.

Products to consider:

Sleep Well roll-on - a powerful formula for deep rest, roll on the soles of the feet, throat and chest to soothe and relax

Tranquility roll-on - a gentler formula for inducing feelings of peace, roll on to temples, wrists and pulse points to unwind the body and mind

Many experts agree, if there is only one essential oil you add to your repertoire, let it be lavender. As Dr. Eric Zielinski says, “that lavender has stood the test of time, inspiring interest in so many eras, cultures and generations, is a testament to its wide array of capabilities”.

Reference List

1. Worwood, V. A. (2016). The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy: over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and work environments. Novato, CA: New World Library.
2. Zielinski, E. (2018). The healing power of essential oils. New York: Harmony Books.
3. Tisserand, R., Young, R., & Williamson, E. M. (2014). Essential oil safety: a guide for health care professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.