Quick Answer: Best Lavender Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil by Healing Solutions
- Artizen Lavender Essential Oil
- Handcraft Blends Lavender Essential Oil
- NOW Essential Oils, Lavender Oil
- Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
- Radha Beauty Lavender Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil by Sun Essentials
- Premium Quality Lavender Essential Oil by Ola Prima
- Bulk Size Lavender Essential Oil by Natures Star
- Body Wonders 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Oil by Healing Solutions
[amazon fields="B00PYS7R7M" value="thumb" image_size="medium" image_align="center"]- Pure and rigorous quality testing
- Quick noticeable results
- Easy to dispense for most
Artizen Lavender Essential Oil
[amazon fields="B06Y2GVW5Z" value="thumb" image_size="medium" image_align="center"]- High quality packaging
- Value for money
- Scent is Appealing
Handcraft Blends Lavender Oil
[amazon fields="B075817VBP" value="thumb" image_size="medium" image_align="center"]- Premium Packaging
- Easy to use product
- Value for money
Lavenders are flowers that have been used traditionally as therapeutic agents, by the Romans and Greeks.
The essential oil extracted from these flowers and their heads and foliage, claim to have numerous health benefits. [1]
Taxonomically, these flowers belong to the Labiatae family, consisting of four main species belonging to the genus Lavandula.
The lavender essential oil has been used popularly in the USA and Europe, as alternatives for medical treatments, for personal hygiene and in cosmetic products.
It has phytoconstituents like linalool and linalyl acetate that impart to it most of its medical properties and benefits.
Research has proven that lavender oil is a stress reliever, antidepressant, mood enhancer, and an anxiolytic agent. The oil is even used as an analgesic for menstrual cramps.
It is used to induce sleep in patients suffering from insomnia. In fact, lavender-scented pillows are a rage in the hotel and linen industry. [2]
The oil is also used to fasten wound healing, burns and cuts, and is also an effective antimicrobial agent, thus even used in bandages.
Because of its antioxidant and neuroprotective activities, it can be given to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s. [3]
It also reduces the heart rate, heart rate variability and blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
Use of lavender oil is possibly safe but is recommended against, by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and boys who have not reached puberty.
People with sensitive skin must avoid its use, as the oil may trigger contact dermatitis. [4]
Best Lavender Essential Oil Reviewed
Lavender Essential Oil by Healing Solutions
[amazon fields="B00PYS7R7M" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Healing Solutions, based in Arizona, USA, is a manufacturer of natural organic essential oils.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 10 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Manufactured in a FDA registered GMP facility
- Pure and rigorous quality testing for best results to users
- Guaranteed refund on customer dissatisfaction
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Good quality product
- Quick noticeable results for most users
- Easy to dispense for most users
- Value for money
- Most users found the scent appealing
- Added benefits and relief from headaches for most users
- Few users found product quality and smell inconsistent
Artizen Lavender Essential Oil
[amazon fields="B06Y2GVW5Z" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Artizen is a manufacturer of natural organic essential oils.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 30 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure and natural therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Routinely tested for purity and potency
- Natural with no adulterants or dilution for guaranteed purity and potency
- High-quality packaging for effective quality control
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Most users found the product quality potent and satisfying
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Few users found product quality and smell inconsistent
Handcraft Blends Lavender Essential Oil
[amazon fields="B075817VBP" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Handcraft Blends, based in Texas, USA, is a manufacturer of natural organic essential oils.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 30 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure premium therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Each batch tested by an independent lab for guaranteed potency and purity
- Manufactured in a FDA registered GMP facility
- High quality packaging with glass bottle to protect it from UV rays
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Good Quality
- Appealing scent
- Good packaging
- A few users found the product bland
NOW Essential Oils, Lavender Oil
[amazon fields="B0013OXEFK" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Now Foods’ Essential Oils, based in Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer of a wide range of natural organic essential oils and beauty products.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 118 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Lab-tested for guaranteed potency and purity
- Vegan and non-GMO
- Soothing, normalizing, and balancing attributes
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Most consumers lauded the longevity of the product
- Most users found the scent appealing
- Few users experienced no improvements
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
[amazon fields="B00TSTZQEY" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Majestic Pure, based in California, USA, is a manufacturer of a wide range of essential oils, skincare, and beauty products.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 118 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Lab-tested for guaranteed potency and purity
- Steam distilled; therapeutic grade product
- Delivered with premium easy to use glass dropper
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Good quality
- Good scent
- Decent packaging
- Few users found product quality and smell inconsistent
Radha Beauty Lavender Essential Oil
[amazon fields="B00QQOERJE" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Radha Beauty, based in Ohio, USA, is a manufacturer of a range of essential oils, skin care and beauty products.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 120 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Natural lavender sourced from France and packaged in USA
- Cruelty free and vegan
- Delivered with premium quality, easy to use glass dropper
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Noticeable results for most users
- Easy to use product for most users
- Value for money
- Few users experienced no improvements
Lavender Essential Oil by Sun Essentials
[amazon fields="B00P6V0PPS" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Sun Essentials, based in Arizona, USA, is a manufacturer of a range of essential oils and skin care products.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 118 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Sourced in a superior way
- Easy to use product
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Value for money
- Most users lauded the freshness on application
- Few users found product quality and smell inconsistent
Premium Quality Lavender Essential Oil by Ola Prima
[amazon fields="B07H522Z21" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Ola Prima is a manufacturer of essential oils for aromatherapy, relaxation, hair damage, massage and stress relief.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 118 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Sourced in a superior way
- Premium therapeutic grade product
- Easy to use product
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Good results
- Ease of usage
- Value for money
- Few users found product quality and smell inconsistent
Bulk Size Lavender Essential Oil by Natures Star
[amazon fields="B07KFPD8TK" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Natures Star is a manufacturer of essential oils and blends for day to day use.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 473 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Sourced in a superior way
- Premium therapeutic grade product
- Refund on customer dissatisfaction
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Noticeable results
- Easy to use product for most users
- Value for money
- Most users found the scent appealing
- Few users experienced no improvements
Body Wonders 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil
[amazon fields="B019RU17C8" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center"]Body Wonders is a manufacturer of essential oils and health products.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 118 ml. The key ingredient includes 100% pure therapeutic grade lavender essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
- Manufactured in GMP certified facilities
- Cruelty free and non-GMO
- Free of Hexane and artificial preservatives
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
- Good results
- Value for money
- Good scent
- Few users experienced no improvements
Pharmacology of Lavender Essential Oil
Studies show that lavender oil enhances the activity of the amygdala and hippocampus [5], however, as a general physiological effect in the body, linalool suppresses GABA activity, inducing anxiolytic effects.[6]
Linalool and linalyl acetate increase parasympathetic tone by reduction of serotonin receptor 5HT1A activity and inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels. [7]
Linalool also acts at the neuromuscular junction and prohibits the release of acetylcholine and disturbs the ion channel activity. [8]
On topical application with massage, linalool and linalyl acetate get absorbed very quickly, leading to a peak in their plasma levels within 19 min, causing central nervous system depression. [9]
Lavender oil has also shown to possess anaesthetic activity owing to its antimuscarinic activity or sodium or calcium channel blockade. [10]
The antispasmodic and hypotensive activities of Lavender are mostly attributed to linalool causing a surge in the intracellular cAMP. [11]
Health Benefits of Lavender Essential oil
1. Lavender Essential oil is a Proven Anxiolytic
Anxiolytic drugs are used for the treatment of anxiety and related disorders.
Confidence: High
Numerous studies have been carried out to test the anxiolytic property of lavender oil, mostly owing to linalool, which inhibits GABA(A) binding reception, inducing a state of calm in the body.
A 2010 study carried out on 340 dental patients waiting for their appointment in the dental office showed that the aroma of lavender essential oil reduced the anxiety of patients according to the STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Indicator), significantly as compared to those patients not subjected to the aroma of lavender oil.[11]
Another 2009 study carried out on 150 patients, pre-operation, showed that the levels of anxiety were significantly lower than patients who were either subjected to no aromatherapy or jojoba oil aromatherapy. [12]
A study carried out on students appearing for an examination, showed that aromatherapy with lavender oil reduced the anxiety levels in students significantly than those not subjected to it. [13]
Oral consumption of lavender oil preparation Silexan was proven to be a better treatment for generalized anxiety disorder as compared to placebo and common anxiolytic medicine, paroxetine, with lesser adverse effects compared to both. [14]
2. It is an Effective Sedative
Sedatives are substances that induce a state of calm and sleep. Insomnia, a condition suffered by many adults, presents as an inability to sleep, waking up early, waking up frequently while sleeping. [15]
Confidence: High
A 2005 study carried out on patients suffering from mild insomnia showed better sleep patterns as compared to patients subjected to sweet almond oil aromatherapy, indicated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). [16]
Another study carried out on elderly patients suffering from acute medical disorders like dementia, showed that patients that slept on pillows on which lavender oil was applied had better sleep than patients who were not made to sleep on such pillows. [17]
Another study carried out on women in college suffering from insomnia and depression showed that the length of time to fall asleep, the severity of insomnia and its symptoms, and self-satisfaction with sleep improved considerably after being subjected to 60% and 100% lavender fragrance treatment. [18]
A study carried out on Taiwanese women in the age range of 45-55 years, suffering from insomnia, showed a significant improvement in the quality of sleep, after a 12-week aromatherapy with lavender essential oil. [19]
3. Lavender Essential oil Alleviates Pain
Confidence: High
Antinociceptive property of oil extracted from L. angustifolia Mill. was tested using the formalin-induced pain model in rats. [20]
It was concluded from this study that the oil acts via opioid receptors that open potassium channels and block calcium channels, causing antinociception (blocking of pain stimuli).
In a double-blind study carried out on 115 patients suffering from canker sores, lavender oil was applied to the affected areas causing a reduction in pain and improved healing as compared to placebo. [21]
In a study carried out on Turkish students suffering from dysmenorrhea, lavender oil was massaged onto the affected areas, and a significant decrease in pain was observed after 15 minutes. [22]
In a double-blind trial carried out on 47 patients suffering from migraine, 15 minute inhalation of aroma of lavender oil caused a substantial decrease in pain. [23]
A cream containing lavender essential oil amongst peppermint, marjoram and black pepper, was tested in patients suffering from neck pain, which reduced consequently, after application for 4 weeks. [24]
4. It reduces Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Rapid heart rate is undesirable and is indicative of an underlying heart disease. High heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with great cardiovascular fitness and stress resilience.
A low HRV is associated with depression, stress and anxiety. [25]
Confidence: High
In a cohort trial carried out for 16 months on 67 women suffering from insomnia, lavender inhalation for 20 minutes, twice weekly, caused a substantial reduction in heart rate and an increase in heart rate variability. [26]
In another double blind study, a significant reduction in heart rate was observed, associated with a relaxed mental state, relative to the placebo aromatherapy with almond oil. [27]
A study aimed at examining the effect of aromatherapy with lavender oil, on coronary circulation in healthy men, showed that it reduced their serum cortisol levels and improved coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR). [28]
5. It has Antimicrobial Properties
Confidence: High
Phytoconstituents of lavender oil such as alpha-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol and camphor have antibacterial effects; whereas alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and p-cymene are other substances that have antifungal activity. [29],[30]
It has been suggested that lavender essential oils can be used to treat microbial infections resistant to antibiotics. [31]
In vitro activity against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis) was shown using L. angustifolia oil at a concentration of less than 1%.[32]
It has also been suggested that vapour treatment is far more effective than solution treatment for inhibiting microbial growth using minute quantities of the essential oil. [33]
The growth of the fungus Botrytis cinerea, that causes fungal disease in wine grapes, was inhibited using 1% and 10% concentrations of L. angustifolia oil [34].
A similar effect of lavender oil was seen in the inhibition of growth of the mycelia of Aspergillus fumigatus [35], known to cause aspergillosis.
Combination of lavender essential oil with other essential oils such as that of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Citrus sinensis, in a 1:1 ratio, showed antimicrobial action against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for causing candidiasis and staph infection, respectively. [36]
Due to its antibacterial activity, lavender oil is also used to treat acne and is added to acne curing creams. [37]
Additionally, research carried out on adolescents suffering from acne showed that topical application of lavender essential oil had antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, thus reducing the acne considerably, and improving the general tone of the skin. [38]
6. It may have Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects
Confidence: Moderate
In a study carried out in scopolamine-induced oxidative stress in the brains of Wistar rats, an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) was seen, after subacute exposure to lavender oils.
Reduced levels of Glutathione, malondialdehyde level and decreased DNA cleavage patterns indicated the oil’s antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity, suggesting its neuroprotective effects. [39]
Inflammatory responses like pleurisy (inflammation of the lungs and chest cavity) induced by carrageenan were reduced after treatment with lavender essential oil and a similar response was seen in the croton oil-induced ear oedema model in rats. [40]
Another animal study carried out on rats showed that treatment with lavender essential oil significantly reduced the infarct size, brain oedema, and ameliorated the functional outcome after cerebral ischemia.[41]
Lavender oil has also been proven to be helpful in improving the cognitive function of patients suffering from dementia, which may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. [42]
7. It may have wound Healing Properties
Wound healing mechanism, using lavender essential oil, has been demonstrated via a study carried out on rats on which circular full-thickness wounds were produced.
The results indicated an increase in type 3 and type 1 collagen synthesis, differentiation of fibroblasts and up-regulation of TGF-β, that promotes wound healing. [43]
In a clinical trial carried out on 120 primiparous women with singleton pregnancy, who had undergone episiotomy, redness observed at the site of surgery was lesser in case of subjects treated with lavender oil, compared to subjects not treated with lavender oil. [44]
In another pre-clinical study carried out on rats, it was seen that the wound site displayed no signs of oedema, discharge or local infection, on being treated with lavender oil. [45]
8. It may Improve Hair Quality and can be used for the Treatment of Hair Loss
Confidence: Moderate
In a study carried out in patients suffering from alopecia areata, a mix of essential oils that contained lavender oil was massaged onto the scalp daily, that caused a significant improvement in growth of hair, as compared to the control group. [46]
Treatment with lavender oil in female C57BL/6 mice showed a substantial hair growth-promoting effect, both morphologically and histologically, after its topical application on the back of the mice, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. [47]
9. May help in the treatment of Diabetes
Confidence: Low
In a study carried out using alloxan-induced diabetic rats, it was observed that oil extracted from Lavandula stoechas inhibited the increase in blood glucose levels and caused a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. [48]
Another in vitro study carried out demonstrated the inhibition of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) and pancreatic lipase (PL), on treatment with methanolic extract of L. angustifolia, this activity correlating with the inhibitory pattern of orlistat, a drug used for treating diabetic dyslipidemia. [49]
10. May help in Palliative Cancer Care
Confidence: Low
It has been shown that aromatherapy with lavender oil can reduce pain, depression, anxiety and stress levels in patients suffering from malignant brain tumors. [50]
Dosage
For aromatherapy, 30 minutes is the average time of dosing in a well-ventilated room.
For menstrual pain, 3 drops of oil can be applied to the hand and inhaled every 6 hours.
For anxiety, 8 drops of an oil blend containing 2% lavender can be applied to a cotton pad and inhaled every 15 min, twice weekly for 4 weeks.
2 drops of 2% lavender essence can be applied to the inside of an oxygen face mask and inhaled for 3 minutes at 3, 8, and 16 hours after receiving pain-relievers for C-section pain.
The topical application should involve the use of only a few (2-3) drops of the essential oil, as there may be a possibility of skin agitation, allergic reaction or damage. [51]
Precautions
Interactions with Drugs
Lavender essential oil taken with other sedatives like barbiturates may cause too much sleepiness and must be avoided [45].
Some such sedatives are amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal).
CNS depressants like clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien) may also cause adverse effects if taken with lavender essential oil. [52]
Children
It is possibly unsafe for boys, as the use of lavender oil before puberty may cause prepubertal gynaecomastia, an abnormal breast growth, due to disruption of hormonal activity in their body. [53]
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
There is not enough evidence of any adverse events occurring in this case, but it is best to avoid its use during this period.
Surgery
Its use must be stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery, as its interaction with anaesthetics may lead to slowing down of the central nervous system.
Side effects
Oral intake may cause constipation, headache and an increase in appetite. Topical application may sometimes lead to irritation. [54]
FAQs
Yes, one can apply the pure oil in minute quantities directly over the skin, or after diluting it with water or carrier oil. [55]
Yes, lavender oil can be diluted with carrier oils such as coconut or jojoba oil, and massaged onto the scalp. It is recommended to apply it and keep it for 5-10 mins after bath and then rinse it. It can also be kept overnight, with the hair wrapped in a towel, to maximize its benefits. It can also be added to shampoo, conditioner or other hair products. [56]
The lavender oil can be applied directly to the face, on the temples and forehead, or directly beneath the neck, so the molecules of the oil can be easily smelled. You can make a solution of the oil by adding 20 drops of the oil in 50 ml of distilled water and spraying it on the pillow or bed sheet on which you may sleep. A lavender oil diffuser can also be used. [57]
Since essential oils in its pure form are extremely concentrated, it is important to dilute them and use them in a diffuser, as it will provide just the right amount of fragrance. It is recommended that 3-5 drops of essential oil be added to 100 ml of water. [58]
Lavender goes well with the following oils: Rose, Geranium, Frankincense, Vetiver, Pine, Lemon, Tangerine, Patchouli, Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, Neroli, Petitgrain, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Clary Sage. [59]
A study on prepubertal boys have shown that frequent usage of lavender oil tends to disrupt estrogen levels causing gynaecomastia. [60] No known effects on female physiology have been cited.
If a dose of lavender oil is missed, it is advised to skip that dose if it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose. Extra lavender oil should not be taken. Overdosing may lead to lavender poisoning, owing to linalool and linalyl acetate present in the oil, causing burning pain in the throat, rashes, diarrhea, confusion and blurred vision. [61]