An oil that brings you home: Lavender Essential Oil Benefits and Best Uses

Lavender Oil - calm, grounding, floral.

If there’s one essential oil that feels like a cozy hug… it’s lavender.

Known & loved for its calming aroma & soothing properties, lavender essential oil has become a staple in the world of aromatherapy & wellness.

It’s not just about the delightful scent (though that’s definitely part of the magic)… it’s about the feeling it invites into your body, environment & daily rituals. We once had lavender essential oil described to us as that gentle friend who reminds you to slow down, breathe deeper & come back to yourself.

Whether you’re navigating stress, seeking more restful sleep, or simply craving moments of stillness, this floral & sweet oil holds space for softening. 

Lavender!

It’s supportive in the quieter seasons of healing…the ones where coming back to the present is the priority.

Lavender is arguably one of the most popular & well-known essential oils that has long been recognized for its calming effects on the nervous system. Lavender essential oil is extracted from flowers of the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) & mostly comes from regions with a Mediterranean climate - flourished with hot, dry summers & mild, wet winters. 

Once bottled and ready to use, lavender essential oil can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality & support the body is reaching a relaxed parasympathetic state (See more in this article Lavender and the Nervous System). As described in the article, lavender is widely believed to have therapeutic effects by interacting with the brain through its scent. Meaning that when you inhale lavender it can connect with areas of your brain such as the amygdala and hippocampus: which are responsible for processing emotions and memory.

Because of the brain-body connection, the relaxing scent can activate your parasympathetic nervous system - the part of your body that promotes relaxation and calm - by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for that well-known, but unloved "fight or flight" response.

Essentially, lavender helps shift your body from a heightened, stressed state to a more peaceful, restful one, encouraging a sense of calm and balance. Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy and daily routines to ease anxiety, calm the mind, and support the body’s natural shift from a heightened stress state to a more relaxed, parasympathetic mode… like turning down the volume on the internal alarm system (See more in this article Lavender and the Nervous System).

But beyond the science, there’s also something innately comforting about lavender. Don’t you think? It carries a scent of rest & comfort, it reminds us to take a moment to breath. It’s described as an oil that brings you home. 

Relax with Your Skincare Routine

In addition, high-quality lavender oil offers a variety of gentle but effective skin benefits! (Need to know more about the quality of your essential oil: check out our post on Essential Oils: The Basics. A balanced addition to your skincare routine.)

Being known antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties, Lavender oil can help: 

• Soothe Inflammation: Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce redness, irritation, and swelling. It can often recommended for those with sensitive or reactive/easily irritated skin types.

• Fight Breakouts: Lavender’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can help combat acne-causing bacteria on the skin, while still being gentle and non-drying.

• Balance Skin Tone: Lavender may reduce signs of irritation by calming the skin, contributing to a more even, calm complexion.

  
  

Like any essential oil, a little goes a long way, & lavender should always be diluted with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond oil) before applying to the skin.

Ways to Incorporate Lavender Into Your Life

Lavender isn’t just an oil - it’s a moment of pause. It’s a way to ground yourself throughout the day and reset when you need it most. A few drops in your diffuser will create a calming atmosphere, setting the tone for a day that feels cool, calm, and collected. Massage it into your pulse points for a quick reset whenever stress creeps in… lavender is like your personal calm button, but make it floral.

Even try to spritz it onto your linens or pillows before bed, adding an extra layer of comfort as you ease into sleep. Lavender is the subtle luxury your routine deserves, a simple yet powerful touch of relaxation that makes everything feel a little more intentional. In a world that moves fast, even small moments of lavender-infused stillness are a reclaiming act of peace.

Lavender Oil Benefits & Best Uses with SOLOH

Two of our favorite ways to experience the calming magic of lavender? Through the After the Sun Soother and Blooming Massage Oil. Each were crafted to offer care, comfort & a moment to pause.

SOLOH's After the Sun Soother

Our After the Sun Soother was originally made for sun-kissed (or… let’s be real, slightly fried) skin, blending organic aloe, vegetable glycerin, and soothing essential oils like lavender and peppermint. It’s a lightweight mist that cools and calms.

On the other hand, the Blooming Massage Oil brings a more indulgent, floral-forward take on lavender. With its soft, regal scent profile, this oil is designed to ground the nervous system & replenish the skin. Ideal for winding down at the end of the day or also known to be a perfect after-shave! Whether misted or massaged, both will bring lavender’s way of saying: hey, take a minute - you’ve earned it.

And as always, we use organic, plant-powered ingredients, no artificial fragrances, no synthetic additives… because nature doesn’t need help to be powerful.

⸻

Healing doesn’t have to be loud or rushed. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a cozy night in, dropping lavender oil onto your pillow, and taking a moment to breathe deeply. Lavender reminds us that even the smallest rituals can be the most powerful, offering support when we need it most.

**Please note: The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any new product, especially if you have specific health concerns or skin sensitivities.**