The possibilities are practically endless when thinking about lavender essential oils’ benefits.
However, many of us don’t realize that there are actually several types of lavender essential oil, all of which have their own strengths. So, which type of lavender essential oil is best for you, and how can you use it?
Today, we are sharing our guide to three popular lavender essential oils, their benefits, and our recommendations for using them.
High Altitude Lavender
High Altitude Lavender, commonly known as “Standard Lavender,” is perhaps the most well-known, versatile essential oil. Lavender essential oil is widely used to support the body and mind by promoting lessened tension, anxiety, mild depression, insomnia, and irritability.
It’s also used in skincare, frequently to soothe burns or acne. Lavender haircare is also quite popular for its incredible scent and potential health benefits. Lavender essential oil has even been shown to treat lice-infested hair and improve hair growth.
Lavender is also frequently touted for its ability to help people sleep or improve their sleep quality. Science does back this up!
One 2013 randomized trial study studied postpartum women struggling with insomnia and decreased sleep quality and the effect of lavender oil on them. In the study, women were given cotton wool balls with four drops of lavender oil which were placed in a container near their pillows. The women using lavender experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Lavender was shown to improve sleep duration and sleep latency, how long it takes to fall asleep, in the women using lavender over the eight-week study.
Another study even found that participants who regularly had sleep disturbances experienced longer sleep and less frequent wake-ups when exposed to lavender aromatherapy.
Key Points
- “Standard” lavender essential oil
- An ideal choice for enhancing sleep quality and relaxation
- Floral, sweet, and herbaceous scent
- Extremely versatile
- Loved for its touted haircare and skincare benefits
Notable Constituents
- Linalyl Acetate
- Linalool
Recommended Uses
- Sprinkle a few drops on your pillow before sleep to soothe the mind and body for sleep
- Diffuse in the birthing room during childbirth to promote reduced pain
- Traditionally used on insect bites because it may neutralize poison.
- May be added to carrier oil and used as a hair treatment to promote hair growth - always do a patch test first!
If you’re interested in learning more about herbal remedies for sleep, including a more in-depth breakdown of lavender’s sleep benefits, click here to read our previous piece on sleep.
Lavandin Grosso Essential Oil
Lavandin Grosso Essential Oil is a hybrid of traditional lavender and spike lavender. Interestingly, Lavandin yields more oil than standard Lavender during the steam distillation process.
Lavandin Grosso Essential Oil has traditionally been used for circulatory, muscular, and respiratory conditions. This is because Lavandin Grosso Essential Oil has a higher camphor content, which is ideal for soothing achy muscles or promoting better circulation. As such, one of our favorite uses for this essential oil is using it as an addition to your favorite massage oil or lotion.
A study in 2016 even found that participants with osteoarthritis who massaged a 5% mixture of lavender essential oil diluted in sweet almond oil into their arthritic knees had reduced pain and fatigue symptoms after only one week.
Key Points
- Floral, camphoraceous, fresh, and herbal scent
- Sharper scent than traditional lavender
- Ideal lavender essential oil for massage oils
- May soothe aches and pains
Notable Constituents
- Linalyl Acetate
- Linalool
- Camphor
Recommended Uses
- Add this essential oil to your favorite massage oil, lotion, balm, or carrier oil, then massage into areas of your body that are achy or lacking circulation to promote healing and improved circulation.
- Diffuse throughout your office as you work or study to support increased focus and mental alertness. We also recommend our Balance & Focus Roll-On Oil Blend, which contains lavender and several other concentration-promoting oils, as a great work or study aid.
Spike Lavender
Spike Lavender Essential Oil stands out among other lavender essential oil choices because of its sharper, less floral scent. We recommend this lavender essential oil the most for its respiratory benefits because Spike Lavender Essential Oil has traditionally been used to soothe congestion, laryngitis, coughs, and other respiratory complaints.
Many recipes also include Spike lavender Essential Oil to support the body during headaches and migraines. A 2012 study found that lavender essential oil was effective in helping patients manage their migraines. In this study, 47 patients were divided into a control group and a placebo group. The control group inhaled lavender essential oil for 15 minutes when they were experiencing a migraine. Out of 129 headache attacks, 92 of the attacks responded completely or partially to lavender essential oil, suggesting that lavender essential oil may be a good long-term tool for managing headaches.
One study on dental patients even found that lavender aromatherapy benefited the overall mood and increased calmness in patients waiting for dental treatments. Since many of us dread going to the dentist, we consider this a great demonstration of lavender’s calming presence!
Key Points
- Smells less floral than other lavender essential oils
- Ideal for soothing respiratory complaints and relieving pain
- Fresh, sweet, camphoraceous, and floral scent
- Relaxing and calming
- Traditionally used in recipes to soothe headaches
Notable Constituents
- Linalool
- 1,8-Cineole
- Camphor
Recommended Uses
- If you struggle with headaches or migraines, try inhaling Spike Lavender Essential Oil to help alleviate the headache.
- Diffuse Spike Lavender Essential Oil when you are congested, tense, or suffering from a cough to support your body.
- Apply Spike Lavender Essential Oil to your body via a carrier oil, lotion, or balm to support yourself during times of stress, such as after a rough day at work or before a doctor’s appointment. Our Lavender Peppermint Roll-On Blend is a great on-the-go choice for promoting greater relaxation.
We hope today’s breakdown of the differences between lavender essential oils clarified any questions you may have!
Well Wishes,
Natalie & Leilah