If you own one essential oil, it is probably lavender — and for good reason. It is the most versatile oil in aromatherapy: gentle, widely useful, and pleasant to almost everyone.
The name comes from the Latin lavare, to wash; the Romans scented their baths and laundry with it. The oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tops of the plant, with Lavandula angustifolia — true lavender — the species most valued for calm, clean aromatherapy use.
Aroma and character
Lavender is fresh, floral and softly herbaceous, sitting in the middle of a blend and smoothing the edges of the oils around it. It pairs easily with almost anything — citrus, florals, woods and herbs alike — which makes it the natural place to begin blending.
In aromatherapy
Lavender is the classic oil for winding down. It is regarded for easing tension and settling the mind before sleep, and it is gentle enough to be one of the few oils sometimes used with only light dilution — though diluting is always the safer habit. It is also a traditional choice for soothing minor skin irritation.
Using it
Add a few drops to a diffuser in the evening, or to a warm bath well mixed into a carrier. For the skin, blend into sweet almond or grapeseed oil and massage into the temples, neck or shoulders. Keep a bottle within reach — it is the oil you will use most.