Lavender flowers were used by ancient civilizations for more than just its irresistible smell. “Lavender has been used for thousands of years by a host of civilizations,” says Kavita Sahai, certified aromatherapist. “The ancient Greeks used it as a cure for everything from insomnia to pain; the Romans infused their bathwater with its flowers, giving lavender its name, from lavare, the Latin word for wash. However, its modern medical breakthrough happened in 1910, when French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé treated a burn with lavender and observed rapid healing. This moment led him to coin the term aromathérapie, founding the discipline we know today.”
Today, lavender oil is most commonly used to promote sleep, likely due to its relaxation-inducing properties—but there’s more to it than its calming scent. Lavender oil offers many surprising health benefits, from promoting cognitive function to curbing inflammation and chronic pain. To find out more about the ancient essential oil, we tapped an aromatherapist for five clinically-supported reasons to use lavender oil—beyond helping you fall asleep.
- Kavita Sahai, certified aromatherapist and founder of K Sahai and VibesTribe.co
5 Surprising Health Benefits of Lavender Oil
Calms the Nervous System
While there are many natural ways to address an overstimulated nervous system, lavender oil falls high on the list. “Lavender isn’t just relaxing—it has a measurable effect on the central nervous system,” Sahai says. “It’s often used in treating stress-related illness because it supports parasympathetic balance and emotional resilience, and has been shown to encourage calmness and clarity, helping regulate the body’s stress response.” The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, rolling on some lavender oil can help your nervous system settle.
Soothes Pain and Discomfort
Inflammation is typically caused by chronic conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or short-term illnesses. And while lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications can all make significant improvements, lavender oil is a natural way to soothe some of the physical pain. “Clinical research has confirmed lavender’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a strong natural ally for people dealing with muscular tension or menstrual discomfort,” Sahai says. “It not only reduces physical pain, but improves emotional tolerance to chronic conditions.”
Improves Migraine Outcomes
If you struggle with chronic headaches or migraines, lavender oil will be your new best friend. “A placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that inhaling lavender essential oil significantly reduced both the severity and frequency of migraine attacks within 15 minutes,” Kahai says. Best of all, “unlike [certain] over-the-counter medication, it comes without side effects.” Plus, it’s easy to carry a small bottle of lavender oil to whip out when migraine symptoms begin to surface.
Boosts Memory
A 2021 study showed that lavender oil inhalation can help with memory performance improvement and other neurological enhancements. So go ahead and take a whiff of lavender the next time you’re studying for an exam or want to jog your memory.
Fights Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria
Lavender oil isn’t just calming—it’s also sterilizing, Sahai says. “Beyond calming and soothing, certain species, like Lavandula coronopifolia, have shown antibacterial activity even against drug-resistant strains, offering powerful, natural support for skin and wound care,” she explains. You can use lavender oil for antibacterial and antiseptic purposes, making it a powerful cleaning and healing agent.
How to Use Lavender Oil Throughout the Day
Reset Your Mind in the Afternoon
If you tend to feel lethargic or anxious by midday, rolling on some lavender oil can help you reset and feel energized in those moments. “Roll on your wrists or behind your ears for a subtle but steady sense of calm,” Sahai suggests.
Recover After Your Workout
After an intensive workout, recovery can be a challenge. That’s where lavender oil comes in to save the day: “Combine [lavender] with peppermint (and a carrier oil) and apply to sore muscles,” Sahai recommends. “Lavender helps reduce inflammation and muscle fatigue.”
Curb Nerves Before a Performance
For those who are frequent performers or public speakers, pre-show anxiety is a normal part of the job—but lavender oil can help curb some of those nerves. “Inhale deeply from cupped hands before a presentation or tough conversation,” Sahai says. “Lavender reduces cortisol levels and may improve mental clarity.”
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