Three Ways to Use Lavender Plants and Essential Oils as a Sleep Aid

Lavender is Marlene’s favorite scent. She grows lavender on her urban farm, and she uses it as a stress reliever and sleep aid.

Insomnia and My Discovery of Lavender

For many years I have suffered from insomnia. When I heard about the benefits of using the lavender plant (also known as Lavandula augustifolia) and essential oils, I began my own research—reading about the lavender plant and learning why it worked. While I do not have the means to extract the essential oils, I grow lavender around my house. I make sachets and lavender wands to keep inside my house, and I purchase lavender essential oil to use as part of my sleep therapy program.

The scent of lavender essential oil increases slow-wave sleep, which is the very deep sleep where the heartbeat slows and the muscles relax. It is during this phase of sleep that the brain is believed to regenerate and organize memory, as well.

An oil extraction machine is used to extract the oil from fresh flowers of the lavender plant. Upon extraction, the oil is used for medicinal purposes, which includes ailments such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Three Ways to Use Lavender as a Sleep Aid

Scientific research shows that the scent of lavender oil has a calming effect. In studies of adult males and females, people who sniffed lavender oil were able to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. The goal is to diffuse or bring the scent of lavender into the air, enabling you to inhale the scent.

Here are three quick and easy ways to bring the scent of lavender into your environment for a good night’s sleep.

Lavender Oil and Steam is Soothing

A few drops of lavender oil in a steam facial is relaxing.

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1. Steam Diffusion

• Use a facial steamer. Plug in the steamer and wait for the steamer to produce steam. Place one or two drops of essential lavender oil into the steaming water. Or,
• Stove top. Boil two cups of water in a pot on the stove. Turn off the heat. Place two drops of oil into the hot water if you will be standing over the hot water to inhale the scent. Place more drops of oil into the hot water if you want the scent to fill the room with the lavender scent. The actual number of drops depend on the size of the room. Be careful. Do not lean over the steamed water if you have placed more than three drops of oil into the water.

In either diffusion method you use, the lavender scent will fill the air. Inhale the scent for a minimum of two minutes. Then, go to bed to experience a restful night of slumber.

Place a Lavender Scented Tissue Under Your Pillow

2. Tissue Diffusion

Place two to three drops of lavender essential oil onto tissue paper and place the tissue paper in your room. Even better, place one to two drops of oil onto tissue paper and then place the tissue paper under your pillow case. If you just want to lay down and go to sleep, this is the quickest way to use lavender essential oil as a sleep aid.

Use a Lavender Wand as a Sleep Aid

3. Lavender Wand

Place a lavender wand on your night stand. Lavender wands are easy to make. I make several wands and place them in a vase on my night stand. Lavender wands can also be placed under your pillow case. One of my favorite things about lavender wands is that they can be used like sachets and placed in your pajama drawer so that when you remove your pajamas to wear, the scent is already on your pajamas, helping you fall asleep from the relaxing aroma of lavender.

Since I grow lavender, I make lavender wands to use and to give as gifts. Learn how to make your own lavender wand in my article titled: How to Make a Lavender Wand.

Scientific Research Shows the Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

During the Middle Ages, lavender essential oil was used as an aphrodisiac. Bed pillows were stuffed with lavender to induce sleep.

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John Parkinson, a 17th-century London apothecary, wrote that lavender is “especially good for all griefs and pains of the head and brain.”

Research shows that the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia. Britain’s University of Southhampton conducted a four-week study of ten adults (5 males and 5 females) and found evidence that the scent of lavender improved the condition of those suffering from insomnia.

My Favorite Source for Lavender Essential Oils

I have found the best, reliable essential lavender oil from an online source called Puritan Pride. I have been using this company since 1973, before their name changed from Nutrition Headquarters. I have no affiliation with Puritan Pride, however, I highly recommend them for quality products with competitive prices. Search Google for Puritan Pride and find great health related products. By the way, their service is excellent.

Lavender Plants and Essential Lavender Oil

If you do not have access to fresh lavender plants, purchase pure lavender essential oil. You can find it at various health related stores or online for about $8.00 to $14.00, depending on the size of the bottle you buy.

Special Cautions About Essential Oils

• Essential oils are toxic if taken orally. Do not ingest essential oils.
• More is not better. One or two drops are enough to serve as a sleep aid. Three drops should be considered the maximum dosage for any adult to inhale directly.
• When handling essential oils, be careful. Pure scented oils can cause skin irritation.
• As with any plant based product, some individuals may be allergic to or develop allergic reactions. Reactions to be aware of are nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills after inhaling or absorbing essential oils through the skin.

Disclaimer

I am an ordinary person who suffers from mild and occasional insomnia. I am not a medical professional, and I make no absolute claims whatsoever. The suggestions mentioned here are based upon my personal experience and information gleaned from studies reported in medical journals. I advise anyone considering the use of lavender essential oil to consult with your medical professional prior to using this product in any way, shape, or form.

Sources

University of Maryland Medical Center, January 10, 2012: Lavender Study Report.

PennState Hershey: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Alan Hirsch, MD neurological director: The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, Chicago, Illinois.

AP News Archive: Sniffing Lavender Helps Sleep, Study Suggests

University of Southhampton, The Journal of Alternative and complementary Medicine: A Single-Blinded, Randomized Pilot Study Evaluating the Aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a Treatment for Mild Insomnia

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2013 Marlene Bertrand

Comments

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on January 13, 2018:

Hi Patricia Scott. Lavender is by far my favorite scent. Maybe that is why it is so soothing to me.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on January 13, 2018:

Interesting...I do not suffer from insomnia but a gentle soothing aroma such as lavender could help usher me off into a wonderful evening of rest. Angels are on the way this morning ps

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on January 12, 2018:

Thank you, Shannon, for the link. It sounds interesting.

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on September 21, 2015:

Hello Au fait. You have some very good questions that suggest I need to update this hub. To answer the first question, the short answer is, yes. Too much lavender can be toxic. In fact, all essential oils can be toxic and can even burn the skin when applied directly. Inhaling essential oils is almost the same as ingesting them. If you have sensitive membranes, the strong scent may be uncomfortable. To answer your second question about how lavender essential oils can be an aphrodisiac and a sleep aide at the same time... well, it depends on how you use it. I think when people are using lavender essential oil as an aphrodisiac, they incorporate oils that can be used on the body as a massage oil. I think the activity of the massage and the scent create a sensuous atmosphere. On the other hand, when you are simply using the essential oil as a scent, then the scent alone can be relaxing enough to induce sleep.

C E Clark from North Texas on September 19, 2015:

Is the toxicity of the lavender essential oil the reason you warn against leaning over the steaming water with more than 3 drops of the oil in it?

How can lavender essential oil be an aphrodisiac if it puts a person to sleep?

Great information. Also, congrats on HOTD!

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on July 21, 2015:

Hello brakel2. Thank you! I am so glad you liked this. I grow lavender. It is one of my favorite scents. I love the idea of pairing it with vanilla. For a truly relaxing scent try combining lavender with vanilla and cinnamon or vanilla and orange. It's all so relaxing.

Audrey Selig from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 13, 2015:

Hi Marlene Thanks for writing this article about lavender, my favorite scent. You gave a lot of good information, and I plan to buy the plant. I also love lavender vanilla, as the combination is heavenly. The essential oil sounds so pure and worth purchasing . Thanks for this amazing hub. Blessings, Audrey - Will share.

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on January 26, 2015:

Hello DDE! Thank you for your compliment. I definitely like using lavender as a sleep aid. In fact, last night I placed a tissue into a little bowl and sprinkled a couple of drops of lavender onto the tissue. The scent is very soothing. I slept all night.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on January 26, 2015:

Congratulations! You have created a beautiful hub and deserve the HOTD. Voted up, useful and interesting.

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 08, 2014:

Hi Patsybell, Lavender is one of my favorite scents. Whenever I am overly anxious, I spray some lavender on a tissue and place the tissue on my nightstand. The scent has a calming effect.

Patsy Bell Hobson from zone 6a, Southeast Missouri, USA on March 07, 2014:

I believe the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia. Great hub. Voted up and pinned.

Shadaan Alam from India on August 03, 2013:

Interesting info, i love lavender but never knew it can be used as a sleeping aid too, thanks for this one, sharing up

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on August 02, 2013:

Thanks so much, Rajan. I really like lavender. I have a lavender wand that sits in my pencil holder. It smells so nice.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on August 02, 2013:

Wonderful and useful info, Marlene! And congrats on getting HOTD.

Voted up, useful and awesome. Shared, pinned and tweeted.

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on April 17, 2013:

Hi khmazz. I started growing lavender because I liked the scent and the way it looked. Then, as I did a little research I found out about the benefits of lavender. Using it as a way to provide a calm, relaxing environment has helped me a lot. I hope it helps you, too.

Kristen Mazzola from South Florida on April 16, 2013:

I have heard a few times before that lavender was a nice sleep aid...Recently I have had trouble sleeping; I am going to have to look into trying your great tips! Thanks for sharing...Voted up :)

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on April 05, 2013:

Brett.Tesol - Thank you for your compliment. I'm still very excited about the HOTD.

Ahtsham97 - Thank you for your feedback. I am a fan of lavender and use it a lot of different ways.

Crystal Tatum - I like the idea of including Epsom salts in the lavender bath. I imagine that would be the most relaxing bath I have ever had.

Crystal Tatum from Georgia on April 05, 2013:

I love lavender. It's so relaxing. I like to put it in a hot bath with Epsom salts. Congrats on getting HOTD!!

Ahtsham97 on April 05, 2013:

I love natural Lavender and I find precious information and tip on Lavender here in the hub. Thanks for sharing so useful research about this useful plant.

Brett C from Asia on April 05, 2013:

Great advice, Lavender is indeed very calming. And I noticed that this grabbed HUB OF THE DAY!!! Congratulations on landing that one ;-).

Shared, pinned, tweeted, up and useful.

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on April 04, 2013:

Hello Everyone! I am overwhelmed with your response. Your positive feedback is very encouraging. I hope you have a chance to try lavender as a natural way to help you relax and fall asleep.

Evans4life - No, I wish I knew a thing or two more about a natural cure for snoring. Haha! That would be a great companion hub for this one. Right?

Night Magic from Canada on April 03, 2013:

Congrats onHotD. I really like the ideal of the Lavender Wands

Evans4life on April 03, 2013:

Thank you for the information. I love the scent of lavender. Do you know if it will or know of something that will help with snoring?

Mary Strain from The Shire on April 03, 2013:

Congratulations on HOTD! I always use lavender skin lotion before going to sleep, and it does seem to help me drop off to sleep.

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on April 03, 2013:

I love the scent of lavendar. It is very relaxing, and I enjoyed your article on it. I like the idea of the lavendar wand, as well.

Congrats on HOTD. It is nice to see a familiar face receive it.

StellaSee from California on April 03, 2013:

Recently, I've been waking up in the middle of the night and I have trouble falling back to sleep so I was considering taking a medication but I was hesitant to do that because it's not natural. This hub came at a perfect timing! I've heard of using lavender oil for stress relief but I've never thought about it as a sleep aid. Thanks for sharing and congratulations!

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on April 03, 2013:

I love lavender. It has good fragrance. My mother has a problem with sleeping. She has to know about this hub and I'll show to her. Thanks for writing and share with us. Voted up!

Prasetio

RTalloni on April 03, 2013:

Congrats on your Hub of the Day award for this helpful and well-done hub. --and thanks for great info to use and share!

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on April 03, 2013:

I've been hearing about this oil as a sleep aid more and more. As someone who hasn't slept thru the night in years, I'll give it a try. Thank you so much for this hub. It is the most informative piece I've read on the subject to date.

Bajazid from Sarajevo, Bosnia on April 03, 2013:

I have several bushes of my own. Enjoy to cut it in the summer and make some wreaths, bags and other useful stuff.

Thanks for this article!

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on April 03, 2013:

Hello everyone, thank you very much for your feedback. It is truly valuable to me.

Also, I'd like to mention again that when using lavender essential oils, more is not necessarily better. Two to three drops should do the job. And, like someone mentioned, too much can also produce some side effects. Depression can be one of them. You just need to know your body and, like with everything you do in your life, be wise and don't go overboard.

Again, everyone, thank you for reading and for leaving your wonderful comments. I'm feeling honored and very blessed today.

FlourishAnyway from USA on April 03, 2013:

Thanks for specific information on how to use it. I especially love the wand idea! How long do they typically last before you need to refresh?

Janis Leslie Evans from Washington, DC on April 03, 2013:

Congratulations, MarleneB! So happy for you, well deserved. Thank you for writing a beautiful hub. It looks great. I love lavender in lotions, sprays, and teas. Up, useful, and awesome.

Comfort Babatola from Bonaire, GA, USA on April 03, 2013:

I've always loved the purple color of the plant, and the smell of lavender.

I usually go for lotion and deodorant with the lavender flavor/scent, but never really thought of the oil itself.

I will definitely give this a try. I already sleep good, but my husband and daughter usually don't get the rest they crave. Hopefully this should help. Thanks for the info. Voted up and useful, and congrats on the HOTD award.

athulnair from India on April 03, 2013:

Great hub with useful information. It is always good to know the natural remedies for insomnia rather than taking alternate drugs as medication.

And also congrats for being chosen as the hub of the day.

Jaye Denman from Deep South, USA on April 03, 2013:

I love lavender essential oil and even use it to soothe my dog before taking her to the vet's, which is normally a traumatic event for her. I find affordable, but excellent quality, essential oils on Amazon.com.

Voted Up++

Jaye

Katee Shew from Canada on April 03, 2013:

This is an awesome hub! I already use lavender to help me sleep, but I am goign to try your suggestions, it might even work better! I am bookmarking this for future use, and I shared this with my pinterest fans :)

Sid Kemp from Boca Raton, Florida (near Miami and Palm Beach) on April 03, 2013:

What a beautiful and simple solution. Thank you so much, and congratulations on Hub of the Day.

Subhas from New Delhi, India on April 03, 2013:

Very informative and ready to use handy article. I would say that you have interwoven your thoughts with perfect setting of wordings reserving a place into hub of the day.

carol stanley from Arizona on April 03, 2013:

Love essential oils and Lavender is my favorite. It is so soothing and pleasant. Thanks for a great hub.

Stephanie Bradberry from New Jersey on April 03, 2013:

I love all the uses of lavender. As an herbalist and nautropath, spreading knowledge of natural cures is essential (get it!). I have seen cooks use essential oils in everything from desserts to salad dressing. Of course you do have to be careful of which ones are safe to ingest in small quantities, but lavender was used on a show on Veria to flavor a dessert. Thanks for sharing. And congratulations on your Hub of the Day.

Allison Felton on April 03, 2013:

This is a very useful hub, thanks for the wonderful information. As a newborn, my youngest child was very hard to get to sleep, so I began to use the lavender bath products made for babies and they were a true help to a very tired mom.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on April 03, 2013:

Congrats on being chosen Hub of the Day! Well deserved!

Toy Tasting from Mumbai on April 03, 2013:

This is a lovely hub, thanks for the information. Congratulations on HOTD. Cheers!

Sheri Dusseault from Chemainus. BC, Canada on April 03, 2013:

That is very interesting. I will try it. Congrats on a great hub!

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on April 03, 2013:

This is interesting...thank goodness, this is not a problem I have but I know some who will appreciate this information so will pass it along.

Sending Angels your way this morning :) ps

Oswalda Purcell from Los Angeles on April 03, 2013:

Thank you!

Sneha Sunny from India on April 03, 2013:

This is a very useful hub for those who suffer from insomnia! I didn't knew this property of lavender. Very interesting.

Thanks for sharing.

Rated, voted up and shared! :)

seanorjohn on April 03, 2013:

The tissue under the pillow idea sounds a simple idea. Looking forward to trying this. Voted up.

Natasha from Hawaii on April 03, 2013:

I love lavender! Congrats on your hub of the day!!

Jill Spencer from United States on April 03, 2013:

Glad you found some relief for your insomnia. Even if it doesn't work for everyone, lavender certainly smells fresh & clean. And who doesn't like that? Congrats on HOTD! All the best, Jill

sunflowerforests from The light in the forest of doubt. on April 03, 2013:

Great article. I was just given a few lavender plants to plant in my yard. We cut a few stalks and put in water in the kitchen to fill the room with lavender scent. I'm happy to find your hub about making a lavender wand too. I'm definitely going to do that. Congratulations on Hub of the Day!

Healing Herbalist from The Hamlet of Effingham on April 03, 2013:

Great hub, and congrats on hub of the day. Lavender is such a great scent, but did you know if you use too much lavender, it can cause depression? Be well, and sleep well.

Cynthia B Turner from Georgia on April 03, 2013:

Hello Marlene, Congrats on Hub of the Day. Your explanation of the benefits of using lavender as sleep aid was very well done and easy to understand. Lavender is in so many things now. I admit that I like lavender when it is combined with other scents, such as vanilla. That makes a really soothing, relaxing combination to me.

I notice that they are putting the lavender scent in many baby products to help calm them.

Your article is definitely voted up.

livingsta from United Kingdom on April 03, 2013:

Interesting and useful information. Although I have been recommended by two of my friends to use Lavender oil to help relax and get some sleep, I still haven't tried it. I like the smell of lavender. I should give this a try.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

Votes up and sharing! Congratulations on "Hub of the day"

beingwell from Bangkok on April 03, 2013:

Marlene! Congrats to your hub of the day award!! You deserve it!!

Subhas from New Delhi, India on April 03, 2013:

Great! I really like the fragrance of lavender and find the methods mentioned by you of using it quiet exciting. Definitely going to put a tissue scented with lavender oil drops under my pillow for a relaxing night.

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on April 01, 2013:

Hi Thelma, thank you for the confirmation about lavender essential oils. I am so glad it works for you as well as it does for me. In fact, I'm sitting at my desk right now with a bowl filled with lavender leaves. I sprinkled two drops of lavender oil onto the leaves. It smells so nice. And, I hope you had an enjoyable Easter, too.

Thelma Alberts from Germany on March 30, 2013:

I am using lavender essential oil since the day I knew how it gives me a very relaxing and tight night sleep. That was about ten years ago. Besides putting it in an oil burner/warmer, I rub a drop in front of my nose, rub it on my arm pulses and sprinkle some on my pillow case. Have a good night sleep then. Thanks for the informative hub. Happy Easter;-)

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 29, 2013:

Hi Arlene! It's good to see you here. I keep forgetting that we have some amazing farms here in northern California. I live close enough to the farmer's markets you mentioned that I should go check them out.

Arlene V. Poma on March 29, 2013:

As usual, Marlene, your writing is dynamite! I love lavender, and you have brought up a lot of useful information. I have no problem sleeping, but I think the aroma of lavender will cure all! I grow lavender for my cookies. I've planted it for other people. I have also been given gifts of lavender oil from a local farm in Colfax. I am overdue for visits to the lavender farms in Colfax and Lincoln. If I can't visit, I'm off to the Farmers Markets on weekends! It's all about living in Northern California for me!

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 29, 2013:

Hi Nell! Yes. Do try the steam method and then, have a good night's rest. :)

Nell Rose from England on March 29, 2013:

Hi, this was great info, and I loved all your ideas, the steam infusion is something that I will definitely try, voted up!

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 29, 2013:

Ah ha ha! alocsin, my lavender writing spree stated with the HP weekly challenge. One hub lead to another. I really enjoy lavender and all the benefits it provides. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on March 29, 2013:

You're on a lavender plant article roll, I see. I do like the scent of lavender and am glad to find out these new ways of using the plant. Voting this Up and Useful.

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 28, 2013:

Hello Denise! Thank you for your comment. And, I hope you get a chance to make a lavender wand. It's really fun to make and if you like the scent of lavender, you will certainly be surrounded by it during the process of making the wand.

Denise Handlon from North Carolina on March 28, 2013:

I can hardly wait to read about how to make a lavender wand. I loved the photo you took of that lavender against the rich purple. Great info here. :)

UP/U/I and sharing.

Marlene Bertrand (author) from USA on March 28, 2013:

Mhatter99 - Oh, I am a fan of jasmine, too. In fact, I have two jasmine plants at the entrance to my back yard. I'm hoping to train it across a trellis.