The lavender plant, endemic to the Mediterranean, has long been cherished for its scent, therapeutic qualities and cooking uses. Essential oil of lavender is referred to as the “mother” of aromatherapy oils by essential oils teacher Salvatore Battaglia. Lavender’s flowery, yet gentle, scent is subtle and supportive. Unlike rose or jasmine flower essential oils, lavender’s aroma is not overbearing but instead buoys the spirit and assists in the rebalancing of physical and mental bearings. These reasons make lavender an excellent plant for overcoming symptoms of stress.

The root of the name lavender literally means “to take away” or “remove”, relating to cleaning or washing. The flowers long ago began their therapeutic history being added to bathwater for cleansing and rejuvenation. These same purple beauties found their way into the cuisine of the Mediterranean region in a blend of herbs, and in the form of a softly scented honey. French lavender, the most revered of the varieties, is known as Lavendula angustifolia — there are now many species available, often at lower costs — though it is the angustifolia plant that may have the most soothing effects of all.

From a therapeutic standpoint, lavender is the most versatile of the essential oils used today. Employed topically, it is an excellent anti-inflammate, soothing the skin quickly whether from burns, scrapes or insect bites. When applied to the soles of the feet, the oil has a balancing effect on the nervous system, with a resulting profound relaxation and deep, restful sleep. Simple inhalation can reduce agitation and stress, bringing about a clarity of mind and calm. This can be especially helpful when stressful moments arise in the day: just keep a small sachet of lavender flowers handy (“spiked” with a few drops of pure essential oil to keep the aroma fresh) and take a few deep breaths inhaling through the nose.

While lavender’s precious qualities are already widely recognized in aromatherapy, further scientific studies have shown lavender has some specific uses that may contribute to its therapeutic status as an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety plant. A study, published in April 2009 by the School of Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire, cited lavender as an anxiety-combatant herb in an experiment involving anxiety-inducing film clips. Participants ingested 100 or 200 microls of lavender prior to viewing distressing film clips, while a control group was given a placebo. Test administrators noted a decrease in anxiety responses in both men and women, but particularly in female subjects, and specifically those given the 200 microl doses. Women showed positive heart rate responses, and men showed changes in electrodermal response readings. The study concludes that lavender has anxiolytic effects when used in lower-stress situations.

Several studies have been published verifying lavender’s anti-stress effects for patients undergoing medical procedures. In Austria, one hundred subjects inhaled lavender while waiting for their dental appointment. In Japan, participants inhaled lavender from a diffuser before undergoing surgical examinations — in both situations, measurable and significant changes in anxiety levels were noted. And unlike many anti-anxiety drugs, lavender’s effect is nearly immediate, though not overly long-lasting. Further, lavender aroma is a completely safe alternative. Lavender is considered one of the safest essential oils in use, with only the occasional allergic skin reaction reported (and this has been traced to lavender used in over-the-counter skin creams and preparations, where the essential oil has oxidized during processing and while sitting on store shelves).

Recovering from medical procedures can also be extremely mentally and physically grueling. In order to test lavender’s ability to combat post-procedural stress and recovery, NYU Medical Center implemented a test on twenty-five women receiving breast biopsies. Subjects were given aroma of lavender in their oxygen supply during post-procedural recovery. A promising relationship was noted between how satisfied patients were with their pain recovery and the use of lavender aromatherapy. This is significant, as control group subjects seemed to experience more discontentment with pain management post-surgery. A second study, at the same university, sought to determine whether lavender could be an effective pain management tool in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Traditionally, opioids and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are administered to combat post-operative pain. In this study, lavender was used in conjunction with these medications to again test its efficacy as a pain-management tool. Researchers found lavender aroma lowered patient’s dependence on traditional medicines, offering hope that this plant could be used with other medical procedures.

One of lavender’s outstanding stress-reducing qualities is that it can reduce the severity of stress responses while not impairing one’s ability to deal with the situation. While other medications can leave one feeling drowsy,, there is no label on a bottle of lavender that says “do not operate heavy machinery while under the effects of this flowery aroma”. Lavender may help with the cumulative effects of pressure and worry; conditions that can leave one feeling helpless and unable to act, resulting in greater stress. Learning to incorporate healthy practices to alleviate the stress response from the start can keep one much happier and healthier in the long term; and incorporating aromatherapy into one’s lifestyle is exceptionally simple to do.

The most common methods of using lavender essential oil are topical application and diffuser use. If one is a great fan of the aroma of lavender, a diffuser can make fine mist of the essential oil which quickly infuses your entire space with the aroma. This can be done any time of day, and even throughout the night — it is best to use the smallest amount necessary for the desired affect, as one’s olfactory senses can become accustom to the aroma (and not be able to tell the room smells like a field of lavender any longer!) Diffusing for only a few minute every half an hour or so reduces this possibility without reducing the anti-anxiety results. Topical application is also very effective, and can work for those who are not so interested in the flower’s aroma. Just a few drops on the feet, wrists or temples can be useful for both stress reduction and improvement of sleep quality. Other means of using this very versatile oil are fare game, and you may find a great relief in a little bottle of true lavender oil.