Lavender is a beloved garden plant that is widely known for calming nerves, balancing emotions, and fostering a sense of peace. The scent of this plant aids in getting restful sleep, which is especially important during stressful times. Lavender essential oil is the easiest way to use this plant.

 

You can scent a room with any type of essential oil diffuser or make a room spray. A bottle that has a fine mist spray is a low-tech version of a nebulizer.

 

Aromatherapy Room Spray

¼ cup water

¼ cup vodka, unflavored

¼ teaspoon essential oil or blend

Mix the vodka and essential oil in a spray bottle and add the water. Shake and spray a little into the air.

 

Vodka in the room spray acts as an emulsifier, holding together two things that do not combine: oil and water. Unflavored vodka is best because it does not usually have additives. Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, should never be used in a room spray because it is dangerous to ingest.

 

Massage is another way to deliver scent to your personal space. Mix 2 or 3 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil to massage your neck and temples. Rub a little into the pressure points at your wrists or the back of your knees and let the warmth of your body activate the scent and waft the fragrance upwards.

 

A warm bath is relaxing, but with essential oils it’s even better. Place 12 to 18 drops of essential oil in an ounce of carrier oil to add to your bath. The carrier oil provides an even distribution of the essential oil. If you are a shower person, you can still take advantage of essential oils. Place 40 to 60 drops of essential oil on a washcloth. Fold it in half twice and place it on the floor of the shower under the water stream.

 

The easy vapors method used for respiratory issues also works nicely before bedtime to help relax and unwind. Boil a cup of water and pour it into a mug. Add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil, and then hold the mug near your face to inhale the vapors.

 

Another method for relaxing and enhancing sleep is to sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on your pillow and/or sheets. Alternatively, place a reed diffuser by your bedside, or sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and tuck it into an organza bag to hang on a bedpost or place beside your pillow.

 

There are several types of lavender, which makes it important to purchase the right one for the purposes described here. Known as common lavender, English lavender, and true lavender, its botanical names are Lavandula angustifolia and L. officinalis. Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) is stimulating and has the opposite effect of English lavender. In addition, it is sometimes marketed under the same botanical name as English lavender but called French lavender.

 

The ancient Greeks and Romans commonly used lavender for scenting soaps and doing laundry. Throughout Europe during the Middles Ages lavender was associated with love and thought to be anaphrodisiac. It was believed that carrying a sprig of lavender gave a person the ability to see ghosts. In ElizabethanEngland it was a popular strewing herb as well as a scent for linen cupboards. Soapmaker William of Yardley knew a good thing when he saw it (or smelled it) and managed to get a monopoly on England’s lavender during the 1770s.

 

Magically, lavender enhances awareness and intuition for dream work, clairvoyance, and all forms of psychic work. It also fosters concentration for clarity and inspiration in divination, contact with spirits, and communication in general. Use it to stay grounded and stable when engaged in spell work. With well-known powers of purification, lavender oil is ideal for consecrating sacred space, releasing negativity, and providing protection.

 

Stay magical; stay safe.