Why Lavender Aromatherapy Is the Chill Bestie You Didn’t Know You Needed

Table of Contents:

1. That Time I Tried to Be a Zen Goddess (and Totally Failed)

2. Okay But What Is Aromatherapy, Really?

3. Lavender: Not Just for Your Grandma’s Drawer Sachet

4. The Wild World of Lavender Goodies

5. Bath Bombs That Fizz Your Worries Away

6. Candles That Smell Like a Hug

7. Oils, Sprays, and Other Fancy Potions

8. The Science-ish Stuff (But Like, Fun)

9. My Failed Meditation Attempt ft. Lavender Oil

10. DIY Lavender Vibes at Home (Cheap and Cheerful)

11. Gift Sets That Say "I Love You But Also Please Chill"

12. Real Talk: Does Any of This Actually Work?

13. Wrapping It Up Like a Cozy Blanket

That Time I Tried to Be a Zen Goddess (and Totally Failed)

So here’s a fun little disaster: I once tried to create a DIY spa night in my apartment to, you know, be one of those effortlessly calm wellness girlies. I even bought a fluffy white robe (on sale, obviously), queued up a rain sounds playlist, and lit every single candle I owned. The vibe? Immaculate. The execution? Not so much.

Somewhere between trying to steam my face over a pot of boiling water (don’t recommend) and accidentally knocking a lavender diffuser into my cup of tea (extra flavor, anyone?), I realized two things. One: I'm not built for complicated rituals. And two: lavender aromatherapy smells like emotional support. Seriously, it gave my chaotic evening a weirdly comforting undercurrent, like a cozy aunt patting your head after a mental breakdown.

Anyway, that’s when I fell into the rabbit hole of lavender everything. And, um, I might never climb out.

2. Okay But What Is Aromatherapy, Really?

Alright, so before we get too lavender-happy, let's rewind. Aromatherapy isn't just a fancy word influencers use to justify hoarding essential oils. It’s basically the use of plant-based scents—usually from essential oils—to do stuff like help you relax, boost your mood, or pretend you're not having a quarter-life crisis.

You might’ve heard of things like eucalyptus for congestion, peppermint for headaches, and yep—lavender for chilling out. The idea is that your nose talks to your brain (science!) and triggers emotions or physical responses. Is it all proven? Eh, kinda. But honestly, even if it's placebo, I'll take it if it keeps me from doom-scrolling TikTok at 2 a.m.

3. Lavender: Not Just for Your Grandma’s Drawer Sachet

Listen, I used to associate lavender with old ladies and weird purple potpourri bowls. But turns out, lavender is like the Beyoncé of essential oils. She's versatile, iconic, and a little too good at stealing the spotlight.

Lavender essential oil is known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and even sleep-promoting properties. You’ll find it in literally everything: candles, lotions, bath bombs, pillow sprays, and yes, those adorable little lavender spa gift sets for women that pop up around Mother’s Day.

Also? It smells good. Like, really good. Not overpowering or fake-floral. Just this soft, herbal hug for your brain.

One time, my roommate Kara (she’s one of those people who makes matcha daily and owns seven types of crystal water bottles) made me a homemade lavender face mist. I laughed at her. Then I used it. And then I stole it. (Sorry, Kara. Kind of.)

4. The Wild World of Lavender Goodies

Let’s break down all the ways you can let lavender run your life. Because trust me, the options are endless—and wildly tempting.

Bath Bombs That Fizz Your Worries Away

There’s just something about dropping a fizzy purple orb into a tub and watching it swirl into lavender-scented magic. Bonus if it’s got Epsom salt or dried lavender buds. If your tub doesn’t look like a witch’s cauldron of calm by the end, you’re doing it wrong.

Candles That Smell Like a Hug

My favorite candle? One that combines lavender and chamomile. It’s like if a cozy blanket and a sleepy kitten had a scent baby. I burn it during thunderstorms or when I’m spiraling about turning 30 (not soon... but close-ish?).

Oils, Sprays, and Other Fancy Potions

You’ve got your lavender essential oil rollers (great for temples and wrists), your lavender pillow sprays (spritz and snooze), and even lavender massage oils (you know... for romantic purposes or like, sore shoulder emergencies).

Sometimes I dab lavender oil on my neck just before Zoom meetings so I look like I’ve got it together. Nobody knows I cried into my cereal earlier. Except maybe Rachel from HR. She sees too much.

5. The Science-ish Stuff (But Like, Fun)

Okay, so here's the thing: I am not a scientist. I once tried to explain osmosis and ended up describing a Brita filter. But! I did do a mildly panicked deep-dive into the "why" behind aromatherapy so you don’t have to.

Lavender oil contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate—fancy names that basically mean "smells good and might help you chill." Some studies suggest that inhaling lavender can lower heart rate, reduce anxiety, and even help with sleep. (You can totally Google it if you're into PubMed-level stuff. I won’t judge.)

What I will say is this: I once had a panic attack at a dentist’s office (long story, involves a root canal and a rogue drill). The hygienist handed me a lavender-scented stress ball. Within five minutes, I wasn't exactly zen, but I also wasn’t plotting my escape route through the window. That’s progress, right?

6. My Failed Meditation Attempt ft. Lavender Oil

So I decided to get all intentional and add lavender oil to my meditation practice. Spoiler alert: I lasted three and a half minutes before thinking about lasagna.

But during those three and a half minutes, I was so relaxed. I put a few drops of lavender oil for stress relief into my diffuser, turned on that YouTube lady with the hypnotic voice, and actually unclenched my jaw for once.

Then I remembered I left my laundry in the washer for, like, two days and had to go rewash everything (ugh). Still, it was a tiny sliver of calm in a sea of chaos. And that’s what lavender’s really good at: showing up when everything else is falling apart.

Oh, and FYI: don’t meditate on the floor if your cat thinks your yoga mat is a scratching post. Learned that the hard way.

7. DIY Lavender Vibes at Home (Cheap and Cheerful)

If you've ever looked at a $40 lavender pillow spray and thought, “I could make this for $3 and a prayer,”—same. And guess what? You totally can.

One time, I tried making my own lavender bath soak using Epsom salt, a few drops of natural lavender oil, and some dried lavender from a sketchy Etsy store. Did it look cute in a mason jar? Absolutely. Did I accidentally use too much oil and end up slipping in the tub? Also yes.

But honestly? Worth it.

Here’s my questionably tested list of lavender DIYs:

1. Lavender Pillow Spray: Mix water, vodka (yeah, vodka), and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake it like a Polaroid picture. Spray on pillow. Dream about being rich and emotionally stable.
2. Lavender Roller Ball: Carrier oil + lavender oil in a teeny roller bottle = instant chill on-the-go.
3. Lavender Facial Mist: Just water and a drop of oil, maybe a sprig of rosemary if you're feeling ✨extra✨.
4. Lavender Sachets: Toss dried lavender in a sock, tie it up, and throw it in your drawer. Congrats, you’re Martha Stewart.

Anyway, if you DIY something and it turns out amazing, please don’t tell me. I’m fragile.

8. Gift Sets That Say "I Love You But Also Please Chill"

Let me tell you about the time I gave my mom a lavender gift set for women and accidentally caused a family-wide obsession.

It was one of those lavender spa kits with a bath bomb, lotion, candle, and some bougie-looking soap. I wrapped it with a note that said, “For when life is annoying and you need to disappear into bubbles.” She cried. I cried. My aunt stole the soap when no one was looking.

Now I’m that person who gives lavender pamper kits for everything:

• Birthdays? Lavender.
• Breakups? Lavender and wine.
• New job? Lavender and a note that says “run.”

I’m not saying you should replace therapy with lavender gift baskets... but I’m also not not saying that.

Also, pro tip: some of these gift sets are low-key trash. Like, one time I bought a “premium lavender bath set” that smelled like expired grandma perfume. So read reviews, folks. Or just make your own with the DIY section above (unless you're me and keep spilling everything).

9. Real Talk: Does Any of This Actually Work?

Okay, let’s be real for a second.

Does lavender actually cure stress? Probably not. Does it fix your life? Nope. Will it magically make your annoying coworker less annoying? I wish.

But here’s what it does do: it gives you a moment. Like, just a moment to breathe. To be soft. To not have your brain spinning in 17 directions while your phone buzzes with six different notifications you’re pretending not to see.

I once used a lavender and eucalyptus oil blend before a terrifying presentation (shoutout to Mark from accounting who still thinks my voice crack was intentional). And you know what? I still bombed the presentation, but I smelled like serenity.

So yeah. Maybe it’s a little woo-woo. Maybe it’s just a vibe. But if it helps me sleep better, cry more peacefully, or not throw my laptop out the window during a Zoom meeting, then I’m all in.

10. Wrapping It Up Like a Cozy Blanket

If you’ve made it this far, first of all—bless your attention span. Second, can we just admit that life is a lot sometimes? And if lavender aromatherapy is your weird little coping mechanism, then hey, welcome to the club. We’ve got lavender incense, lavender candles, and absolutely no shame.

I’m not saying lavender will solve your existential crisis, but it might make your room smell less like sadness and more like a peaceful meadow in a Pinterest dreamscape. That’s gotta count for something, right?

So now I want to hear from you: Do you have a go-to scent that calms you down? Have you ever accidentally set off the smoke alarm trying to make your bathroom a spa? (No? Just me?)

Anyway. If you liked this rambling mess of lavender feelings, maybe check out my other stuff? No pressure though. I’m probably just over here sniffing a sachet and wondering if I remembered to turn off the stove.