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Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Information from AromaWeb (Logo)

Objective Insights Into Essential Oils & Aromatherapy

~ Since 1997 ~

Advanced Search

Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Information from AromaWeb (Logo)

Objective Insights Into Essential Oils & Aromatherapy

~ Since 1997 ~


What to Do If You Don't Like Lavender Essential Oil

A woman frowning while inhaling Lavender Essential Oil

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most beloved and widely used essential oils in aromatherapy.

Known for its calming properties and sweet, floral aroma, it has gained a reputation as a must-have for relaxation, stress relief, and even skincare.

But that doesn't mean you need to use it if you dislike it. Despite its popularity, not everyone loves the aroma of Lavender Essential Oil.

I certainly didn't have a "love at first sniff" relationship with lavender, and it took me a while to appreciate its aroma.

Now, I can't imagine being without it. I love the aroma and beautiful nuances of Bulgarian, French and Greek Lavender Oils, especially those that are abundant in the component linalyl acetate.

But everyone is different! If you find yourself in the camp of those who don't enjoy its aroma or if lavender triggers bad memories, rest assured that you're not alone. There are plenty of alternatives to explore!

Alternatives to Lavender Essential Oil

If you dislike the aroma of Lavender Essential Oil, there's no need to push yourself to use it.

Aromatherapy is meant to be a pleasant and supportive practice, and using an essential oil that you dislike or that upsets you can diminish the experience.

Fortunately, other essential oils offer similar therapeutic benefits and may be more to your liking.

List of Possible Lavender Oil Alternatives

Below is a list of possible substitutes for Lavender Essential Oil.

Be sure that you research and review the safety information for each essential oil that you are considering using. AromaWeb's individual Essential Oil Profiles are a great place to start.

Bergamot Mint Leaves

Bergamot Mint Essential Oil

With a gentle, minty-citrus aroma, Bergamot Mint Essential Oil has a chemical composition similar to Lavender Oil, and includes Lavender's key components linalool and linalyl acetate in percentages that can be around 40% each. Bergamot Mint Oil is calming, uplifting, and a good consideration as a substitute for relaxation. Learn more about Bergamot Mint Essential Oil.

Roman Chamomile in Bloom

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil's sweet, apple-like scent provides soothing and calming properties, making it valuable for stress relief and sleep support. Learn more about Roman Chamomile Essential Oil.

Clary Sage in Bloom

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Known for its earthy, herbaceous, floral aroma, Clary Sage Essential Oil promotes relaxation and emotional balance, much like Lavender Oil. Although it has less linalol than Lavender Oil, Clary Sage Oil features much more linalyl acetate, and it is an excellent candidate for blends intended to support a sense of calm. Learn more about Clary Sage Essential Oil.

Virgin Cedarwood Bark

Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil

With its grounding, woody scent, Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil is also appreciated for its ability to help promote relaxation and a sense of calm. It can be a wonderful alternative for those seeking tranquility. Atlas Cedarwood Oil is endangered, so I strive to use Virginian Cedarwood Oil instead. Learn more about Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil.

What About Substitutes for Lavender Essential Oil's Other Properties?

Lavender Essential Oil is renowned not only for its calming properties but also for its versatility in skincare, wound care, and antimicrobial uses.

By choosing substitutes that align with Lavender Essential Oil's benefits, you can still enjoy the therapeutic effects you're seeking without compromising on your preferences.

If you're looking to replace Lavender Essential Oil's functional benefits, here are some excellent substitutes:

Close-up of fresh tea tree leaves on a branch, showcasing the natural appearance of the plant associated with Tea Tree essential oil.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Known for its potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties, Tea Tree Essential Oil is an excellent alternative for wound care and skincare applications. Learn more about Tea Tree Essential Oil.

The unique blooms of Helichrysum italicum

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Also known as Immortelle or Everlasting, in certain areas of the world, Helichrysum Essential Oil is prized for its skin-rejuvenating and healing properties. It's an excellent substitute for soothing irritated or damaged skin. Learn more about Helichrysum Essential Oil.

Close-up of vibrant green Geranium leaves, highlighting the intricate texture and shape of the foliage associated with Geranium essential oil.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium Essential Oil helps promote healthy skin, making it a great alternative in skincare blends. Its floral aroma also provides emotional support. Learn more about Geranium Essential Oil.

Close-up of fresh Sweet Marjoram leaves, showcasing their soft green color and rounded shape, associated with Sweet Marjoram essential oil.

Marjoram Essential Oil

Like Lavender Essential Oil, Marjoram Essential Oil is known for its calming effects. It's particularly effective for promoting relaxation and soothing tense muscles. Learn more about Marjoram Essential Oil.

If You Want to Find Ways to Love Lavender Oil

I don't recommend forcing yourself to use Lavender Oil if you don't like it or if it triggers bad memories. And definitely do not use Lavender Essential Oil (or any other essential oil) if you have any sensitization, irritation or other adverse physical or emotional reaction to it.

However, if you simply dislike the aroma of Lavender Essential Oil and your dislike is mild, doesn't evoke negative memories, you might you might be interested in gradually experimenting with it.

Aromatic preferences can evolve, as I personally know from experience, and gently introducing lavender into your routine may help you develop a greater appreciation for its benefits.

A sprig of fresh lavender next to two bottles of Lavender Essential Oil

Tips for Warming Up to Lavender Oil Over Time

  • Once every week or two, put a drop of Lavender Essential Oil on a fragrance test strip and briefly smell it. This type of assessment, over time, can help you determine if you may develop a liking for Lavender Oil.
  • If you want to try blending with Lavender Essential Oil, combine it in low dilution with oils you already love. For example, blending Lavender Essential Oil with one or more citrus oils like Sweet Orange Essential Oil can mellow its floral intensity and create a pleasing synergy.
  • Dilute Lavender Essential Oil to no more than 1% for topical blends. At such a low dilution, it may feel less overwhelming while still offering therapeutic benefit.

Understanding Your Preferences

There are numerous aspects of Aromatherapy that are deeply personal. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

If Lavender Essential Oil isn't your favorite, it's okay to listen to your instincts and explore other essential oils that resonate with you.

Essential oils are about creating harmony and balance in your life, and there are countless options to help you achieve that without forcing a connection with lavender.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for a substitute oil with similar properties or gradually work with it in low dilution (as long as Lavender Oil does not cause you any irritation, allergy or other negative response), the key is to honor your preferences and enjoy the journey of discovery.

Aromatherapy is all about what works best for you, so don't hesitate to explore and find the essential oils that truly bring you joy and balance.

See Also:

General Safety Information

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. For general dilution information, read AromaWeb's Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Before using this or any essential oil, carefully read AromaWeb's Essential Oil Safety Information page. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Shelf Life

View Shelf Life Information

Important Information About the Profiles

The essential oil information provided on AromaWeb is intended for basic educational purposes only. The references to safety information, test results, constituents and percentages is generalized information. Essential oils can vary greatly in composition. The data is not necessary complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The essential oil photos are intended to represent the typical and approximate color of each essential oil. However, essential oil composition and color can vary based on harvesting, distillation, age of the essential oil and other factors. Profiles for several CO2 Extracts and absolutes are included within the directory, and are denoted as such.

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