The essential facts

• Scientific name: Lavendula angustifolia
• Ollie’s oil comes from the Himalayas (and is ethically sourced!)
• One of the most popular essential oils in the world because of its benefits and diversity
• Known for its super calming and relaxing properties
• Antiseptic – kills any nasty microorganisms that try to grow
• Anti-inflammatory – stops redness and swelling from getting out of hand
• Antibacterial – destroys bacteria and prevents their growth
• Antifungal – kills fungus that might grow on surfaces
• Widely used in cosmetics in skin, hair, and body care applications to soothe, cleanse, detoxify, and even heal

Ollie’s Himalayan Lavender Oil comes from… yup, the Himalayas, more specifically from the Indian state of Kashmir. It is an oil that has a floral, sweet, and calming scent and is so diverse that it is widely used in aromatherapy to aid in sleep and lifting of the mood, treatment of skin issues in cosmetics, and even in cooking and baking!

The world is full of harsh chemicals and artificial substitutes these days… so instead of taking a chill pill, why not use something pure, safe, and natural, straight from mama earth? Read on to discover more about this versatile essential oil, its benefits, and how you can use it!

What is Himalayan lavender oil?

Lavender oil comes from the flowers of the hardy shrub of Lavendula angustifolia after a process of steam distillation (more about that later). It might otherwise be known as English Lavender, however it is not native to England but to the Mediterranean. It is more commonly recognised for its beautiful purple flower… well actually… Can you imagine being so prominent and memorable that you have a colour named after you? That’s what the colour of the lavender flower came to be known as… lavender!

While there can be many types of lavender oil grown and produced in different regions, I source mine from the valleys of the Himalayan mountains, in the Indian state of Kashmir. The lavender procured from the Himalayas is grown at altitudes of over 1100 metres and the fragrance it produces is literally above all others.

The Himalayan Lavender is rarer than European Lavender because it is grown in small quantities, and isn’t as popular in this region. Himalayan Lavender grown at higher altitudes has higher levels of linalyl acetate, which is the compound in lavender oil responsible for its antimicrobial and sedative properties. Lavender flowers grown at this altitude have a more floral and sweet fragrance that is just exhilarating. Keeping to my promise of delivering nothing but the best for the Ollie tribe, I choose the higher altitude Himalayan variety because these properties that have developed from growing lavender optimally will ensure that our oil gives you the best benefits possible.

Where is our Himalayan lavender oil sourced from?

I, Ollie, strive to share with you the finest oils that I have sourced so that you can get the best out of your essential oils journey. I promise that these are the purest oils that have personally been sourced by me and abide by my ethical standards so that I can give you the best quality at the most affordable prices!

I believe in sourcing my products from unique locations as well as supporting local economies and small-scale industries over mass-produced goods. This is why I source my lavender flowers and oil distillers from small-scale growers in the remote mountainous regions of Kashmir in the Himalayas!

The Kashmir region in Northern India is very remote and rugged. This breathtakingly beautiful and pristine place is also home to the best quality, organically grown lavender. It still has not seen the pollution or commercialization that plagues the rest of our world, maybe because it is located amidst some of the world’s tallest mountains (at an altitude of 1100 metres).

How is lavender essential oil produced?

The flowers are harvested by hand, and carried down mountains in bags, on donkey backs! This area is so rugged that vehicles just cannot go beyond certain reaches. Yes, it is a labour-intensive process but my ethical standards ensure that all involved are paid a fair wage. I also personally visit growing areas in the Himalayas and speak with local distillers so you can be assured that I am involved in every step of the way, making sure things are done right. This is personal for me after all and I am committed to ensure you are getting the best quality oils from Ollie.

This is the actual small farm that grows my Lavender!

Lavender essential oil is produced by the process of steam distillation. Once harvested, the flowers are briefly dried and then passed through giant steam containers. At Ollie we use only the lavender flowers to produce oil in order to ensure the purest quality of essential oil.

While the leaves also have oil, adding them reduces the quality of the final product, so we try to separate the flower from the leaves as much as possible. To extract the oil, the flowers are packed into sealed steam containers. The steam collects the oil droplets found inside flowers.

This steam-oil condensate is then separated into oil and water. The steam distillation method produces 100% pure, unadulterated lavender oil.

Because this variety of lavender is organically grown without the use of any artificial fertilizers or growth agents, the annual yield of oil is quite low. Added to this is the effort put in by local farmers to traverse mountainous paths to get to the lavender fields, harvest it, then bring it back down. While it is more labour-intensive for the farmers in Kashmir to grow, care for, and harvest these flowers, when you smell the sweet floral scent of our Himalayan lavender essential oil you’ll see that all the effort was worth it!

Did you know?

That it takes 5 kilograms of fresh flowers to produce 2 kilograms of dried flowers and 2 kilograms of dried lavender flowers to produce just 15ml of essential oil?

Lavender oil is, arguably, the most popular essential oil in the world, with demand steadily increasing annually. . Because lavender yields so little oil per kilogram of flowers, many unscrupulous traders cut costs by mixing the oil with other oils or scents. Always know where your essential oils are sourced from so you end up getting the purest version.

As I personally visit every lavender farm and oil distiller to check for quality repeat, I have multiple internal quality controls set up, so you dear customer, will get the purest and finest quality essential oils.

The top 5 benefits of Himalayan lavender oil

Alright, enough about its beauty… it is more than just a flower in the wind after all… let’s dive into the benefits!

1)   Anti-inflammatory linked to bringing stress down

The biggest factor that causes inflammation is stress. Lavender oil has natural stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used in massage oils for this reason. Lavender Oil has a compound called beta-caryophyllene which has been shown in several scientific studies to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, skin disorders, stress, and muscle fatigue.

2)   Promotes sleep

Lavender oil is often called a soporiferous oil, which means it helps induce sleep and relaxation. Using lavender oil in your aromatherapy sessions can help you relax deeply and is a great antidote to sleep issues such as insomnia and nightmares. There have been studies showing that regular use of lavender oil increases time spent in deep sleep.

Lack of enough deep, slow-wave sleep has been linked to increased risk of brain inflammation, dementia, cancers, and mood disorders. Just add a drop or two on your pillow or use it with a diffuser to help you get a good night’s rest and also help to freshen up your environment.

Lavender oil is pretty safe to use on fabrics, but if you’re worried about staining your pillow case, just add a drop of it on a cotton ball or a handkerchief and place it near your pillow when you catch those zzz’s.

3)   Relieves menstrual cramps

Ladies, we can run the world, but some things just cannot be avoided. So when cramps come about, why not let lavender oil help you out? It is a natural muscle relaxant, and works wonders in alleviating menstrual cramps and any other muscle cramps for that matter. Just apply a few diluted drops (use water or a carrier oil) on your abdomen and massage it in. You should feel relief within minutes!

4)   Alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression

Clinical trials show that regularly using lavender oil in any form (diffuser blends, tea, soaps, etc.) can alleviate symptoms relating to anxiety and depression. Other studies done on high-risk postpartum women shows that those who used lavender oil regularly showed faster recovery from postpartum depression and also experienced greater feelings of relaxation. Engaging in just 15 minutes of aromatherapy sessions with lavender oil twice a week showed much faster recovery from depression and anxiety than subjects who did not use lavender oil in their lives.

5)   Treats skin disorders

Lavender oil has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used to treat acne and fungal infections of the skin. Just mix a drop or two of Ollie’s Himalayan Lavender Oil with a few drops of witch hazel and use it as a toner for your skin, follow up with a moisturizer of your choice.

Apart from its antimicrobial properties, lavender oil also has powerful antioxidant properties. This is great if you want to get rid of wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with jojoba oil and apply as a moisturizer daily. You’ll see your face looking healthy and glowing soon enough!

Lavender Oil has so many amazing properties that one list is not enough to capture all its benefits. It has relaxant properties, can be used as an air freshener, can be added to cosmetics, skin care, and personal hygiene products. It can be used in baking to add flavour, made into a tea, or even used to treat head lice. Shall we dive into exactly how to use it?

How to use lavender oil?

Ollie Caution!

DILUTE YOUR LAVENDER OIL

Like any essential oil, Himalayan lavender oil should also never be used undiluted. It can cause skin irritation and burns. Always dilute lavender oil in several tablespoons of a carrier oil (eg: Coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil) for every drop of lavender essential oil.

It can also be ingested! Add a drop when making your dessert or cocktail for a floral twist.

Using essential oils can be a very rewarding experience if used correctly. Don’t worry… with every bottle of oil purchased, there are essential instructions like cautions, dosages, uses, do’s and don’ts on the carton and the label to guide you on your experience.

Easy DIY Lavender Oil Recipes

I use Himalayan Lavender Oil for many things. Whether it is experimenting with diffuser blend recipes or in creating my own lavender oil lip balm, I try my best to make full use of this gorgeous oil! Here’s how you can use it too…

Step one: Purchase my Himalayan Lavender oil here!

Step Two: Try any of these easy recipes!

Diffuser blend for insomnia

There can be many factors which prevent us from falling asleep easily and quickly. I say there are some things that are out of your control but when it comes to helping your sleep journey, there is something you can do!

Ingredients:

• 4 drops of Ollie’s Himalayan Lavender Oil
• 2 drops of Ollie’s Himalayan Cedarwood Oil
• 2 drops of Ollie’s Kochi Lemongrass Oil
• 1 drop of Ollie’s Peppermint Oil

Instructions:

Mix these up in your diffuser and lie back & melt into bed. It’s that simple!

The soothing scents of lavender oil will promote deep muscle relaxation while lemongrass and peppermint will help you refresh your mind. Cedarwood oil stimulates the pineal gland which produces Melatonin, the sleep hormone. Sweet dreams little one…

Lavender lemon drink

This is the ultimate summer drink, or in Singapore, an everyday drink! It’s perfect for those hot days when all you want to do is relax with a cold glass of lemonade. Soothe those frazzled nerves with this refreshing and delicious drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw honey
• 1 jug of water
• 1 drop of Ollie’s Himalayan Lavender Oil
• 6 lemons peeled and juiced
• 4 lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the lemons and slowly add them to the jug of water. Stir continuously to ensure even mixing.
2. Add in 1 drop of Ollie’s Himalayan Lavender Oil. You can add 1 more drop if you wish, but that makes the drink smell very synthetic.
3. Mix the raw honey into the lemonade. Raw honey is a healthy alternative to sweetening your drink.
4. Garnish with lavender sprigs if you have them.
5. Serve chilled or with ice.

Homemade air freshener recipe

A good air freshener in your room or office can lift everybody’s mood and promote harmony, good health, and relaxation. But many commercial air fresheners have harmful chemicals in them which can slowly cause lung irritation in many people. They have been found to contain chemicals such as phthalates, PEG-40, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) which have been found in multiple studies to have a hand in asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups distilled water
• 1 tablespoon Baking Soda
• 7 drops of Ollie’s Himalayan Lavender Oil
• 5 drops of Ollie’s Lemon Oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda and essential oils together in a bowl.
2. Transfer this mixture to a spray bottle and add water.
3. Shake thoroughly until the baking soda dissolves.
4. Spray this mixture wherever needed. Especially useful in closed spaces.

The lavender oil in this recipe promotes relaxation and adds a delightful floral scent to your surroundings, while the lemon oil is a great antimicrobial which can help eliminate air-borne bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Stay safe, stay healthy and make your own homemade, natural DIY air freshener with my Himalayan Lavender Oil.

Easy homemade DIY fabric softener

Having your clothes feeling soft as cotton and smelling fresh is such a warm and comforting feeling. I don’t like commercial fabric softeners because they contain so many questionable ingredients and can be really harmful for the environment. I came up with this recipe in a bid to switch to a more environmentally-friendly and natural fabric softener.

Ingredients:

• 1.4 litres or 6 cups of vinegar
• 1 cup baking soda
• 30 drops Ollie’s Himalayan Lavender Oil (Adjust this depending how fragrant you want your clothes to be)

Instructions:

1. In a glass bowl, add the vinegar. (I suggest making this in a deep bowl).
2. Then add 30 drops of Ollie’s Himalayan Lavender Oil while gently stirring continuously.
3. Once the oil has mixed with the vinegar, add in the baking soda.
4. Wait for it to stop fizzing.
5. Transfer to a non-reactive container.
6. Use ¾ cup to 1 cup per load of laundry.

The baking soda is optional, but it helps the oil mix thoroughly with the vinegar so you don’t have to worry about oil spots on your clothes. This recipe yields about 8-10 loads of laundry. It results in lovely smelling, soft clothes. And the best part is that it is all-natural, gentle on your skin, environmentally friendly, and has no harmful chemicals.

The Takeaway

The medicinal and healing properties of lavender oil are well documented, and this is one of my go-to for making hand sanitizers and skin care products. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any medicine cabinet. A bottle of this oil is a part of my basic must-have essential oils kit. I use this for many purposes and it always leaves me feeling invigorated and joyful!

Share your experience with me on social media! Tag me @ollie_oils on Instagram and @itsollie.oils on Facebook. Let’s spread the love and knowledge of essential oils, Ollie Tribe!

Once you’re done mastering this oil, why not try out the rest of amazing oils we have? Shop now!

Have an Ollie good day!