08/19/2026
Lavender + Pain: Where Precision Matters
The Lavender Research Series — Part IV
Sources include Şahin et al., 2021; Yazdkhasti & Pirak, 2016.
Lavender has also been investigated in human studies involving pain.
But this is where broad statements may become misleading.
Clinical trials have examined Lavender in very specific circumstances—including needle insertion during hemodialysis and labor. Some reported significant reductions in pain scores.
The trial during labor caught my attention. Wow. Had I only known then, I may have tried it. Although any woman who has given birth also knows nothing in the moment may have helped. (Let's be honest!)
Yet these studies are something worth paying attention to. Even to consider this is a compliment for lavender essential oil. It does not give us permission to turn that evidence into the sweeping statement, “Lavender relieves pain.”--- even though it has traditionally been used for its analgesic properties, and that is likely why it was studied in this way.
Myself, I've used Lavender on those minor surface burns, or on a bug bite, or insect sting, and for me - it as helped. But I can not speak for anyone else.
The thing about botanicals is you need to try them first, see how they work for you. There is a difference between reading the research and discerning a path for yourself.
At Ananda, that difference matters.
If you'd like to give lavender essential oil a try it is now available in the Summer Cabinet. This oil comes from Bulgaria and we've been really impressed with it's ability to hold up and offer an exceptional aroma.
https://www.anandaapothecary.com/collections/essential-oils/products/bulgarian-lavender-essential-oil
Photo courtesy of: Lalada | Tampa, FL
