Lavender is best known for the beautiful fields in Provence and the aromatherapy lavender benefits. But this beautiful plant has so much more to it – it's not just pretty blooms and a lovely smell!

In today's blog post, we'll do a deep dive into lavender and lavender oil, what are the most common uses, and all the lavender benefits you already know and haven't heard about before. If you're curious, read on. 

Lavender 101: lavender benefits, side effects, and uses

What is lavender?

Lavender (otherwise known as Lavandula) is a very popular flowery plant that has distinct purple blooms. It's one of the world's oldest-known medicinal plants. It’s also incredibly versatile; You can use the plant dried, in essential oil and regular oil forms. 

Lavender benefits

Think you might know the benefits of lavender? Think again. There are tons of lavender health benefits you might not even know about. Plus, research shows that lavender oil is known to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties to name just a few and it has a sedative, and calming effect as well. 

1. It’s great for your hair

There is some evidence that using lavender oil topically might help reduce or reverse hair loss. 

In one small study from 1998 people with alopecia areata were surveyed — a condition that causes the hair to fall out — and found that after 7 months of treatment rubbing lavender oil into their scalps, 44 percent of folks saw an improvement. Another study in 2021 found that rubbing the lavender oil on the mice's back for 4 weeks promoted hair growth. 

2. Your skin will thank you for using it

Another potential lavender benefit is for the skin, especially acne-prone skin or skin with eczema. 

Research has found that this powerful plant has antibacterial properties that might help kill bacteria, which in turn can help prevent and even heal acne. It also doesn't clog pores and it's safe to use even for people with oily skin. 

3. It’s an aromatherapy wonder

Of course, lavender is known best for its aromatherapy benefits. The essential oil is widely used by people to aid sleep and anxiety, and help de-stress. But does it really work?

Well, research shows that lavender oil for sleep can be effective. One study found that smelling lavender before sleep increased the percentage of deep sleep time in people. 

Another small study found that over the course of 12 weeks, people who did lavender aromatherapy (inhaling lavender oil for 20 minutes daily) had improved sleep. The lavender aromatherapy helped soothe their autonomic nervous system. 

4. You can also use it for intimate care 

Lavender also has uses for intimate care products, like massage oils. One small study found that lavender oil can ease headaches. That combined with the stress-reducing benefits makes it a perfect ingredient for massage oils for sensual and erotic massages. 

The potential side effects of using lavender

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, lavender is considered generally safe to use. However, lavender supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so always be cautious when choosing what to consume. 

Research also hasn't determined whether or not it's safe to consume lavender for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so it's best to consult your doctor. 

Lastly, just like any natural ingredient, lavender can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. So before using any products, always do a small patch test to stay safe and discontinue using products with lavender if you do notice some irritation or unwanted side effects. 

How we use it in Bloomi products

At Bloomi, we have a selection of premium intimate care products that contain lavender oil. We only use the best quality lavender oil that fits our Clean Standard.

Bloomi's Relax is a sensual body massage oil that can double as an everyday body oil with lavender aromatherapy to help soothe your senses and relax your mind and body. Apply 5-10 pumps in your palm and then massage the oil into your body (if you're using it as a body oil) or into your partner's skin (if you're using it as a massage oil). 

If you're looking for a massage oil with an extra kick, then Bloomi's Luxe Massage Oil is the way to go. It's made with an organic full-spectrum hemp extract so you get the best of both worlds – relaxed muscles and a relaxed mind. 

Apply 5-10 pumps to your palm and gently rub the massage oil all over your partner's body to give them a sensual, relaxing massage after a long day. Both products are oil-based, so they're not latex-condom compatible and both products are for external use only. 

A quick lavender FAQ

Now let's answer some of the most frequently asked questions people have about lavender and lavender benefits:

Is lavender safe to use in intimate care products?

Yes! Lavender and lavender oil is generally safe to use in intimate care products that are applied topically. The only concern is an allergic reaction to lavender oil (but it's quite rare), so if you notice redness, rashes, or itchiness, stop using the product. 

What is lavender oil good for?

Lavender oil is good for many things:

• For aromatherapy to help de-stress, improve sleep, and aid anxiety

• Applying topically to soothe skin

• Ingesting in a tea or supplement form to reduce stress and anxiety

• Applied topically in conjunction with other oils as a massage oil

What are lavender oil benefits?

Lavender oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It's also high in antioxidants and can help reduce stress and anxiety, calm the autonomic nervous system, and aid sleep.

What are lavender oil uses?

Lavender oil can be used topically or ingested as a supplement. If you're ingesting it, you should avoid ingesting lavender essential oil as that's toxic and can make you sick. 

Some of the most popular lavender oil uses are:

• Essential oil for aromatherapy 

• Massage oil ingredient for full-body massages 

• Applied topically as a hair and skin treatment 

• Mixed with hot water to be inhaled as a cold and flu remedy

It's natural to go through periods of life when your sex drive is low. Yet, when it comes to our societal view of sex, one might think something is wrong if you’re experiencing a lower period.

We typically think that sex involves: Desiring sex, becoming aroused, having sex, having an orgasm, and then feeling the euphoric "sex high" afterward. But here’s the big secret: It's not always that straightforward, and you may not feel "turned on" every time. 

If you’re experiencing a low period in your sex drive, you may wonder: What’s causing it? How can you get back to a place of desire? Let’s talk about it.

What is a sex drive?

Libido (AKA your sex drive) is your desire or drive to engage in any sexual activity. Every person has their own sexual desire that's normal to them, and it can vary greatly amongst people. 

Responsive versus spontaneous desire

A common misconception about sexual desire that many folks have is that the desire to have sex is supposed to strike us out of the blue. Think: Randomly becoming turning on or thinking about sex midday. But that’s not always the case — different people experience sexual desire in different ways, and can fall under two umbrellas: 

• Spontaneous sexual desire: This is when you experience the desire to have sex randomly, seemingly out of nowhere.

• Responsive sexual desire: When a certain action or circumstance triggers your desire to have sex, for example: cuddling and making out with your partner.

Both sexual desire types are normal and healthy. And if your sex drive is low, and you might not know why understanding your sexual desire type might help boost your libido. 

What is arousal non-concordance?

Have you ever felt that in your mind, you're in the mood for sex, but your body is not on the same page? Or, on the other hand, you are not feeling turned on in your mind, but your body is responding?

This phenomenon, as explained by sexual researcher Emily Nagoski, is called arousal non-concordance, and it's a totally normal thing to experience. It happens when there is a disconnect between the mind and the body during sex. No matter what, arousal non-concordance is a reminder to always ask for consent, and that verbal consent is needs to be ongoing.

Why did you lose your sex drive?

If you’re wondering why your sex drive has lulled, there could be a lot of reasons, and it fully depends on you and your life. may not want to have sex, like:

• Stress or fatigue

• Fear of pregnancy or STIs

• Birth control or other medications (ex: antidepressants, antihistamines, and decongestants)

• Relationship problems

• Depression or anxiety

• Childbirth/postpartum

• Trauma from past sexual experiences

• Hormonal changes (ex: becoming menopausal)

• Your partner's sexual function

But remember: It is perfectly fine not to be in the mood to have sex, and you should never feel pressured to.

What should you do if you have a higher libido than your partner?

When partners have different sex drive levels, it can often feel like the responsibility falls on the partner with the lower sex drive to find ways to boost their libido. But approaching mismatching libidos is a two-partner job.

A good place to start is to communicate with your partner about your needs and theirs. Maybe your partner is losing sex drive because of one or more reasons we listed above. Figure out if there is a way to help your partner solve the issue that's lowering their sex drive. For example, taking on more house chores or responsibilities with kids so your partner wouldn't feel as tired.

Also, self-pleasure can be a great way to satisfy a higher sex drive in a relationship when one partner is not in the mood. It's normal to masturbate even when having a partner, and it can help alleviate the pressure on the partner with a lower sex drive. 

If your sex drive is low: 9 ways you can increase libido

1. Try CBD oil 

Using CBD oil can help with libido — and contrary to popular belief, you cannot "get high" with CBD because it is not THC, the active chemical, that produces the "high" effect. A recent study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine looked at the role of endocannabinoids in our sexual behavior. They compared endocannabinoid levels before and after masturbation and found that the levels were significantly higher in people who had masturbated and orgasmed.

Since our body increases endocannabinoid levels during sex, using CBD or hemp oil products on the skin may enhance our arousal and sensations during sex even more. Bloomi's Luxe Massage Oil is formulated with organic full-spectrum hemp extract (CBD) to satisfy various needs.

2. Do Kegels 

Did you know that the pelvic floor is made up of a set of powerful muscles that extend from your pubic bone to your tailbone? A kegel, an exercise that trains and strengthen these muscles, can also help bring your libido to a brighter place, too.

Approximately 1 in 3 women will experience issues related to a weak pelvic floor due to: pregnancy, childbirth, being overweight, aging, surgery, and not exercising these muscles. Fortunately, strengthening your pelvic floor with Kegel exercises is simple and can be fun. Women who consistently strengthen these muscles see improved benefits within a few months, including:

• Achieve more intense and frequent orgasms

• Increases lubrication around arousal

• Improves bladder control

• Reduces incontinence

• Increases sexual arousal

• Improves lubrication

• Achieve higher overall sexual satisfaction

Kegels can be done anytime with special kegel balls, yoni eggs, or exercise trainers. Whether you set aside 5 minutes at the gym or do them during your next meeting, you will notice a difference within a few weeks if you do them consistently. 

3. Improve your sleep 

The National Sleep Foundation has found that adults typically need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. However, the average person gets less than seven hours of shut-eye every night. With so many exhausted people, we may just be too tired to get busy with gettin' busy.

In fact, a study by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that the number one reason people or couples report losing interest in sex is because they are worn out by the day. Conversely, a study conducted at the University of Michigan Medical School found that the longer people sleep, the more rested they feel and interested they are in sex.

If you’re struggling with libido and sleep, scientists agree that the bedroom should be for sleep and sex only, and to try getting on a sleep schedule. Remember: aim for seven or nine hours of sleep. If you wake up and still don't feel rested, you probably need to add an extra hour to your sleep schedule.

To further improve your sleep hygiene (yes, that's a thing) and boost your sex drive, add restful wellness practices that could enhance the quality and quantity of your snoozing hours.

Moreover, while better sleep leads to better sex, it's also true that good sex could lead to good sleep. So if you're too tired for partnered intercourse, or using your hands to pleasure yourself, consider adding a sex toy to your nighttime routine. Your body will thank you!

3. Try food play 

Sex and food have some key commonalities: they're both nourishing, sensually gratifying, and often enjoyed with someone you love (or like!). Enjoying the two together can seriously elevate your senses and, as a result, enhance your libido.

4. Get to know your erogenous zones better 

Erogenous zones are areas of increased sensitivity, often stimulated during sex, and have the power to enhance pleasure and intimacy. For folks with vaginas, extended contact with their erogenous zones can enhance the frequency and intensity of an orgasm.

While everyone's body and preferences are unique, research shows that there are five parts of the body that are typically sensitive for folks:

• Nipples: Sexual contact with breasts and nipples can be so erotic that some people report being able to achieve orgasm simply from having their nipples stimulated. Intensity can vary with each person, so start slow. Try experimenting during masturbation or with a partner to see what feels best to you. For extra sensation, use botanical massage oil.

• Lips: There's a reason that so many sexual encounters start with making out. Lips are incredibly sensitive areas, and kissing is both pleasurable and emotionally intimate.

• Neck: Necks are especially sensitive to light touches, such as kissing, blowing, or nibbling.

• Ears: Like necks, ears have a lot of nerve endings and can feel good being lightly touched, sucked, or kissed.

• Butts: From grabbing, spanking, or just spooning, contact with butts can be extremely erotic. An arousal serum can provide extra slip during anal penetration.

5. Take your time getting turned on

Did you know that the average couple spends less than 12 minutes on foreplay, while most vulva-havers actually need closer to 20 minutes to be fully aroused? Don't skip the foreplay — and yes, this applies to solo sessions and masturbation as well.

Having sex without feeling aroused can be painful and is not enjoyable, so consider spending more time on foreplay and incorporating more sexual stimuli into the mix: skin-to-skin, oral sex, body massages, reading erotica, taking a shower or bath, stimulating your inner thighs and genitals, or using other stimulation that you enjoy.

6. Try new things 

Novelty keeps relationships exciting and passionate. New experiences activate the brain's reward system to release feel-good hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine.

You know that flushed, hot feeling that also makes you a little wet? That is you kicking your arousal process into gear – thank your hormones for that. You need this to happen over and over throughout a relationship in order to 'keep the spark alive.'

Set aside time for dedicated date nights about once a week or a few times a month, depending on your and your partner's availability. During date nights, do something fun and new with your partner, even if small: a mini road trip, find new hiking trails, test a new sex toy or pick a random new place to have sex. Sparks create attraction, which creates desire, which often leads to great sex.

7. Get to know your sex drive cycle 

Just like our menstrual cycle, we also have sex cycles that go along with it. Right before we ovulate, our sex drive is at its peak (thank you, estrogen and testosterone). If you count day one as the first day you start menstruating, your sex drive peak is about two weeks after that day.

Track your cycle for at least two months and journal how you feel throughout the month to pinpoint when your sex drive is the highest and lowest. Share this information with your partner and try to schedule some alone time or partner date night around those peaks. 

8. Update your sex menu regularly

Think of your sex menu as a (very) long list of things you enjoy or want to try. If you need help getting started, use a sex journal for better sexual communication. As we age, with every new relationship, and with major life changes, our sexual interests will change and impact the items we want on our sex menu.

9. Introduce natural aphrodisiacs

While no ingredient is known to lift your libido instantly, ancient communities and modern experts agree there are natural aphrodisiacs. These natural aphrodisiacs are filled with nutrients that stimulate blood circulation, balance hormones, and soothe the skin, which is necessary for the body to experience arousal or sexual pleasure:

• Ashwagandha: an adaptogen that relieves sexual anxiety and increases libido

• Chamomile: a plant that is calming and soothing on the skin

• Cinnamon: a spice that promotes blood flow, especially in the abdominal area, facilitating sexual arousal

• Ginger: an aphrodisiac known to increase pelvic circulation, warmth, and relaxation

• Gojiberry: an ancient Chinese aphrodisiac known for balancing sexual energy 

• Maca: an ancient Peruvian aphrodisiac that increases libido and boosts fertility

Introducing Delight, a clean oil-based personal lubricant that enhances the ease and comfort of intimate activity to increase pleasure during intimate moments.

Like the rest of the Bloomi Essentials, it is formulated with natural ingredients. We’re breaking down why, when and how using an oil-based lubricant can elevate your intimate sessions.

What is an oil-based lubricant?

Oil-based lubricants have a thicker texture that provides more moisture and ease, especially for those with sensitive skin. They’re ideal for skin-to-skin intimate activity between partners who aren’t using latex barrier methods or silicone toys. Most oil-based lubes have little to no flavor and are oral-sex friendly. Oil-based lubes also pair well during anal sex and shower sex because it won’t wash off as easily as water-based lubricants and requires less re-application.

Lastly, oil-based lubes aren't compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms or silicone toys. Any oil-based product used with latex or silicone materials will damage them over time, increasing the risk of STIs and degradation of your toys. They’re also more prone to staining clothing or bedding — so be sure to lay a towel down.

Ingredients and benefits

Our community members love oil-based lubricants, especially those who are 40 and older. In a survey, this demographic raved about the oil-based lubricants we carry on the marketplace, so we wanted to formulate one that delivered. Based on sexologist-approved research, Delight’s plant-based formula is made with a beautiful blend of ingredients that were carefully selected to moisturize all genitals. 

• Organic coconut oil relieves dryness and provides a nice glide.

• Organic cocoa seed butter provides deep moisture.

• Sea buckthorn oil contains vaginal health benefits and reduces vaginal dryness.

Unlike most intimate care products on the market, we give you our clean promise. Every product from our Bloomi collection is formulated with botanicals from our Yes List and without parabens, phthalates, glycerin, dyes, synthetic fragrances or ingredients that disrupt intimate skin.

No, sex ed isn’t ‘have sex and you’ll get pregnant.’ If you remember experiencing sex education in school — which, for many folks in the U.S., happens if we’re lucky — then you may remember your gym teacher explaining with poorly drawn diagrams on the chalkboard. 

But these days, according to the 2018 CDC School Health Profiles, fewer than half of high schools and less than a fifth of middle schools teach all 20 topics recommended by the CDC as essential components of sex education. So that means, as adults who grew up further back than that, many adults haven’t even received half of what they should have learned are having to relearn what sex ed actually entails.

You may think you know a lot about sex, but as they say, the more you learn, the more you realize you don’t know. Luckily, adult sex ed is trending. The more you know, the better pleasure you can attain for yourself, as well as your partner. Needless to say, sex education as an adult can be gratifying, liberating and open your mind in ways you never before imagined. 

Why is Sex Education Important: Breaking the Taboo

So, why is sex education important? First and foremost, proper sex education as an adult can break the taboos you might have learned as a kid — when a teacher filled your head with negative connotations about sex because, in many cases, abstinence was preached. Even if one can’t remember the teacher’s name who taught your sex ed course, the shame can last into adulthood, because an authoritative figure said not to have sex, or else. 

Sex education for adults can be a life-changing way to see sex in a new, positive light. From strengthening the bond with your partner(s), to improving mental and physical well-being, and exploring pleasure yourself, it’s an opportunity to reclaim your sexual side.

From Sexual Health to Greater Pleasure: What is Adult Sex Education All About?

Sex education in your early years was probably focused on puberty, body changes, STIs, and a sprinkle of fear-mongering. 

Adult sex education is a completely different ball game and includes valuable information about:

• Healthy sexual expression and its benefits

• How to maintain healthy relationships

• The value and meaning of consent

• How to unlock more pleasure and enjoy higher-quality sexual encounters

• Sexual orientation and gender identity 

• How to use and benefit from sex toys like vibrators and dildos, as well as lubricants and oils

The power of consent: What it means for sex & relationships

Consent is powerful! After all, it is incredibly important and can completely change the way we perceive and enjoy a sexual experience. It’s important to understand when and how to ask for and give consent, as well as common factors that inhibit a person from giving consent, such as drug or alcohol use. Interestingly, only 11 percent of States in the US require consent as a topic during sex education in our school systems. Luckily, sex ed for adults hits hard on the topic. 

Exploring pleasure: How can adult sex ed enhance sexual satisfaction and overall well-being?

Adult sex education is all about teaching you how to enjoy sex at a higher level. And there are many ways to do so, such as using the right lubricants and toys. Starting with proper lubricant adds more pleasure to each touch, building up to a beautiful finale. Bloomi’s Luxe Arousal Serum ($45) is a water-based product made from plant-derived ingredients that is designed to help increase pleasure before and during close encounters. 

Adult sex education also delves into the use of vibrators and toys. In 2017, market research company Statista uncovered an interesting fact: 80 percent of females with sex toys had a vibrator in their collection. That means the vibrator is the most popular sex toy in the US. And for good reason considering researchers found that 36 percent of people with a vagina required clitoral stimulation to achieve an orgasm. This is so important to know because if you are not reaching peak orgasm during sex, a vibrator might be the missing link.

Something discreet and handheld like Bloomi’s Massage Clitoral and Body Vibrator ($45) could be your ticket to getting off in the bedroom.

Embracing sexuality & how it changes as we age

Learning about how sex may change as we age is another important component of adult sex education. After all, we are only getting older, but we never have to stop enjoying sex.

The desire for intimacy is ageless. Even though statistics will tell you that people tend to see a dip in sexual desire around the age of fifty, it’s important to note that people of all ages are having great sex. Sure, you might need more lubricant or foreplay with age, but you also know more about your body and what you like. In addition, some people uncover greater confidence with age.

LGBTQ+ inclusivity in sex ed: Understanding diverse experiences

Sex is also far from black and white. There are so many ways to enjoy it, and everyone has their preferences. That’s why including LGBTQ+ in adult sex education is so important.

How to overcome insecurities & have better sex

Confidence can make or break you in the bedroom. Adult sex education can actually help improve confidence by giving you the tools and knowledge needed to feel like you know what you are doing. If you are feeling insecure about sex, the best place to start is alone with yourself playing around. Carve out some time for you and a sex toy and build up your confidence. In addition, seek out information about sex through adult sex education, as this will greatly improve confidence as well. 

Sexual dysfunction is common — but solutions are available

If you experience some type of sexual dysfunction, you are far from alone. Sexual dysfunction is defined as difficulty or inability to reach a satisfying orgasm, or any orgasm at all.

According to PubMed, 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men are affected by some form of sexual dysfunction. Hope is not lost, and you should never give up seeking the sexual pleasure everyone deserves. There are many different avenues one can venture down to find potential solutions, which is yet another important component of sexual education for adults. 

One potential issue is a lack of lubricant. Even if you feel turned on, you may not produce adequate lubrication to make sex comfortable, which causes your body to pump the brakes, sending you about as far from an orgasm as you can get. Using a quality lubricant can make all the difference, like this Smooth Water-Based Personal Lubricant ($15) made by Bloomi. 

Sexual Education Resources for Adults: Where to Find Reliable Information and Support

Ready to reshape the ways you think about sex and expand your knowledge? There are so many great sex education resources for adults out there. For starters, check out The 4 Intimacy Styles: The Key to Lasting Physical Intimacy E-Book ($19.99). A quick download and an eye opening read written by Dr. Viviana, a Certified Sex Therapist and Bloomi’s Resident Intimacy Expert. 

A quick Google search can send you down a rabbit hole. It’s important to seek out reputable organizations and always keep an open mind. You never know where your sexual education journey may take you; may it be filled with endless pleasure.