Lavender has a calming and soothing scent that encourages restful sleep. It can be used aromatically by adding a few drops to pillows or diffusing it in a room, topically on insect bites or to ease tension, and internally by adding a few drops to food. Lavender is also useful for household cleaning and laundry by making a lavender vinegar rinse or combining a few drops with water to freshen spaces. Precautions should be taken when using lavender, such as keeping it out of reach of children and diluting it for skin.