Trib tested: Malouf Lavender Aromatherapy Spray - Tribune-Review

[MassageNews]

The claim: The Malouf Lavender Aromatherapy Spray contains real lavender oil, with no artificial fragrances or colors, grown in Bulgaria from the Lavandula angustifolia plant to enhance ones sleep environment. The spray was designed to be used to refresh the bedroom by being sprayed lightly on bedding. High-quality lavender oil has a sweet, floral and slightly woody scent known for its natural calming effects and ability to reduce tension.

Cost: $49.99

Where: maloufsleep.com

Spray. Inhale. Relax. All of your worries and stress will just melt away. If only it were that simple.

Lavender aromatherapy is known for its calming effects. While I'm skeptical of how effective it can be, I jumped at the chance to try Malouf Lavender Aromatherapy Spray. I was at my wits end for several reasons at the time. I joked that if this cute, little bottle of spray could take the place of the glass of wine I wanted every night before I went to bed, this test would be a success.

I didn't actually expect my troubles to be sprayed away, so I figured I would use the spray to freshen up my pillow before bed.

The first night, I used a very light mist (two sprays) over my pillow and laid down, took a deep breath and detected a soft scent of lavender. It wasn't overwhelming. In fact, after just a couple minutes, I had to bury my head in my pillow in order to even smell it anymore.

The next night I decided to use a little more (four sprays). I had to wait a short time to let my satin pillowcase dry. The scent lasted a little longer this time. I'm not sure if it was the lavender that actually relaxed me or if I was just exhausted from the day, but I seemed to drift right off. The scent was not detectable in the morning.

I continued to use the spray over the next few nights, sure that it was simply working as a freshener and had no real healing effects. For that reason, I decided to try it in my car. I enjoyed the smell of the lavender, and I wanted to keep my new car smelling fresh. I proceeded to get in, close the doors and spray from the back of the car into the front seat. I used probably seven or eight pumps.

MISTAKE! I thought I was going to suffocate on the intense scent that saturated the interior.

After allowing my car to air out for a few minutes, I couldn't even smell the lavender anymore.

I continued to use the spray (in moderation in closed areas) on my bedding, couch pillows and even my curtains. I treated this product strictly as a fabric freshener, confirming my belief that aromatherapy may just be a placebo (at least for me). If the soft, lavender scent subconsciously relaxed me at all in the process, all the better.

— Melanie Wass

Malouf Lavender Aromatherapy Spray is a nice product with healthy ambitions — to reduce stress and help you sleep. I completely support both missions. A couple of spritzes releases a strong aroma of lavender, which soon fades to a faint scent.

Pleasant? Yes.

Does it fresh bedding for a more relaxing rest? Yes.

But for the price, I would be better off investing in three or four yoga classes, which can help me sleep and reduce stress in more physical ways.

— Sally Quinn