Lavender essential oil is a veritable aromatherapy treasure, recognized for thousands of years for its many therapeutic virtues. In this comprehensive guide, we reveal all the secrets of this versatile essential oil: its history, its different varieties, its properties, its everyday uses and the precautions to take to get the most out of it.
Lavender essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops of different lavender species. This aromatic plant, emblematic of Provence, has been cultivated for its medicinal properties since Antiquity. The essential oil concentrates lavender's active ingredients, offering a natural and effective solution for many everyday ailments.
Native to the Mediterranean basin, lavender has been known and used for thousands of years. The Egyptians already used it in the mummification process, while the Romans used it to perfume their baths and clothes. The name "lavender" derives from the Latin verb "lavare", meaning "to wash".
In the Middle Ages, lavender was considered a protective plant against disease and evil spirits. It was often used to purify the air in homes, particularly during plague epidemics.
Lavender cultivation really took off in Provence in the 19th century, with the development of the perfume industry in Grasse.
There are several species of lavender, each producing an essential oil with slightly different properties. Here are the main varieties:
Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis or Lavandula vera
Origin: Mainly grown in France (Provence) and Bulgaria.
Chemotype: Rich in linalyl acetate and linalool.
Properties: Healing, analgesic, soothing, antiseptic
Uses: Skin care, relaxation, sleep, fine aromatherapy
True Lavender is considered the "queen of lavenders" in aromatherapy. Its essential oil is the most versatile and best tolerated, and can be used by the whole family, including young children (under supervision).
On Landema's online boutique, you'll find organic True Lavender essential oil, grown in Bulgaria, and organic Fine Lavender essential oil, grown in France.
Botanical name: Lavandula latifolia
Origin: Mediterranean basin (France, Spain)
Chemotype: Rich in linalool, 1,8-cineole and camphor
Properties: Powerful analgesic, anti-infectious, healing
Uses : Insect bites, burns, intense muscular pain
Lavender aspic essential oil is particularly effective for acute skin problems, but can become allergenic over time, or if the skin is very sensitive.
You can find an organic, professional-quality version here.
Botanical name: Lavandula x intermedia (hybrid of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia)
Varieties: Grosso, Super, Abrial
Origin: Mainly grown in France and Spain
Chemotype: Varies according to variety, but generally rich in linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor and 1,8-cineole.
Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, muscle relaxant
Uses : Perfumery, household products, relaxing massages
Lavandin is a hybrid of Lavender aspic and True Lavender, created to improve yields. Its essential oil is less fine than that of True Lavender, but is still very useful for certain applications.
You can read more about its use in the article Can you use Lavandin essential oil in your laundry?
Botanical name: Lavandula stoechas
Origin: Mediterranean coast (France, Spain, Portugal)
Chemotype: Rich in fenchone and camphor
Properties: Expectorant, mucolytic, antispasmodic
Uses : Respiratory ailments, rheumatism
This variety of lavender is less widely used in aromatherapy, due to its more heady fragrance and more specific properties. Its use is also forbidden to pregnant and breast-feeding women, and to children under 6.
True Lavender essential oil is renowned for its many therapeutic properties, making it a veritable Swiss Army knife of aromatherapy. Here are its main benefits:
True Lavender essential oil blends particularly well with other essential oils to create effective synergies. Here are a few examples:
Beyond its therapeutic virtues, lavender essential oil is highly prized in perfumery and cosmetics. Its fresh, floral fragrance makes it a choice ingredient for many products:
● Perfumes and eaux de toilette
● Soaps and shower gels
● Body creams and lotions
● Hair care products
● Candles and home fragrances
Lavender is particularly appreciated for its ability to add a fresh, natural note to olfactory compositions.
To fully benefit from the virtues of lavender essential oil, whatever the variety, it's crucial to choose a quality product. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
To store your lavender essential oil in the best conditions:
● Keep away from light and heat.
● Close the bottle tightly after each use.
● Respect the expiration date indicated on the packaging.
To find out more, read Our advice on storing essential oils.
While True Lavender, Lavender aspic and Lavandin essential oils have no particular contraindications, Lavender stoechade should be used with caution:
● It should not be used by children under 6, pregnant and breastfeeding women, or people with heart problems.
● Only the cutaneous route is indicated, with a maximum dilution of 20% essential oil for 80% vegetable oil.
As a general rule for all essential oils, it is important to observe certain precautions for use:
● Perform a skin test before using for the first time.
● Not to be used by pregnant women during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
● Not recommended for children under 3 years of age without medical advice.
● In case of doubt or specific pathology, consult a doctor or aromatherapist.
● Do not apply pure to large skin surfaces.
● Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Lavender growing, particularly in Provence, is an integral part of the region's cultural and economic heritage. However, this crop faces several challenges:
● Climate change, which affects the plant's growing conditions.
● Diseases, such as phytoplasma dieback
● International competition, notably from Bulgaria and China.
Efforts are being made to preserve this emblematic crop, notably through research into more resistant varieties and the promotion of lavender tourism.
Lavender essential oil is a true ally in daily well-being. Its many properties make it a versatile natural remedy, capable of relieving a variety of ailments and improving our quality of life. By understanding the different varieties of lavender and their specific characteristics, you can choose the essential oil best suited to your needs.
Whether for its therapeutic virtues, its bewitching fragrance or its cultural significance, lavender continues to fascinate and seduce people the world over. By following our advice and precautions for use, you can take full advantage of the benefits of this precious essential oil. Don't hesitate to incorporate it into your routine for a natural and effective approach to your well-being.
Ready to explore the benefits of lavender essential oil? At Landema, we've carefully selected the best lavender essential oils for you. Whether you're looking for the sweetness of True Lavender, the power of Spike Lavender or the versatility of Lavandin, we've got you covered.