Lavender essential oil: complete guide to use and benefits

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.

What is lavender essential oil?

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.

History and origins of lavender

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.

The different varieties of lavender and their essential oils

There are several species of lavender, each producing an essential oil with slightly different properties. Here are the main varieties:

True (or officinal or fine) lavender

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.

Spike Lavender

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.

Lavandin

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?

Lavender stoechade (or butterfly)

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.

Properties and benefits of True Lavender essential oil

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:

1. Calming and relaxing properties: Helps reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Sedative action: Promotes quality sleep.
3. Antispasmodic properties: relieves muscular tension and cramps.
4. Antiseptic and healing properties: Promotes healing of small wounds and skin ailments.
5. Anti-inflammatory action: Helps reduce inflammation, particularly of the skin.
6. Analgesic effect: It can relieve certain types of pain, such as headaches or muscle aches.

10 everyday uses for True Lavender essential oil

For well-being and relaxation

1. Atmospheric diffusion: Pour 5 to 10 drops of True Lavender essential oil into a diffuser to create a soothing atmosphere and promote relaxation.
2. Relaxing massage: Mix 5 drops of True Lavender essential oil with 10 ml of vegetable oil(Sweet Almond, Jojoba) for a soothing back or neck massage.
3. Relaxing bath: Add 5 to 10 drops of True Lavender essential oil diluted in a dispersant (milk, bath base) to your bath water for optimum relaxation.

For skin care

1. Anti-acne care: Apply a drop of pure True Lavender essential oil locally to acne pimples for its antiseptic and healing properties.
2. Soothing insect bites: Apply a drop of pure True Lavender (or Spike Lavender) essential oil to bites to relieve itching and promote healing.
3. Light burns: For superficial burns, immediately apply 1 to 2 drops of pure True Lavender essential oil to soothe pain and promote healing.

To relieve common ailments

1. Headache relief: Gently massage your temples with 1 drop of True Lavender essential oil diluted in a drop of vegetable oil to soothe headaches.
2. Sleep aid: Place 1 to 2 drops of True Lavender essential oil on your pillow to help you fall asleep.
3. Mosquito repellent: Use True Lavender essential oil as a vapour or diluted skin application to repel mosquitoes.
4. Muscle pain relief: massage a mixture of 5 drops of True Lavender essential oil and 10 ml of vegetable oil into painful areas to soothe aches and pains.

Synergies and associations with other essential oils

True Lavender essential oil blends particularly well with other essential oils to create effective synergies. Here are a few examples:

1. To promote sleep: True lavender + Roman chamomile
2. To relieve stress: True Lavender + Petit Grain Bigarade
3. To relieve muscular pain: True lavender + Wintergreen
4. For skin care: True lavender + Tea tree

Lavender in perfumery and cosmetics

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.

How to choose and store lavender essential oil

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:

1. Opt for 100% pure, natural lavender essential oil.
2. Check the label for the full botanical name.
3. Choose organic essential oils, guaranteed free of pesticides and chemicals.
4. Choose amber glass bottles for better conservation.
5. Check for batch number and expiration date.
6. Choose suppliers renowned for their reliability, their commitment to quality natural extracts and their transparency, such as Landema, which specializes in online sales of essential oils direct from the producer.

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.

Precautions for use and contraindications

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 cultivation: a heritage worth preserving

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, your daily ally

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.