Lavender is one of the most well-known, versatile, and extensively used essential oils in the world. When we use lavender essential oil we receive the blessings of the feminine, because lavender could be described as an angel of healing from the floral realm, and an expression of the earth's compassion.
David Crow, L.Ac.
Lavender belongs to the genus 'Lavandula' in the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mints, rosemary, basil, and sage. The name Lavender is derived from the Latin word "lavare," which means "to wash" or “to bathe” or from "livendulo", which means livid or bluish. Since ancient times, Lavender flowers have been used to cleanse, disinfect, and scent the body and home, to heal minor insect bites, cuts and burns, to relieve headaches, muscle and joint pain, to calm the central nervous system, as an aid to sleep, and as an ingredient and flavoring in beverages and sweets.
Today, Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy; however, not all Lavender essential oils are the same. By beginning to understand the chemical profiles of the different Lavender essential oils you can begin to explore and better appreciate the differences in scent, therapeutic benefits and safety considerations.
Lavender is composed of over 200 chemical constituents and its major components include alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, oxides and monoterpenes. Alcohols make it balancing, energizing and immune-stimulating, giving Lavender its tonifying and antiseptic qualities. Esters provide Lavender with anti-inflammatory powers, helping muscle spasms and balancing the nervous system. Ketones, like Camphor, give Lavender its stimulating and healing effect.
Let’s take a quick look at the major constituents in Lavender.
So, what lavender should you use when (or not at all!)?
Lavandula angustifolia, formerly Lavandula officinalis and Lavandula vera, commonly referred to as True Lavender, English Lavender, and Common Lavender, is the most widely used Lavandula essential oil. When grown at higher altitudes, Lavandula angustifolia, commonly referred to as Fine Lavender or French Lavender, has a higher level of esters giving it a more complex sweet, fruity herbaceous, floral aroma and a stronger, deeper calming and sedative effect. Lavandula angustifolia is generally used to promote sleep, improve mood, relieve headaches, minor burns, and reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and scars. In topical applications, Lavandula angustifolia is generally safe, but in high concentrations or when it has oxidized, it can cause skin irritation. It should be used with caution by women who are pregnant or breast feeding, by children under the age of 8, and those taking antidepressants and sleep medications as it may increase their effects.
Lavandula latifolia, also referred to as Lavendula spica, has the common name of Spike Lavender and grows at lower altitudes than Lavandula angustifolia, and has a very high yield and a higher level of 1.8 cineole. Lavandula latifolia is generally used to relieve coughing, respiratory issues, headaches, muscle spasms, minor burns, and to reduce pain, inflammation, and the appearance of skin blemishes and scars. It must be used carefully as misuse or overuse can cause neurotoxic effects and respiratory conditions (i.e. asthma) and skin irritation. It should not be used if you are pregnant or breast feeding, around children under the age of 8 and the elderly, by people with respiratory issues, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and liver disease; it may interact with blood pressure, diabetes, antidepressant, antibiotic and other medications.
Lavandula × intermedia (Lavendula hybrida), commonly known as Lavandin or Lavendin, is a hybrid of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia. Although primarily used in the perfumery industry; in aromatherapy, due to its higher camphor content, it is used to relieve coughs and respiratory issues, reduce inflammation and pain, and aid in wound healing. Lavandula × intermedia must be used carefully as misuse or overuse can cause neurotoxic effects and respiratory and skin irritation. It has the same safety precautions as Lavandula latifolia.
A fourth Lavender, Lavandula stoechas, is quite different from the other Lavenders. It is short, spiky and less spectacular and its essential oil contains a high percentage of ketones; as a result, it is generally not used in aromatherapy.
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