Lavender Essential Oil
Lavandula angustifolia, L officinalis, L vera – Labiatae (Lamiaceae)
True Lavender is also referred to as Common Lavender, Garden Lavender and English Lavender, but should not be confused with Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica).
"Hospital nurses in the UK have reported that lavender essential oil used before bedtime, whether inhaled, added to a hot bath, or massaged in a carrier oil, helped to induce and enhance sleep."
-Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies
"In some cases of mental depression and delusions, oil of Lavender proves of real service, and a few drops rubbed on the temple will cure nervous headache." -A Modern Herbal by Margaret Grieve (1931)
"It is not simply the aroma of the oil but the whole plant essence that brings about the health benefits, since so many other molecular components are inhaled at the same time; a single oil can therefore often help a variety of disorders. For instance, lavender acts as an antiseptic and is also antibacterial, antibiotic, antidepressant, analgesic, decongestant, and sedative." -Healing Gardens by Romy Rawlins
Oil Selection Guide
Color: Colorless (clear) to pale yellow
Viscosity: Watery
Scent: Fresh, woody, herby, clean, floral, balsamy undertone
Perfume Aroma: Middle / top note
Oil Source Information
Plant Type: Plant
Parts Used: Flowering tops
Countries of Origin: France, China, England, Tasmania, Bulgaria, Russia, Croatia, Yugoslavia
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Known Chemical Constituents
linalyl acetate, linalool, geraniol, borneol, isoborneol, cineol-1,8, limonene, l-pinene, caryophyllene, coumarin, lavandulol, lavandulyl acetate, terpineol, ocimene
Uses of Lavender
Lavender essential oil is used quite extensively in aromatherapy and also in perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. It can also be found as a commercial flavoring in foods and alcoholic and soft drinks. Lavender is also sometimes used as an insect repellent.
Lavender blends well with
Recipes and Ideas
- Air Fresheners and Room Sprays
- Carpet Deodorizer
- Foot Baths and Soaks
- Fragrant Dishwashing Liquid
- Herbal Dream Pillow
- Refreshing Foot Powder Recipe
- Scenting Stationery with Essential Oils
- Scenting Ink with Essential Oils
Precautions / Contraindications
According to resources, lavender should be avoided if have low blood pressure.
See Safety and Usage.
References and Resources
See References and Resources page.
Other Links of Interest
Studies Involving Lavender Essential Oil
Oregon Lavender Association
Oregon Lavender Festival
According to a poll by AromaWeb, when visitors were asked to vote on their favorite essential oil, lavender essential oil came in first by a significant margin (we’re not surprised as lavender is so versatile and one of the “gentler” and more common oils — lavender is one of our favorites as well!).
Lavender is for lovers true,
Whichever more be saine
Desiring always for to have
Some pleasure for their pain.
~A Nosegay – Handful of Pleasant Delights (1584)
