The Lavender plant has more than 30 species and close to 500 known varieties, all of which produce essential oils that can slightly (or sometimes greatly) differ in their specific scents and properties.
Are all lavender oils the same?
There are over 400 types of lavender worldwide with different scents and qualities. Two forms of lavender oil are distinguished, lavender flower oil, a colorless oil, insoluble in water, having a density of 0.885 g/mL; and lavender spike oil, a distillate from the herb Lavandula latifolia, having density 0.905 g/mL.
What is the best variety of lavender essential oil?
Best Lavender Cultivars For Lavender Oil Production
- ‘Vera’
- ‘Hidcote Superior’
- ‘Gros Bleu’
- ‘Grosso’
- ‘Phenomenal’
Is there a difference between lavender oil and lavender essential oil?
Lavender oils are simply perfume oils that are unlikely to contain any beneficial properties that are found in lavender essential oils. Lavender oil is not even derived from a lavender plant.”
Do different types of lavender smell different?
Not all Lavenders are highly scented. Some varieties are wonderful as accent plants but have little fragrance. Others might not look as spectacular but exude a rich perfume. Among the most fragrant Lavenders are several cultivars of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Which lavender is most medicinal?
English Lavender
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is the preferred medicinal variety heralded by herbalists everywhere. With a sweet, floral perfume, upright mounding, often fairly compact) habitat, richly colored blooms, and fragrant foliage, there is really nothing not to love about English lavender.
Which is better English or French lavender?
English lavender is typically the most appealing variety when it comes to scent and is similar to rosemary. French lavender has a stronger fragrance with more pine notes, making it a popular choice for cleaning and home products. No smell is “better” than the other, it is largely based on individual preference.
What should I look for in lavender oil?
What should I look for in lavender oil?
- Always check the label on your lavender essential oil bottle to ensure that the oil you’re buying is 100 percent Lavandula angustifolia essential oil.
- Watch out for diluted, cheaper oils with carriers like coconut oil and sweet almond oil.
What is the strongest smelling lavender essential oil?
The most fragrant Lavender plants are the Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia). Several cultivars of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are also prized for their delightful scent. Lavandula x intermedia, also called Lavandin, is a hybrid cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia.
What is true lavender essential oil?
Essential oil of true lavender is extracted from the flowering tops of the plant by steam distillation. This must take the time required for the “passage”, i.e. sixty to a hundred minutes.
Can I put lavender essential oil directly on my skin?
The short answer is that yes, lavender essential oil can be applied directly to the skin.
What are the different types of lavender oil?
While all are Lavandula angustifolia, they vary subtly in aroma and effect depending on where they were grown.
- Lavender Provence Essential Oil (Organic)
- Lavender Essential Oil (High Alpine)
- Lavender Essential Oil (France)
- Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil (French) and (USA)
- Lavender Essential Oil (Bulgaria)
What are the side effects of lavender oil?
Possible Side Effects
Lavender essential oil may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. If you experience nausea, vomiting, or a headache after using lavender, discontinue use immediately.
Why doesn’t my lavender oil smell like lavender?
The reason lavender doesn’t smell is usually because either it is not receiving enough sunlight or it is planted soil that is too fertile. Lavenders need full sun and low to medium fertility soil in order to produce the oil which is responsible for their characteristic aroma.
Why do some lavender oils smell different?
Non-standardized oils will naturally vary in these constituents each year depending on the growing conditions and weather, which will create slightly different aroma profiles with each harvest.
Which is the best lavender?
‘Grosso’ is considered by many to have the best scent of all lavenders and is often grown for use as a cut flower.
Who should not use lavender oil?
Lavender can affect blood pressure and your central nervous system. If you need surgery or dental work, stop taking lavender at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
What are the healing powers of lavender?
Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.
Is lavender oil anti-inflammatory?
Anti-inflammatory ability
Painful inflammation can be treated with lavender oil. The oil’s pain-relieving and numbing effects help soothe the inflammation, while the beta-caryophyllene in the oil also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Which has the stronger scent English or French lavender?
English Lavenders have a stronger and sweeter aroma (especially the varieties Hidcote and Munstead). French lavender aroma tends to not be as strong as English lavenders, although it still exudes a nice, more subtle fragrance. English lavender can live up to 15 years with the right care.
What do you use French lavender for?
Plant Uses
French lavender is not generally used in cooking, but the flower buds can be used in baking, desserts, with fresh fruit, and to make lavender tea. It is used for its oil, flowers, and strong lavender scent that is very relaxing and soothing.