Buying Lavender Oil
Quality of the oil: Discuss the importance of purchasing high-quality lavender oil to ensure the maximum benefits and avoid any potential negative effects.
Types of lavender oil: Explain the different types of lavender oil, such as pure essential oil, organic oil, and blended oil, and their benefits.
Packaging: Explain the importance of buying lavender oil that is packaged in a dark glass bottle, which can help to protect the oil from light and oxygen, which can cause the oil to deteriorate.
Brand reputation: Discuss the importance of buying lavender oil from a reputable brand that uses ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.
Price: Explain the importance of not solely relying on the price, but rather considering the quality, brand reputation and purity of the oil.
Conclusion: Summarize the key considerations when purchasing lavender oil and encourages readers to take the time to research and find a high-quality product that meets their specific needs.
The Lavender plant belongs to the fragrant mint family ‘Lamiaceae‘, which includes other aromatic plants such as Rosemary, Spearmint, Thyme, and Melissa. Within this family, any plant belonging to the genus Lavandula is considered a Lavender plant.
The diversity of scents, properties, and benefits of different Lavender Essential Oils can be attributed to a wide range of factors, including the botanical species of the Lavender plant used to distil the essential oil, the country of origin, and regional factors such as local climactic conditions, geography, the timing of the harvest, and extraction method.
The most popular species of Lavender used to produce essential oils are Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula hybrida. Lavandula angustifolia, also known as ‘True Lavender’, produces the most recognized Lavender scent and is considered to be highly therapeutic. True Lavender is high in Linalool and Linalyl Acetate esters and relatively low in Camphor. However, it is a ‘fussy’ plant with a smaller essential oil yield, making it more expensive and more prone to adulteration.
On the other hand, Lavandula hybrida, also known as Lavandin, is a mass-cultivated hybrid of the Lavender species Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia. Lavandin plants produce an essential oil that is less intense, refreshing, and herbaceous, but also relatively higher in the constituents Camphor and 1,8-Cineole. Lavandin is primarily used for perfuming household and personal care products such as soaps, washing powders, fresheners, and cleaners due to its large oil yield and cheaper price.
Understanding the diversity of Lavender Essential Oils can help you make an informed decision when buying Lavender Oil. It is important to consider the botanical species, country of origin, and regional factors to ensure that you are getting the best quality oil that caters to your specific needs.
Quality of Lavender Oil
Always make sure your Lavender Oil is 100% Pure. Pure lavender oil is considered the best because it is the most potent and therapeutic form of lavender oil. It is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant through steam distillation, which preserves the natural fragrance and therapeutic properties of the plant. Pure lavender oil is versatile and has a wide range of benefits, including relaxation, stress relief, promoting healthy sleep, and reducing skin irritation, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and topical use. Additionally, it is not adulterated with any other oils, so it is the purest and most natural form of lavender oil.
Types Of Lavender Oil
There are several types of lavender oil, each with slightly different properties and uses. Some of the most common types include:
- English Lavender Oil: This type of oil is extracted from the flowers of the Lavandula Angustifolia plant, also known as true lavender. It has a sweet, floral aroma and is known for its calming and relaxing properties.
- French Lavender Oil: This type of oil is extracted from the flowers of the Lavandula Stoechas plant. It has a more camphoraceous aroma compared to English lavender oil and is known to be more stimulating.
- Spike Lavender Oil: This type of oil is extracted from the flowers of the Lavandula Spica plant. It has a more medicinal aroma than other types of lavender oil and is known to be more beneficial for respiratory issues.
- Lavandin Oil: This type of oil is a hybrid of English and spike lavender. It is extracted from the flowers of the Lavandula x Intermedia plant. It has a more camphoraceous aroma than true lavender oils, and it is less expensive than true lavender oils.
- Wild Lavender Oil: This type of oil is extracted from the flowers of the Lavandula Latifolia plant. It has a more medicinal aroma than true lavender oils and is known to be more beneficial for respiratory issues.
It is important to note that some commercial lavender oil is not pure, but it is a blend of lavender oil and other essential oils, or it can be adulterated with synthetic compounds, so it is important to ensure that the oil is pure and of high quality.
Packaging of Lavender Oil
The packaging of lavender oil is an important aspect of the product, as it plays a role in protecting the oil from external factors such as light, heat, and air, which can degrade the quality and purity of the oil. The most common types of packaging for lavender oil include glass bottles and amber glass bottles.
Glass bottles are commonly used for packaging essential oils because they are non-reactive and do not affect the chemical composition of the oil. They also protect the oil from light and heat, which can degrade the oil over time. However, clear glass bottles are not ideal for essential oils, as they allow light to penetrate the oil, which can affect its quality and shelf life.
Amber glass bottles are a better option for packaging essential oils, as the amber colour provides additional protection against light, which can degrade the oil. This is especially important for lavender oil, which is sensitive to light. Amber glass bottles also provide a professional and high-end appearance, which can be beneficial for marketing and sales.
Another important aspect of packaging is the closure or dropper of the bottle. For essential oils, a dropper or a euro dropper cap is generally recommended as it allows for easy and accurate measurement of the oil. This is especially important for therapeutic use, as it allows for accurate dosing of the oil.
In summary, the packaging of lavender oil is an important aspect of the product, as it plays a role in protecting the oil from external factors such as light, heat, and air. Glass bottles, especially amber glass bottles are a good option for packaging essential oils, as they provide protection against light and give a professional and high-end appearance. It is also important to consider the closure or dropper of the bottle, which allows for easy and accurate measurement of the oil.
Price of Lavender Oil
The cost of lavender oil can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of lavender plant used, the method of harvesting and distillation, and the purity and quality of the oil.
One of the factors that can affect the cost of lavender oil is the type of lavender plant used. Some lavender varieties, such as the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and the French lavender (Lavandula Stoechas), are considered to be of higher quality and may be more expensive.
Another factor that can affect the cost of lavender oil is the method of harvesting and distillation. For example, steam distillation is a common method used to extract lavender oil, which can be less expensive than other methods such as CO2 extraction.
Furthermore, the purity and quality of the oil also affect the cost, for example, pure, organic and wild-crafted lavender oil will be more expensive than oil that is diluted with other ingredients or that is not organic.
The cost of lavender oil can range from as low as £10 to as high as £50 or more for a 10ml bottle, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is important to research and compare prices from different sources and to consider the quality and purity of the oil when making a purchase.
