With so many brands and types of lavender oil out there, it can be difficult to navigate which options are the best and most effective for each individuals needs. For aromatherapy and skincare, it is important to find a lavender essential oil that is 100% pure and produced using the best lavender variety.
What is an essential oil?
Essential oils are a concentrated liquid extracted by steam distillation from the flowers, buds, leaves and stems of the whole plant. They have a lighter consistency and are more potent than a typical oil. Lavender essential oil can be used for therapeutic purposes while lavender oil is used in food for desserts and sweets.
Essential oils are made using different processes to other oils to create a more concentrated substance. For example, rose essential oil is a potent oil made from the entire plant while rosehip oil is pressed from the fruit of the rose plant. Reputable companies will have ‘100% pure essential oil’ on the bottle .
What is a carrier oil?
Carrier oils are thicker oils that are neutral in scent and can sink into the skin. Used alongside essential oils, a carrier oil will help to dilute the essential oil and allow it to sink into the skin more effectively. Examples include olive oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil.
What is a synthetic essential oil?
Synthetic essential oils are derived from man-made chemicals which aim to mimic the properties of natural essential oils. They are generally cheaper, lower quality and do not include all the compounds found in a natural oil. They are used in perfumes and air fresheners and should not be used for aromatherapy and on skin.
What are mixed oils?
Some essential oils on the market are described as ‘natural’ and ‘essential’ but can include fillers such as chemical dilutants, alcohols or cheaper oils. These additives are not suitable for therapeutic use. If a product is not described as 100% lavender then it is most likely a mixed oil.
What are low grade essential oils?
100% pure essential oils can be low grade. These are made from plants that aren’t grown in their natural environment and instead are made from artificial plant fields. They have poorer soil quality and may be contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals.
What are high grade essential oils?
High grade essential oils have a higher purity and potency. The oils are sourced from their natural environment in good quality soil to allow the plant to grow to best standard. They are produced with strict quality control, ensuring that the oils have the correct natural compounds necessary for therapeutic use.
What is the difference between the lavender varieties?
The characteristics of different lavender oils is influenced by the origin of the specific lavender plant due to different climates, soil, water supply and harvest time. This affects 19 its chemical compounds responsible for the desirable properties of lavender oil.
Lavandula Angustifolia (English lavender)
Lavandula Angustifolia, also known as English Lavender, is often thought of as the superior species. It is the most effective for calming the nervous system and reducing inflammation. English Lavender also produces a more subtle and floral scent than other varieties due to its high percentage of esters, particularly linalyl acetate.
Many companies try to cut costs by replacing Lavandula Angustifolia with another variety of lavender plant.
Lavandula Intermedia (Lavandin)
The majority of lavender production throughout the globe is for Lavandula Intermedia. Lavandin has a higher percentage of camphor and the scent is much stronger and medicinal. Lavandin oil can be effective for its other properties; to clear congestion and deodorise rooms.
Lavandula Latifolio (Spike Lavender)
Spike Lavender is another variety of the plant which has a higher percentage of cineole and camphor. It may be an option for headaches and respiratory problems as well as muscle and joint pain. It is not recommended for use for children or pregnant women.
To conclude, when purchasing a Lavender Essential Oil for aromatherapy and skincare, it is important to inspect the bottle and ingredients closely to ensure that it is 100% Pure Lavender Essential oil of Lavender Angustifolia.