Essential Oil of Lavender

Figure 6: Lavender flowers close up. Reproduced under license.

Latin Name

Lavandula officinalis (Chaix), Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.), or Lavandula vera (DC.)

Family

Lamiaceae

38

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

Pronunciation

ˈla-vən-dər 47

Common Names

Garden lavender and common lavender

Sources

Lavandula officinalis is grown commercially for essential oil production in France, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. The small bottles of lavender found in most aromatherapy stores may be steam distilled from either lavender L. officinalis, spike lavender L. latifolia, or lavandin L. ×intermedia. It is important to understand and recognize the differences between them as they all may be named just by the common name.

True Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.) (also known as Lavandula officinalis (Chaix))

Figure 7: Wild lavender Lavandula angustifolia growing with poppies above 1,000 meters in Provence, France. Image by Erika Yigzaw.

47 Definition of LAVENDER. Merriam-webster.com. (2020). Retrieved 8 July 2020, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lavender.

39

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

This is a dwarf shrub yielding a relatively small yield of oil distinguished from other lavender oils by being entirely free of camphor. Its natural habitat is restricted to a small area above a 3,281 -foot (1,000 meters) altitude in the southern French Alps. Lavender L. angustifolia is the true lavender that grows wild at altitudes of 2,296 to 3,609 feet (700 to 1,100 meters) in southern France. It produces the finest essential oil, with high ester content and a sweeter aroma. The wild lavender L. angustifolia has a smaller blossom cluster than commercially grown lavender L. angustifolia. Lavandula angustifolia is often referred to in France as female lavender. It is also grown commercially and is the more usual source of the L. angustifolia you can purchase. The wild harvested L. angustifolia is very rare and only a few distillers are producing it. You will recognize L. angustifolia by its sweeter aroma. Figure 8: High altitude wild lavender Lavandula angustifolia in Provence, France. ACHS Summer

Spike Lavender Study Abroad. Image by Dorene Petersen. © 2001 Lavandula latifolia (Medik.)

This is a strong-growing shrub giving a fairly large yield of oil. You will recognize L. latifolia by the strong aroma of camphor. It occurs naturally at lower altitudes around the northern Mediterranean shore, particularly Spain and Italy. It is also grown in England, the United States, Japan, and Tasmania. Spike lavender L. latifolia oil is quite harsh and is used mainly for scenting soaps and laundry detergents. It is often referred to in France as male lavender.

Lavandin Hybrid

Lavandula ×intermedia (Emeric ex Loisel.)

At medium altitudes in the south of France, the “male” spike lavender and the “female” true lavender intermingle and give rise to a very wide range of hybrids. As commonly occurs with this type of crop, the hybrid is sterile but stronger growing than either parent. It provides very large yields of oil that is high in camphor. France produces more than 1,000 tons of this plant a year. There are several clones of the lavandin L. intermedia that are popular, including grosso, super, and abrialis. All of these produce oils with varying components, some closer to “true” lavender L. angustifolia than others. You study lavandin in a separate monograph.

40

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

History

The botanical name Lavandula comes from the Latin lavare meaning “to wash.” The use of lavender L. angustifolia as a strewing and bathing herb by the Romans is well documented. It was one of the ingredients of the Four Thieves vinegar famous in the Middle Ages. During this time, Europeans used dried lavender L. angustifolia flowers under their pillows to ward off evil spirits. It was used extensively for medicinal purposes up until the 18th century in Britain.

Parts Used

The oil is distilled from the flower stalks and flowers. Higher-quality oil is distilled from just the flowers, which are stripped from the stalks before distillation.

Cultivation

The plant can be grown from seed, which is referred to as population lavender L. angustifolia, and is said to give the highest-quality essential oil. It is usually propagated by cuttings or divisions. Growth can be slow and the plants do not produce any considerable quantity of flowers for about three years. It grows best in a light soil (sand or gravel) in a dry, open, sunny position. It needs good drainage, particularly in winter. It grows in soils where few plants can survive and is said to produce the best-quality oil when the soil is very poor.

Figure 9: Lavender growing in Provence, France. ACHS Summer Study Abroad. Image by Dorene Petersen. © 2001 Harvesting & Production

The flowering crops are harvested when in full bloom and during the hottest time of the day. For best results, the flowers are steam distilled with no previous drying or fermentation. Fresh lavender L. angustifolia gives a greater yield of oil with a higher ester content. Some distillers prefer to let the cut and bundled flowers and stalks dry for up to three to four days in the field before distillation to reduce the water content (hence lowering the cost of production.) Note there is also an absolute available from L. angustifolia. However, it apparently causes more skin reactions than steam distilled lavender. (See Cautions and Contraindications below.)

41

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

Characteristics

Open your sample of lavender L. angustifolia. See if you can identify the following. Note your own experience of the aroma, color, and feel in your notebook.

Aroma

•Fresh. High altitude lavender has a sweeter note.

Color

•The color can range from colorless to pale-yellow or yellowish-green.

Feel

•It has a slick sensation when you rub it between your fingers. It absorbs quickly.

Perfume blotter test

•It does not leave a stain on the perfume blotter.

Active Constituents

Lavender L. angustifolia essential oil contains:

Up to approximately 40% linalyl acetate and 4.2% lavandulyl acetate esters. The constituents of different species differ in their content of the ester, linalyl acetate, due to altitude. If lavender is grown above 2,000 feet, the ester content is increased, producing oil that is more valuable. The esters impart important therapeutic qualities to the oil, making it an effective soothing, balancing oil with an antimicrobial action. Up to approximately 31.5% linalool, a monoterpenol with antibacterial, antifungal, vasoconstrictive, and toning properties Up to approximately 6.7% z-beta-ocimene

42

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

Up to approximately 5.16% beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene with antiinflammatory properties A range of constituents in smaller quantities (There will be some variation depending on the country of origin, which is of course true for all essential oils.)

As you can see in the chart below, lavender L. angustifolia and lavandin L. intermedia have quite different chemical constituent profiles. As we have learned previously, the constituent profile affects the therapeutic outcome of the oil. Lavandin L. intermedia contains both camphor and 1,8 cineole (lavender L. angustifolia usually contains none). The camphor and 1,8 cineole can be stimulating (not sedating), which is the expected outcome when using lavender L. angustifolia. This can lead to a disappointing essential oil therapy experience.

Storage

As with all essential oils, it should be stored at cool temperatures and in well-filled containers protected from light.

Therapeutic Uses

Lavender L. angustifolia essential oil may provide support for: Acne, anxiety, bruises, burns, cough, depression, headaches, herpes ulcers, infections, insomnia, insect bites and stings, menstrual pain, migraine, muscle spasms, nervous irritability, nervous indigestion, scalds, sores, sore throat, sprains, teething pain, and wounds.

43

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

Lavender L. angustifolia is an analgesic, helping to relieve pain when applied topically. This analgesic action can be very beneficial in relieving the following: Bruises, headaches, insect bites and stings, menstrual pain, migraine, scalds, sprains, and teething pain. For migraines and headaches, apply full-strength lavender L. angustifolia to ear lobes and temples (avoid the eyes) and to the hollow at the base of the neck. For teething, dilute two drops in one tablespoon of sweet almond oil and apply directly to the area with a cotton ball. For bruises, a cold compress is effective. For menstrual pain, a hot compress is best.

Lavender L. angustifolia is also antibacterial 48 49 , antifungal 50 , antiseptic, and astringent, making it an excellent choice for all skin complaints, including acne, infections, sores, and wounds. Apply full strength to the area or use a cold compress. It is also a useful ingredient in a skin toner.

As an antiviral, lavender L. angustifolia can be used to relieve herpes lesions and sore throats. For herpes of the mouth, blend lavender L. angustifolia with eucalyptus E. globulus and geranium P. graveolens for optimal effect, and directly apply with a cotton ball. Gargle with two drops of lavender L. angustifolia in one-half cup of warm water for a sore throat.

Additionally, lavender L. angustifolia is an antispasmodic, helping to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions and spasms. For insomnia due to nervous irritability 51 , soak cotton balls and place under your pillowcase, or use in a diffuser.

Its antispasmodic action is also useful for a cough. Gargle with two drops lavender L. angustifolia in one-half cup warm water or apply one drop undiluted lavender L. angustifolia to the throat area (adults).

48 Jianu, C., Pop, G., Gruia, A.T., & Horhat Florin, G. (2013). Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) Grown in Western Romania. International Journal of Agriculture & Biology, 15(4):772-776. 49 Yap, P.S.X., Krishnan, T., Yiap, B.C., Hu, C.P., Chan, K.G., & Lim, S.H.E. (2014). Membrane disruption and anti-quorum sensing effects of synergistic interaction between Lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil) in combination with antibiotic against plasmid-conferred multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 116:1119-1128. 50 Uniyal, V., Bhatt, R.P., Saxena, S., & Talwar, A. (2012). Antifungal activity of essential oils and their volatile constituents against respiratory tract pathogens causing Aspergilloma and Aspergillosis by gaseous contact. Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 4(1):65-70. 51 Han-Na, J. & Hyun-Ju, C. (2012). Effects of Lavandula angustifolia Aroma on Electroencephalograms in Female Adults with Sleep Disorders. Journal of Life Science, 22(2):192-199.

44

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

Further, lavender L. angustifolia is an excellent nervine, helping to tone and heal the nerves. Lavender L. angustifolia essential oil’s nervine action can ease nervous indigestion, insomnia, and stress. 52 Lavender L. angustifolia is also antidepressant, helping to ease feelings of depression. 53 Use in a diffuser or add four drops mixed with a safe diluent in a full bath.

Lavender L. angustifolia is also an excellent sedative, helping to calm and tranquilize the nerves, which helps to relieve anxiety. 54 This action of relieving anxiety is also known as anxiolytic. Be sure to use true lavender L. angustifolia, and not lavandin L. intermedia, which contains a high proportion of camphor and is a stimulant! Use in a diffuser or use four drops mixed with a safe diluent in a full bath.

Household Uses

Lavender L. angustifolia oil is used extensively to fragrance soaps and air fresheners, and it can be used around the home as a very effective deodorizer and air freshener:

Lavender L. angustifolia pillows and sachets are wonderful in linen cupboards and chests of drawers and will keep away moths and other insects while imparting a fresh scent. For your closet, soak blotting strips in lavender and place on the shelves. To clean carpets, add one drop of lavender L. angustifolia oil to one tablespoon of borax. Sprinkle over the carpet, wait a few minutes, then vacuum. For a fresh scent for ironing, put four drops directly into the steamer of your iron with the water. Lavender L. angustifolia oil can be sprayed from an atomizer or left in a saucer to help keep away ants and insects, and to disinfect the air.

Perfumery

Lavender L. angustifolia has a sweet, floral-herbaceous, refreshing aroma with a pleasant, balsamic-woody undertone. The fruity-sweet top note is short lived and the base note is not long lasting.

52 Woelka, H. & Schläfkeb, S. (2010). A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine,17(2):94- 99. 53 Nikfarjam, M., Parvin, N., Assarzadegan, N., & Asghari, S. (2013). The Effects of Lavandula angustifolia Mill Infusion on Depression in Patients Using Citalopram: A comparison Study. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 15(8):734-9. 54 Chioca L.R., Ferro M.M., Baretta I.P., Oliveira S.M., Silva C.R., Ferreira J., et. al. (2013) Anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation in mice: participation of serotonergic but not GABAA/benzodiazepine neurotransmission. J. Ethnopharmacol., 147(2):412-8.

45

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

Oils that blends with lavender include:

Lavender L. angustifolia blends well with bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia, citrus oils, clary sage S. sclarea, geranium P. graveolens, patchouli P. cablin, pine P. sylvestris, and rosemary R. officinalis.

Recommended Daily Use

Adults

Topical application:

Adults: Dilute 6 drops in 2 teaspoons (10ml) of carrier oil or another safe diluent. Use this diluted preparation over a 24-hour period in 3 to 4 topical applications, or use the complete amount for one full bath.

Dilution ratio 2%.

Note: These dilution ratios are based on the conversion of 30 drops of essential oil = 1ml.

Inhalation:

Adults: Inhaled via a diffuser. Note: When diffusing, don't exceed 30-minute intervals and diffuse in well-ventilated areas.

If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and consult with a physician.

46

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

Cautions & Contraindications

Lavender essential oil is listed on the FDA Substances Added to Food List. 55 Lavender flowers and two of the constituents of lavender, linalool (linalol), and linalyl acetate, are on Substances Generally Recognized as Safe 56 List (GRAS) 57 Lavender essential oil may cause skin sensitivity. The potential skin sensitizing constituents are linalool and linalyl acetate which are prone to altering on exposure to air. Once oxidized linalool and linalyl acetate within lavender essential oil may cause allergic skin reactions. 58

A skin patch test is recommended if lavender is to be used on a regular basis or if there is a history of allergic skin reactions.

ACHS Toxic Rating

The American College of Healthcare Sciences toxic rating is II.

Formulas

Lavender Ointment

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 25 drops Bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia oil: 10 drops Geranium Pelargonium graveolens oil: 8 drops Sweet almond oil: 2 ounces Beeswax unbleached: ¼ ounce

(2% dilution)

Warm the almond oil over a double boiler and add the grated beeswax. Stir until the wax is dissolved, then add the essential oils. Cool before placing in jars, and to avoid condensation, leave it to completely cool before putting on the lid.

55 Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS). Accessdata.fda.gov. Retrieved 13 July 2020, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/?set=FoodSubstances&id=LAVENDEROILLAVANDULAOFFICIN ALISCHAIX&sort=Sortterm&order=ASC&startrow=1&type=basic&search=lavender. 56 Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). Retrieved 13 July 2020, from https://www.ecfr.gov/cgibin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=3d8c169c5de41bf23cc4dda73d62e879&mc=true&n=sp21.3.182.a&r=SUBPART& ty=HTML#se21.3.182_150. 57CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 . Accessdata.fda.gov. Retrieved 13 July 2020, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?cfrpart=182&showfr=1 . 58 SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety). (2011). Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_073.pd

47

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.

Surface Cleaner

Use one drop lavender essential oil directly on a cloth or add eight drops to one-half gallon of hot water. Wipe down all surfaces. Be sure to wear gloves if putting hands into a bucket of essential oil and water mixture.

Lavender Room Spray

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 36 drops Filtered water: 1 ounce Alcohol like vodka (from your own supplies): 3 ounces

(1% dilution)

Mix lavender oils and alcohol and shake well. Add to the water. Shake again and place in a spray bottle. Can double the amount of essential oil if a stronger aroma is desired. Shake well before using.

48

Master the Basics of Aromatherapy and the Poewr of Smell © 2020 American College of Healthcare Sciences. All duplication prohibited.