Lavender talk

When browsing the shelves at Essentique, you may realize that we carry three different types of lavender essential oil. While their names all sound very similar and they all come from the same botanical family (Lavandula), they actually come from three different plant species. So, while they certainly share some properties, they differ in the degrees to which they are useful for different applications. That’s why we carry all three of them!

Lavender, also known as “true Lavender,” is one of the most all-around useful essential oils to have in your toolkit. Not only does the scent blend beautifully with everything, but it can help treat a large number of problems as well. Of the three varieties of “lavender” oils, it is the one with the largest amount of esters. These esters are what contribute to the balancing and calming mental effects, and the anti-inflammatory and cell regenerating physical effects. This makes lavender perfect for the treatment of wounds, burns, acne, and inflamed or itchy skin. Lavender has been used, since ancient times, to heal headaches and upset stomachs, and to protect against diseases. Furthermore, its sedative properties and lovely scent make it ideal for relaxing before bed, especially for those who struggle with nervous tension, stress, anxiety, insomnia, or depression. This oil has the scent that you probably most associate with lavender: a slightly sweet and yet slightly woody, herbal, floral aroma.

Spike Lavender has the most significant amount of oxides of the three oils which contribute antiviral, decongestant, mucolytic and immune stimulating properties, which can help with respiratory discomfort coughs, congestion, and trouble breathing. It also has a higher amount of camphor, which eases arthritis symptoms as well as headaches. Another benefit to this essential oil is that it can be used as a natural insect repellent, and can be applied topically to treat both insect bites and acne. And, like true Lavender, Spike Lavender can also help with stress or nervous tension. Spike Lavender smells a bit like a combination of traditional lavender and eucalyptus, another essential oil which is high in camphor.

Lavandin Grosso is a hybrid between Lavender and Spike Lavender. As such, it has many of the properties both of true lavender and spike lavender. But that’s not the only thing it has going for it. It also has the largest number of alcohols, which means it has the strongest antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of the three varieties, making it a good antiseptic. Lavandin Grosso is great for muscle aches and pains and circulatory blockage, because it has more penetrating power than the other two oils. Lavandin Grosso’s aroma is similar to lavender’s, but a bit spicier and less floral.

No matter your problem or your tastes, there is a Lavandula essential oil for you at Essentique!