Lavender Oil Natural
Item#: 504300 CAS: Mixture
Odor Strength: Medium
Odor Description: Herbal, Floral, Spicy, Aromatic, Camphoreous, Balsamic, Aldehydic, Woody
Lavender is a genus of 47 species of flowering plants, all part of the Lamiaceae or mint family. It is native across Europe to Northern and Eastern Africa, Southwest Asia, and Southeast India, but will thrive in any Temperate climate. The two most common species being English and Dutch Lavender. Due to their hardy nature, pleasant aroma, and unique look, these are the two most popular choices in ornamental gardening and commercial propagation.
Lavandula Angustifolia, known as English Lavender or Common Lavender, is typically what comes to mind when picturing the rolling lavender fields of Provence. They boast pointed leaves and spikes of characteristically blueish-purple colored flowers that release their aroma upon being touched or crushed. Lavendin or Dutch Lavender is another extremely common, being one of the hardiest varieties available. This type of lavender will grow into a shrub or bush-like plant that also blooms into purplish flowers that tend to be a bit brighter than their English cousin. Lavendin has an equally characteristic lavender aroma. However, it contains a slight camphor note, making the overall aroma a bit sharper. While technically the two can be used interchangeably, and have been for many years. In more recent times, the market has begun to see a split in the advertising of the two, as they lend themselves better to different applications. While the softer, sweeter aroma of English Lavender is better when incorporated into personal care and perfumery, the stronger note of the Dutch Lavender is ideal for flavoring and cleaning formulations.
Lavender essential oil is generally steam distilled from the flowers and the leaves of the plant. In perfumery, lavender is one of the easiest recognized aromas. In modern fragrances, it adds a light herbal and sweet feminity to formulations. Lavender’s ability to seem both cool from its relation to mint or spicier when blended accordingly leaves a perfumer a lot of room to make a truly unique fragrance experience. In the modern flavor industry, lavender is growing in popularity, especially in the beverage and confectionery industries. With the growth of the organic, green, and healthy movements, botanicals such as lavender create light and fresh flavor profiles that complement other natural ingredients. Botanicals like lavender have seen a considerable spike, especially in the alcoholic flavor industry, as more people strive to create entire drinking experiences, rather than just flavors.
In healing applications, the use of lavender is easily followed throughout history. Today, lavender is an essential part of the aromatherapy industry. Lavender provides extreme calming effects and can be used to ease the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. Lavender also provides natural pain relief, especially for headaches, labor pain, toothaches, ear pain, and post-surgical pain. Lavender therapy is often a part of the cognitive treatment administered to dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
Fun Fact: Before regular bathing was routine, royalty would stuff their clothes with lavender to avoid the smell of others and to make themselves smell more pleasant.
If you are interested in seeing a sample or placing an order, please email Marietta Zino at mzino@vigon.com or call 570-422-6022.