There’s nothing quite like lavender oil. It is known for its soothing and herbaceous scent and its beautiful flowers. Historically, lavender was first grown exclusively in the Mediterranean. While there are many varieties of lavender, the most common species are Lavendula angustifolia (also known as L. officianalis) or Lavandula x intermedia (a natural hybrid also known as lavandin native to France).
Here are some more fun facts about lavender that you may find interesting:
• There are over 400 different varieties of lavender.
• Lavender was called “nardus” by the ancient Greeks after the city of Naarda.
• Lavender’s name comes from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash.” Lavender was used by the Romans to scent their baths, beds, clothing and hair.
• Lavender pouches were hung above doors to ward off evil spirits.
With its floral, fresh and herbaceous scent, inhaling lavender essential oil can transport you to a Tuscan villa or help you relax after a long day.
If you love lavender, you’ll love learning more about this beautiful and useful essential oil. Read on to learn how lavender essential oil is made, from harvest to bottling.
Growing and Harvesting
Lavender plants thrive in full sunlight and do best when their soil is fertile. Although lavender is now cultivated all over the world, European-grown lavender is preferred for extracting essential oil. Generally, lavender flowers are harvested from June to August. However, different lavender farmers may have different methods and ideas about when their yield will be highest.
Distillation and Extraction
While some essential oils are made by a process called solvent extraction, this is not preferred as it can leave nasty ingredients in your essential oil. Quality lavender essential oils are made by a process called distillation or steam distillation. This involves heating the lavender flowers to boiling and capturing the essential oil vapours. Once cooled, the vapours become liquid (a mix of water and essential oil known as a hydrosol). Last, the oil is separated from the water to become the wonderful, pure lavender essential oil that you know and love. Did you know, it is estimated that it takes 30 lbs of lavender flowers to make just one 15ml bottle of lavender oil!?
Bonus fact: Spike oil, also known as spike lavender oil, is distilled from an inferior grade of lavender and often used in soap, as a scent for products and when painting on porcelain. Always check to see how your soap and products are scented and ensure they use only top tier lavender.
Bulk Carrier Oils, additionally observed as Vegetable Oils, are made up of the greasy components of plants like seeds, kernels, and nuts. The “carrier oil” refers to a substance that enhances the absorption of essential oils into the skin.
Standardization
In Canada, essential oils are regulated by Health Canada under the Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), which is the same regulatory body that governs natural health supplements. Essential oil manufacturers must have site licences and product licences for any essential oils sold with a health claim. For essential oils marketed for use with a diffuser for fragrance, no licences are needed. However, all quality essential oils sold in a health food store will have licences.
Bottling
A high-quality therapeutic lavender essential oil will be bottled in a dark (either blue or amber) glass bottle which will help to prevent degradation from sunlight and protect the therapeutic properties of your oil. A dropper top or pipetter dropper will help to control the application of your lavender essential oil.
What to Look for When Buying Lavender Essential Oil
When you’re buying lavender oil, it’s important to look for certain things on the bottle to make sure you’re getting the real thing.
• 100% pure – you want to ensure that your lavender oil is pure and does not have any carrier oils or fragrance added. It may also be called “undiluted” on the label. It’s worth pointing out that only oils that are 100% pure can be used in a diffuser.
• Latin name is displayed – either Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis, although these two names are interchangeable.
You can find quality lavender oil at health food stores in their aromatherapy or brand sections. Watch out for essential oils with added fragrance or carrier oils. Some companies add synthetic linalyl acetate (a synthetic version of one of lavender’s active ingredients) to lavandin oil and then try to pass it off as the more desirable lavender oil.
Where To Buy Lavender Oil
When purchasing a lavender essential oil, it’s important to know its quality and distillation process. Canadian brands, Naka and Now both offer high-quality lavender oils in different sizes. Naka’s 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil is offered in non and organic formulas, both of which are steam distilled. Now’s Lavender Oil and Certified Organic Lavender Oil are undiluted and expeller pressed, plus hexane free.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
