Is your lavender the real deal?

According to the Lavender Growers Association, 100 times more “lavender oil” is exported from France than is actually grown there.

100 times more lavender?  That’s a lot! Just where did this extra lavender come from?

Most likely, a lot of the oils marketed as “lavender” today are actually lavendin, or possibly even lavendin mixed with synthetic linalool.  Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid created from true lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavendula latifolia).

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking for lavender that will work therapeutically.  The oil you need if you want the true therapeutic benefits usually attributed to lavender is Lavendula angustifolia.  Make sure this Latin binomial is on the label before purchasing.

Lavendula angustifolia has an amazing sedative action due to it’s active components linalol and linalyl acetate.  It is also a great skin soother.

*The proceeding statements about essential oils have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided here is in no way intended to replace proper medical care.