Let's Chat About Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender has been used for thousands of years. Harvested + treasured for its strong + long lasting scent. One of my favourite ancient uses was wearing a sachet of lavender to ward off evil spirits.
While I can't vouch for that claim, I certainly can see why its scent was thought to have power. It's strong herbal, floral and menthol aroma would have been a wonderful respite from the dominant smells of the middle ages.
Today, one of the most popular ways to use lavender is through essential oil + aromatherapy. Although popular, there isn't a ton of understanding on what essential oils are and how they should be used. Modern research is only just starting to catch up with the long-standing knowledge around lavender's use.
I get a lot of questions about how to actually use essential oil. And, I'll be honest, there is a lot of incorrect information + guidance circulating. Despite being a lavender farmer, I am not an expert on this topic. I tend to dive into published research, but there's a real gap here. But I can answer some of the basic questions around lavender essential oil + its use.
About Lavender Essential Oil
How is lavender essential oil is made?
Lavender essential oil is made through steam distillation. Water is boiled under harvested lavender stems + flowers; as steam passes through the green matter, it releases the organic compounds found in the plants (and vaporizes them into steam). The steam is then cooled quickly and two liquids are produced: essential oil + hydrosol. We collect and separate both for use in our products.
I should note that essential oil is different from oil that has been infused with lavender. Essential oil as it is made up of only the organic compounds produced by the plant. Oil that has been infused with lavender is a totally different method, essentially steeping lavender stems, flowers or buds in a carrier oil.
Lavender essential oil is plant chemicals
The thing that I find most intimidating about lavender essential oil is that it is essentially pure chemicals that have been derived from plants. More than 100 organic compounds can found in lavender essential oil but their are two main compounds: linalool and linalyl acetate. These both contribute to the pleasant scent of lavender as well as the therapeutic + antimicrobial properties. Yes, essential oils are natural but natural can still be toxic or unsafe if used improperly. More on this below.
Each oil is unique
There are hundreds of types of lavender and each cultivar has unique properties when distilled. On our farm the difference in aroma is most present between the English lavender cultivars and the French-hybrid cultivars. The aroma is distinctly different. I also believe the growing conditions, harvest date + other factors impact the make up and ratio of the organic compounds present. Here's some interesting research from the University of Ottawa on this.
Lavender hydrosol vs essential oil
Lavender hydrosol is the water distillate that is produced during the steam distillation process. It contains very small amounts of some of the compounds found in essential oil. By nature it is already diluted as it is mostly water. Interestingly, hydrosol often smells very different from essential oil.
How to Use Lavender Essential Oil
Diffusing + diluting lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil should always be diluted or diffused when used. To diffuse for aromatherapy there are several options: a passive diffuser, such as a diffusing stone or wood diffuser; or small household appliances that create scented vapor with the oil. Which type you use totally depends on your preference.
Diluting essential oil often means the use of a carrier oil, such as almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and olive oil. Basically you add just a small amount of essential oil to another oil to reduce its concentration. You can also add to water if using some sort of dispersant.
Using lavender essential oil in DIY projects
Beyond diffusing, essential oil can be used in all kinds of DIY projects, such as soap making, lotions, bath soaks, massage oils, home cleaners, aromatherapy roll-ons and more. There are a ton of resources online. But when in doubt, less is always more when it comes to your ratio of essential oil.
How not to use lavender essential oil
Pure lavender essential oil should never be used directly on the skin, or ingested/consumed. It is also highly flammable so it should not be used in candle making or in the dryer. I use essential oils very carefully + keep away from my children.
Along with many of the positive findings around the chemicals found in lavender essential oil, there is also research that suggest that some of these chemicals can interfere with hormones and their actions in the body. This is why proper use is so important.
If you have any health concerns, I would always recommend speaking to your doctor prior to using essential oils.
Xo, Stephanie