Soothe irritated skin, ease a pounding headache, stop the pain
and help heal a burn or sunburn, release stress and tension, ease a
baby's diaper rash, clear a troubled complexion, relax
overstressed muscles, kill germs, lull you to sleep after a relaxing
bath, - Lavender Essential Oil can do all of the
above.
Nature's Gift offers a wide array of Lavender specimens. If
you already know which you want to order, either
click here to go to our
alphabetical "Quick Order" page or click on the name of the oil
listed below. Or browse to read about the properties of each -
because they all differ.
Also properly called Lavender officianalis or Lavender
vera. Sometimes Lavender Fine, but that has a special meaning.
Most lavender available today is "cloned" - grown from cuttings,
rather than seed. The fields of lavender thus are waves of single
colored blossoms, since the plants are all reproductions of the same
starter. This gives a much more "uniform" result in the aroma and
chemical constituents of the plants. Much rarer is the
Lavender Fine, population, ie grown from seed. Some say the
lavender oils grown from seed have a much higher energetic value.
Like all true Lavender oils, our French, Bulgarian and Himalayan
Lavenders are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and, possibly,
anti-viral. Lavender functions as an adaptogen, aiding in restoring
the body and the spirit to balance.
Nature's Gift currently offers six different specimens of true
Lavender:
Bulgarian Lavender
One of the least expensive of our true Lavender oils. It's very
full and round. Not at all sharply green or camphorous; you know
this one came from flowers, not leaves. The scent seems to rise out
of the bottle and greet me. Full and rich, rounded and supportive.
If you are looking for a Lavender for relaxing in the tub or
diffusing for soothing relaxation or wooing sleep, this is the one
for you. I've been mixing it with our
Rose
Geranium
and quite honestly can't get enough of the blend. Added to soap or
lotions the blend produces a wonderfully soothing "Grandma's Garden"
scent-memory and is part of the secret of our
Mille Fleur goats milk soap.
Bliss Bath made with our Bulgarian Lavender essential oil can be
found on our
Aromatic Baths page.
Lavender angustifolia, Organically
grown, Steam Distilled, France (Provence), Flowering tops.
Aromatically, this is my favorite lavender. It has the most
delightful velvety aroma. John Steele calls Mailette "the purple
cloud" and after experiencing this new Mailette I can
understand why. If velvet had a scent, this would be it. The
Mailette is particularly high in linalyl acetate,
which gives it an extra sweetness. A truly delightful oil.
If you are choosing a lavender for skincare, or other therapeutic
uses on the body, rather than for relaxation, I would choose our Hi
Altitude French. It is the mainstay in my anti-acne and
anti-Rosacea blends, and would be a good addition to any facial
preparation. (When it is in stock!) But for emotional
use, for the aromalamp, when you want a sweet floral aroma,
this specimen is exquisite. It would definitely be my second
choice after the High Alt, if cost must be the determining factor.
Lavender angustifolia (vera) Wildcrafted and organic, from
Population
Wild crafted high in the mountains of Haut
Provence,
distilled at high altitude to allow lower temperatures and, of
course, much lower pressure, so more of the volatile phytochemicals
come through in the oil. This is truly the benchmark...what French
Lavender should be, but so seldom is. Our very finest lavender.
Grown and distilled at over 1400 meters. Aromatically and
energetically amazing! a true Lavender Sauvage. Years ago I remember Dr. Chistoph
Streicher discussing the vibrancy and power of wildcrafted oils as
opposed to those grown under any form of cultivation.
This amazing new Lavender proves his theory! Aromatically
deeper and more intense than the Lavender Mailette, this lovely
specimen gave us all goosebumps. Those of you using the oils
energetically must try some.
Lavender angustifolia, Ethically Farmed, Steam Distilled,
Great Britain, Flowering tops.
I have a new favorite. When we received this sample I fell
in love with its aroma. Less floral than the Mailette
described above this English lavender has almost a softly spicy
note, perhaps because of its relatively higher level of Linalyl
Acetate. What really encouraged me to import some,
though, was a discussion with an online friend, an Englishman, who
said that the levels of both linalol and linalyl acetate tend to be
lower in English oils than that of the French oils, but the
therapeutic properties, for relaxation and pain relief, are at least
as good. The Linalool level in this oil is higher than that of our
High Altitude lavenders, but lower than the Mailette. Linalyl
Acetate is lower than any of our French oils. Which only goes
to prove that we really DO NOT always know what makes an essential
oil effective. There is just so much more to learn!
Lavender officianalis, grown and distilled high on the slopes of the
Himalayas, over 5000 feet. (Sometimes called Kashmir Lavender)
This is like no
other Lavender I have ever experienced. At first scent it reminds me of our
Bergamot Mint, or of a Petitgrain oil. The aroma is light and green, leafy, not
floral or herbal like our other Lavenders. Hope smiles whenever she gets to open
the bottle, the oil is a definite smile bringer. I have NO idea what its
therapeutic benefits will prove to be. Aromatically, it is a delight! This leafy
green Lavender has become the key ingredient in our
Fresh Aire Synergy.
Lavendula latifolia France, Organic, Flowering tops.
Now, Spike is NOT at all your 'usual' Lavender; this one is NOT
recommended for infants, children or the elderly, not an oil to use
neat for all the first aid emergencies some of us use our French or
Bulgarian Lavenders for. Spike Lavender is higher in Cineole and in
Camphor, which makes it an effective addition to respiratory blends,
and useful for general aches and pains and is also a powerful germ
killer. Aromatically, this particular Spike is softer and more
aromatic than other specimens that I've sampled (most of them are
pretty gross!). I find it much closer to Lavandin super from an
aromatic standpoint. Some authorities recommend Spike Lavender as an
insect repellant, and say it is useful for hair and skin care.
Highly antibacterial (in our single oil laboratory tests against the MRSA
bacteria, this specific Spike Lavender (NOT the usual Spanish Spike Lavender)
proved the most effective. High in camphor and cineole this French
Specimen is a must for respiratory blends. Diffuse it briefly morning and
evening when those around you are coughing and sneezing.
A stimulant, rather than a sedative, do not use for relaxation.
WARNING: Avoid use with anyone with a seizure
disorder, with children, with the elderly or frail.
Lavandula angustifolia, Grown in Bulgaria, CO2
extracted in Germany
The process of CO2 extraction gives an oil
closer aromatically to the fresh blossom than any steam
distilled oil will match. When ordering our last batch of CO2's
I requested a sample of the producer's Lavender Select
extraction. And I fell in love. I have no idea what
the therapeutic qualities of this Lavender Oil will be, and we
are not replacing the various lavenders used in our therapeutic
blends. But...if you want to scent your room, your linens,
yourself with an absolutely beautiful, fresh floral lavender
oil, this is the one for you. We only have one kilogram,
so order while supplies last. This CO2 extraction is truly an
exquisite aromatic!
Lavandin is NOT a true Lavender. It is the result of a cross
between Lavender vera and Spike Lavender, sometimes known as Aspic.
True Lavender grows higher in the mountains, while Spike Lavender is
a lowland plant. Originally, at the borders of their geographic
territory, the seeds mixed, and wild Lavandin was grown. No Hybrid
will set seeds, so all the Lavandin oil commercially available is a
result of clones of the original plants. There are several named
varieties of Lavandin; we currently offer three.
Chemically, the Abrial and Lavandin Super are closer to
Lavendula angustifolia than are other varieties of Lavandin.
LAVANDIN
Abrial
Lavandula hybrid var. abrialis French, organic. (Lavandula x intermedia CT abrialis)
A bit of Lavender history is still alive in this lovely specimen.
Abrial was the first successfully cloned Lavandin. The Abrial oil is
high in linalyl acetate, one of the benchmark components of fine
Lavender angustifolia. (High Altitude Lavender contains much more
linalyl acetate than does its lowland cousins, and aromatically this
Abrial is closer to our Hi Altitude than to our French Mailette.)
Lavandin Abrial also has a significant amount of camphor and 1 8
Cineole, making it both an effective mucolytic and
expectorant as well as antibacterial. It is much gentler than
Spike Lavender, which has the similar effects, and thus more appropriate
for diffusion with children. Lavandin Abrial's specific components make
it a wonderful "support oil" to be used with the various Eucalyptus
oils, tea tree and manuka.
Like all Lavandins, this variety is a hybrid of Spike Lavender and Lavender
Vera. Its aroma is less floral than the Super described above (but the Grosso
refers to its discoverer, not its scent!). It has a touch of spice to its aroma,
mixed with the herbal Lavender notes.
I find the Super a bit more relaxing and still prefer it for relaxation and
stress relief, but for inflammation, the Grosso definitely has a role to play.
Lavandin Grosso contains terpineol-4 and linalyl acetate which make it a good
antiseptic and stimulating oil. Useful in treating skin conditions such as acne
and sluggish skin. I've seen it recommended as the oil of choice for scabies and
other infectious skin diseases.
It is a good addition to cold and flu remedies with its
proven germ killing ability, as well as its ability to stimulate the
respiratory system and ease breathing.
Jane Buckle states that Grosso was shown to be very effective against
non-tubercular opportunistic mycobacteria (NTM) which is common in AIDS. She
also states that "Grosso is high in linalol for infections."
A blend of Lavandin Grosso and Spike Lavender is recommended for respiratory
disorders, either by inhalation, or massage.
Lavandula hybrid var. super French, organically grown
Lavandin Super is
the lavandin closest to true Lavender aromatically, and, since it produces much
more essential oil than Lavendula augustifolia, is often used to extend or
adulterate true Lavender oil. Like true Lavender, it is a soothing, relaxing oil
when used in moderation. According to Jane Buckle, in a clinical trial, Lavendin
intermedia: Super was found to be more effective for relaxing patients than
Lavandula angustifolia.
Lavandin Super is closest in chemistry to true Lavender.Lavandula x
intermedia cv Super is higher in linalyl acetate and high in esters.
Antispasmotic and relaxing. it is the gentlest of the lavandins. It is a
wonderful oil to use in a relaxing bath or massage.
My Belgian friend uses two drops taken internally as his recommended
Migraine remedy. (Please don't take any Essential Oil internally unless you
are under the direct care of a trained Aromatherapist!). However I would
strongly recommend this Lavandin for treating headaches, migraine and
otherwise. There are several different chemotypes of Lavandin on the market
today, this one, Lavandin intermedia Super is high in esters, extremely
relaxing and an antispasmodic. This makes it effective in treating sore
muscles that tend to cramp, and a wonderfully relaxing bath oil. We are use it
as a key ingredient in our pain relieving blends, specifically
MuscleEase and BackEase.
5 ml bottles of each of our ten varieties of Lavender and Lavandin.
Most of these are offered only in 15 ml sizes, but you may
experiment with 5 ml of each in this sampler. Kit contains five mls each of Lavandin Abrial, Lavandin Grosso, Lavandin Super,
Bulgarian Lavender, Lavender Mailette, French Wild High Alpine Lavender Fine,
English Lavender, Himalayan Lavender (Kashmir), French Spike Lavender, and our CO2 Extracted
Lavender.
If available in 5 ml sizes their combined retail price would be
over $92.00. Order the sampler and save $20.
(No other Nature's Gift discounts may apply to this already
discounted sampler kit.)
Lavender is the most useful "all around" essential oil because it
has so many useful attributes. While not being the single "oil of
choice" for many physical problems, it is useful for almost all.
Lavender essential oil is an anti-inflammatory and mild pain
reliever, making it useful for headaches, arthritis and rheumatism,
sore muscles and general aches and pains. It is wonderful for
treating burns and sunburns. A drop of lavender or lavandin
super on the temples to banish a headache. Lavender oils are
also antibacterial; diffused in the air or used in a room spray it
will kill most common germs and bacteria. (Spike lavender is the
most highly antibacterial lavender oil, very important for treating
infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.)
Mental/emotional uses of Lavender Oils
Lavender essential oil is primarily a relaxant; wonderful for
insomnia or that occassional restless night when you can't get your
mind to stop chattering. A single drop on a pillowcase, in an
aromastone, or six or eight drops in a warm bath before bedtime will
ease you to sleep. Be careful though, too much lavender is a
stimulant. Spill half the bottle on your pillowcase and you
are guaranteed a restless night.
Lavender is also said to calm anxiety and/or hysteria (although
for anxiety I first reach for Neroli!). Lavender is a valued
addition to any stress relieving blend of oils, whether the stress
is physical or emotional.
Lavender helps balance almost all extreme emotions.
Skincare Uses of
Lavender Oils
Lavender is the "all round" skincare oil, not the best at dealing
with any skincare problem, but useful for almost all skin types.
Lavender's mild anti-bacterial action is helpful in dealing with
acne. Always properly dilute in a carrier oil appropriate for your
skin type.
Lavender's gentle action can help moisturize dry skin, when used
in an appropriate carrier oil, cream or lotion.
Lavender and German Chamomile are the two most commonly suggested
oils in treating eczema.
For any sort of skin infection Lavender is called for. For
itching or irritated skin, Lavender's anti-inflammatory action is
soothing and healing.
Lavender essential oil (lavandula angustifolia only, none of the
others mentioned here!) is gentle enough to use in very low
dilutions for infants and toddlers, making it the perfect addition
to any baby balm or diaper rash treatment.
Lavender
Blends
From our hints and tips pages, and from prior
Nature's Gift
Newsletters:
Diffuser Blend - light and uplifting for the post holiday
blahs.:
Lavender 4 drops
Jasmine Auriculatum 2 drops
Ylangylang Complete 2 drops
Blend into a tablespoon of honey or cream, add to warm bath.
Insomnia Bath:
4 drops English or Roman chamomile oil
2 drops. lavender oil (I would use Mailette, I think, but any true
Lavender should work)
4 drops neroli oil
2 drops sweet marjoram oil.
blend with honey, carrier oil, or sea salt for a bath that is so
relaxing you just melt away.
Baby Bottom Oil:
To one ounce of Jojoba Oil, add 2 drops of Lavender and 1 drop of
German Chamomile Essential oils. Use after every diaper
change to keep baby's bottom free of diaper rash, or to soothe a
rash that might occur.
Nature's Gift
Disclaimer The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by
the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). Our products are not
intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition
persists, please contact your physician or health care provider. The
information provided by this website or this company is not a
substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a health care
provider, and should not be construed as individual medical advice.
The testimonials on this website are from individuals and do not
guarantee or imply the same results.
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