The Fragrance Files: Lavender

The Fragrance Files: Lavender

What is Lavender?

Fragrant and beautifully luminous Lavender. Flaunting an evergreen foliage and purple blossoms – the colour of royalty and elegance. A member of the mint family, Lavender has a delicate floral aroma with underlying fresh, sweet, and herbal notes. Although native to areas surrounding the Mediterranean and countries east of India, the flower is now grown and adored universally, with France the epicentre of production and growing more than 80,000kg of Lavender each year.

The harvesting of Lavender usually happens between the months of June and August. Sprigs are picked just before they blossom as the aroma is most powerful then. There are several distillation methods used to extract the essential oil, however the most common method is ‘Steam Distillation’.

Steam distillation firstly requires drying for approximately two days to remove all water from the plant. Once done, the flowers and stems are carefully placed into a tank so that the water vapour cannot find a free path. This ensures the plant is totally saturated with the essential oil. The blend of water vapour and essence cools in a coil, where it becomes liquid again. Once the water and essence separates, the scented essential oil is extracted, completing the extraction process.

Health Benefits

Used in perfumery and aromatherapy for thousands of years, the Lavender essential oil is now known to be one of the most versatile and widely used oils. This is because Lavender has shown to provide several health benefits and healing properties for the mind, body, and soul. These benefits are a result of the different chemical compounds found in the plant that bring a positive effect to the human body. Two of these compounds contained in the plant includes Flavonoids and Linalool. Flavonoids provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions while Linalool has shown to reduce anxiety, blood pressure and assist insomnia.

Lavender vs Lavandin

Lavender and Lavandin are both part of the Lavender family, however the fundamental difference between the two are the scent profiles and plant shape. The Lavandin flower displays a lilac colour with a narrow point at the end. Expressing a scent that is stronger and more pungent, the plant variation is more commonly used for its aromatic benefits. Lavender however exhibits a more compact and vibrant purple flowerhead. Voicing a scent that is more subtle, floral, and sweet, best used for its calming benefits. The differentiation of these scents is due to the amount of Camphor found in each, with Lavandin containing a much higher percentage, resulting in the stronger aroma.

Air Aroma Fragrances with Lavender

Air Aroma has a selection of wonderful fragrances available with Lavender notes – Cedar Mood, Pomelo Pulp, Serene, and Zuri. All special in their own way, releasing a beautiful scent. Contact us for guidance or to inquire about creating an exclusive signature scent.