Lavender Essential Oil
Oil can be extracted from nearly every lavender plant but there are only 4 species with any economic importance.
Lavender field at Norfolk Lavender, Sandringham England
L. angustifolia - used in finer
perfumes, aromatherapy
L. x intermedia - perfumes, aromatherapy and soaps
L. latifolia - household products
L. stoechas - aromatherapy
Lavender oil is grown commercially in: France, Bulgaria, china, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Australia, England, Japan.
Lavender oil is commonly produced by
steam distillation. Lavender flowers, with attached leaves and stalks are
packed into large metal vats. Steam is pushed through the material, rupturing
the plant cells. The intense heat causes the plant oils to become vapor. They
blend with the steam and are carried through tubing to a large glass jar. As the
blend of steam and vapor cools, it becomes oil and water. The oil, being lighter
in weight, rests on top of the water and is siphoned off. The remaining water is
infused with lavender oil and called a ‘hydrolate’ or ‘hydrosol’. This water is
used by aromatherapists or occasionally in cooking, where only a hint of flavor
is needed.
Large amounts of plant material are needed to produce even a small amount of
oil. While yields vary, on average it requires 5 kilos (11 pounds) of lavender
to produce 15 milliliters of essential oil. A 15 milliliter bottle is
approximately 6 cm (2.5") in height. That is quite a good return and as a result
lavender essential oil is reasonably priced.
It is VERY concentrated and a few drops
spilled on furniture can ruin the finish, so be careful.
Lavender is wonderful to keep in the bathroom. Many people find a few drops in a warm bath relaxing. It can also help reduce body odor by killing the bacteria which causes it.
To Make a Room Spray
Mix 15 - 20 drops of essential oil with a cup of distilled water. Put in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray into the air or onto your pillow at night. Many people find lavender helps them sleep better, but some people find it uplifting and do not sleep well with it in the room.
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