Types of Lavender Essential Oil

Highland Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Also known as French lavender, this essential oil comes from lavender grown only in the high mountain regions of Provence, France. It has a fresh floral, sweet, soft and lightly herbaceous scent. It is antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, and according to Katherine Grad and Joni Keim, authors of the "Therapeutic Essential Oil Guide," it relieves colds, flu, and coughs, and is useful for treating minor cuts, bruises, burns, blemishes, sunburn, and even insect bites. It relaxes and calms and can also be soothing and balancing for those with sore muscles or menstrual cramps. Hebalist Penelope Ody recommends lavender oil be a part of every herbal first aid kit.

Lavender Extra Super (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Wild harvested in France, this variety of lavender possesses an exquisite, fine aroma that is rich and sweet. This is the type of lavender essential oil most frequently used in bath and body products for its ability to relax, relieve stress, and soothe skin. According to Grad and Keim, lavender extra super has the highest ester content of all lavenders. Esters are one of the chemical components that make up essential oils, and esters are the most balancing and gentle of these components.

Lavender Mailette (Lavandula angustifolia)

• A deeply sweet, soft, herbaceous and floral aroma defines this type of lavender essential oil. It is less complex than lavender highland, but has similar uses and properties.

Lavender Extra Fine (Lavandula angustifolia)

• This type of lavender essential oil is similar in composition to lavender mailette but has a less sweet aroma and is instead more herbaceous. It shares the same uses as lavender highland.

Hybrids (Lavandula hybrid)

• There are several hybrid lavenders including L. Grosso, L. Abrial, L. Croatia, L. Reydovan, and L. Sweet. Lavandin Grosso was named after the man who first cultivated it in the 1930s. It is more herbaceous in scent than other lavenders and has fewer esters, though it is useful for relieving muscle strain, respiratory congestion, and uplifting the mind. L. Abrial and L. Croatia are less sweet and more herbaceous and so are used less frequently in bath and body products. L. Reydovan is regarded as one of the finest hybrids as it has a soft, floral aroma and has similar properties to Lavender Sweet, which is often used as a replacement for true lavender in skin care.

Other Lavenders

• Lavender Spike (Lavandula latifolia) is a bigger plant than true lavenders and has a sharper, more herbal scent. It is lower in esters than regular lavender. Lavender Stoechas has a dry, refreshing aroma that is often useful for sinusitis and relieving general congestion. It is energizing psychologically and has cell regenerative properties that are effective for healing small cuts.