The serene smell of Lavender

What links Loddon Pink, Munstead, Nana Alba, Hidcote and Twickle Purple ? No, they’re not areas on the shipping forecast or horses at the Grand National, they’re are all species of lavender.

More than 35 different species of lavender exist [1]. In the UK, the most common species appear to be « English lavender » (Lavandula angustifolia), also known as « true » and « common » lavender, which is a perennial, meaning that it will live for more than two years, and « French lavender » (Lavandula stoechas), which is treated as an annual and has to be replanted each year. Both English and French lavender can be found in France as perennials, along with Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) and « Lavandin » (Lavandula x intermedia) which is a hybrid of Spike and English lavender. The name Lavender comes from the Latin verb lavo, lavare meaning to wash [2].

Used in tinctures, infusions, food and beauty products, this well-known plant provides relief from stress, headaches, anxiety, digestive issues and insomnia. Externally, it can be applied to treat burns, insect bites and skin wounds [3].

All species of lavender contain highly aromatic essential oils. These essential oils are extracted from the plant through steam distillation. Studies show that True Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia), applied topically (to the skin)* and through diffusion, alleviates pain, stress and anxiety [3]. In one clinical trial, the essential oil was successfully used to improve sleep quality of oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy [4]. Another clinical trial reported positive results in reducing pain during childbirth [3]. These actions are due to two main components of the plant, linalool and linalyl acetate [3]. The percentage of these components varies depending on the variety and geographical location where it is cultivated.

For me, the smell of lavender is associated with summertime, bees and relaxation. What do you associate the serene smell of lavender with ?

* Some essential oils can cause allergic or skin reactions. Always check information about the essential oil before using it. Lavandula angustifolia is generally well-tolerated but it always best to do a « skin test ». This can be done by applying a small drop to the fold of the elbow and waiting 24 hours.

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[1] Habán M & al., Lavandula Species, Their Bioactive Phytochemicals, and Their Biosynthetic Regulation. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 May 16;24(10):8831.

[2] Prusinowska, Renata & Śmigielski, Krzysztof. (2014). Composition, biological properties and therapeutic effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L). A review. Herba Polonica. 60. 10.2478/hepo-2014-0010.

[3] Batiha GE & al. A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula species. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2023 May;396(5):877-900.

[4] de Melo Alves Silva LC, de Oliveira Mendes FC & al. Use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a complementary therapy in adult health care: A scoping review. Heliyon. 2023 Apr 14;9(5):e15446.