When I open a bottle of lavender oil, I encounter more than just a scent. I smell the landscape where the plant grew, feel the sun that warmed its flowers, and remember the moment I wandered through the fields, surrounded by the buzzing of bees. Every whiff tells me a story about the plant’s origin.
The essence of Lavender: Lavandula angustifolia
Of all lavender varieties, Lavandula angustifolia is my favourite. Its soft, lightly spicy and floral scent invites relaxation and calm. It is no coincidence that this is the most used lavender essential oil in aromatherapy.
Research shows that this type is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate – two key components that contribute to its calming and skin-soothing effects. Studies indicate that inhalation or massage with this oil can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and soothe minor skin irritations.
"Lavender invites you to take deep breaths, offer gentle smiles, release the rush, and embrace the here and now." With love, Joanne
From flower to oil: purity in a bottle
Anyone who has ever walked past a lavender bush will know the desire to run their hand through the flower spikes and inhale deeply. That fragrance comes from thousands of microscopic glandular hairs on the spikes, filled with aromatic molecules.
During steam distillation, these molecules are extracted from the plant material. About 80–100 kilos of flower spikes are needed to produce roughly one litre of essential oil – depending on variety, origin, and climate.
The result is a precious oil with a complex composition of dozens of compounds that together define its unique scent and properties.
An oil with history
Lavender oil has been used by humans for thousands of years to care for body and mind.
Ancient Egypt added to balms and ritual oils for cosmetics, embalming, and purification.
Ancient Rome: used in baths and massages, blended with olive oil for cleansing, relaxation, and skin care; also to perfume linen, clothing, and homes.
Milddle Ages monasteries used lavender oil in infirmaries and apothecaries to purify air and surfaces, care for wounds, and keep insects at bay.
These ancient practices form the foundation of modern aromatherapy, where lavender oil is still valued for its calming, skin-nurturing, and purifying qualities.
Differences between lavender varieties
Not all lavender oils are the same. Their chemical composition varies by species, affecting both scent and effect:
- Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender): - soft, lightly spicy and floral scent; skin-friendly essential oil. Ideal for relaxation, sleep, and skin care.
- Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender) - higher in cineole and camphor. Its scent is spicier, often used for respiratory issues, but can be slightly irritating for the skin.
- Lavandin (hybrid of angustifolia and latifolia) higher yield with a fresher, camphoraceous scent. Common in cleaning products and perfumery, but less suitable for sensitive skin applications.
For calm, sleep, or gentle skin care, Lavandula angustifolia is the best choice – the mildest and most researched variant.
Quality and origin
The power of lavender oil is partly determined by where the plant grows. Altitude, sunlight, soil, and climate influence the concentration of active compounds in the oil. Some studies suggest that oil from higher-altitude regions often has a slightly more refined aroma profile.
For me, it remains important that essential oil comes from organically grown lavender.
Caring in this way honours everything and everyone who lives on and with Mother Nature.
Door zo zorg te dragen voor alles en iedereen die leeft op en met Moeder Natuur.
When buying a bottle, check for:
- Botanical name (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Country of origin
- Batch number or distillation date
- Organic or wildcrafted certification where possible
- Dark bottles that block UV light
What lavender oil can do – Evidence based
Lavender oil is a complex blend of dozens of compounds, with linalol and linalylacetaat being key for relaxation and skin care. Linalool is known for its calming and stress-reducing properties, while linalyl acetate gently relaxes the nervous system. Other components, such as geraniol, lavandulol, borneol and α-terpineol, enhance skin-soothing effects, support recovery from minor irritations, and have subtle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The specific balance of these substances determines both the scent and the therapeutic effects of the oil.
Thanks to this composition, lavender oil can:
- Help the nervous system relax and reduce stress via inhalation or diffusion.
- Support sleep quality and ease falling asleep.
- Calm the skin and promote recovery from minor irritations, insect bites, or small burns, thanks to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These versatile effects make lavender oil one of the most valuable and cherished oils in aromatherapy.
Tips for use – Simple DIY recipes with lavender oil
Here are some of my favourite ways to use lavender oil safely and effectively:
- Inhalation - 2–3 drops in a diffuser or a bowl of hot water for relaxation and calmer breathing.
- Massage Massage: 2 drops lavender oil in 10 ml carrier oil (e.g., almond oil) for a relaxing body or foot massage.
- Skin care / roll-on - Add 10–20 drops lavender oil to 10 ml jojoba oil in a roll-on. Ideal for insect bites, minor wounds, or small burns.
- Bath ritual - Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a paste of full-fat yoghurt and honey for a soothing bath.
- Sleep ritual - 1 drop of lavender oil on a cotton cloth next to your pillow. Do not drip directly on the pillow – this can be too intense.
- Body oil - Add 15–20 drops lavender oil to your favourite carrier oil, such as almond, apricot kernel, or peach kernel oil. Lovely as a nourishing body oil.
- Moment of calm / roll-on Fill a 10 ml roll-on with jojoba oil and add 5–10 drops lavender oil. Perfect to carry with you. Roll onto wrists or temples and breathe in the scent consciously when you need relaxation.
- Face oil Mix 1–3 drops lavender oil in 20 ml carrier oil. You can blend different carrier oils; my favourite is a combination of almond, macadamia, and jojoba oil
Always dilute essential oils. Test on a small patch of skin first and consult a professional during pregnancy, for young children, babies, or in case of medical conditions.
Storage and shelf life
Lavender oil lasts longer if stored with care:
- Keep the bottle dark and coolpreferably at room temperature or in a cool cupboard.
- Close the cap tightly after use to prevent oxidation.
- Unopened, lavender oil remains stable for 3-5 years Once opened, use preferably within 2-3 years for the best aroma and effectiveness.
If the oil smells sharp or unusual, or if its colour changes, do not use it.
Wisdom in scent
Distilling has taught me that oil is not only the physical extract of a plant but also a carrier of energy. Lavender oil invites us to release the unnecessary and return to the essence. Every drop reminds us that calm is not something we need to achieve – it is something we may allow.
Connect with the scent and experience what it has to offer. What lavender means to you. Hold your bottle, breathe in deeply a few times, twist off the cap, and let the scent slowly reach you. Smell, feel, and experience it on all levels. Take your time and discover the charm of different lavender varieties, and even the same variety from different regions.
"Smelling plants is a connection between two souls; with an open heart, we can receive the scent of the plant and listen to its 'story' to discover what it has to offer us." With love, Joanne
Are you curious about the wisdom of scents from Mother Nature…
In the workshop Beyond the Scents workshop I will guide you into the world of essential oils – their energy, their power, and their effects on body, mind, and soul.
Discover the Beyond the Scents workshop
