Quote Originally Posted by superfly
Please do. I actually picked up my second bottle of Lavander EO, along with some Bergamot and Rosemary today. That brings my EO collection to ~20... I never managed to make a descent scent, mainly because I use too many different oils in the mix... I am interested in different kinds of Lavander, because I noticed that the Lavander in the shop smelled different than the one I had at home...

Nenad

Here is the quick and easy version of some info you may or may not know, as well as a website with good information that actually sells the stuff, I have some more detailed information laying around that I used for a course on writing for private grant funding:


Lavender-High Altitude, French
Lavender angustifolia (vera) Grown in the wild, not cloned.
Distilling at high altitude allows lower temperatures and, of course, much lower pressure, so more of the volatile phytochemicals come through in the oil; this is truly the benchmark.

Lavender Mailette
Lavender angustifolia, Organically grown, Cloned, France (Provence), Blossoming tops.
Blossoming tops. It has the most delightful velvety aroma. The Mailette is particularly high in linalyl acetate, which gives it an extra sweetness. For emotional use this specimen is exquisite.

Himalayan Lavender
Lavender officianalis, grown and distilled high on the slopes of the Himalayas, over 5000 feet.
The aroma is light and green, leafy, not floral or herbal like other Lavenders. Aromatically, this is delightful, but thus far has not proved to have any therapeutic value.

Spike Lavender
Lavendula latifolia Spain, Wild crafted, Flowering tops.
Spike Lavender is higher in Cineole and in Camphor, which makes it an effective addition to respiratory blends, and useful for general aches and pains and is also a germ killer. Aromatically, this particular Spike is softer and more aromatic than other specimens. Some authorities recommend Spike as an insect repellant, and say it is useful for hair and skin care. It is a stimulant, rather than a sedative, do not use for relaxation, avoid use with anyone with a seizure disorder, with children, with the elderly or frail.

Lavender Stoechas ("Spanish Lavender")
Lavendula stoechas, Wild crafted
This is a very different Lavender from the others. Low in the esters that give Lavender its familiar aroma, this variety is fairly camphorous. It is believed to be the original Lavender that the Romans used in their baths...the Latin Lavare (to wash) is the root of the word Lavender. Historically it has been used as a strewing herb, and was one of the four ingredients in Thieves Vinegar for its germ killing ability. This stimulating Lavender is superbly energizing and cleansing. It is a powerful anti infectious oil. High in ketones, this Lavender must be avoided in pregnancy, with babies, children. Avoid use on damaged or sensitive skin.

There are also EO's from Lavandin, but lavandin is not a true Lavender. It is the result of a cross between Lavender vera and Spike Lavender, sometimes known as Aspic. Basically a cheaper and less aromatic and useful version of a true lavender.

I got all of my information (basically quoted, ommitting some unwanted details) from this website, very informative: http://www.naturesgift.com/essential...#LAVANDINSUPER