Why Is Lavender Essential Oil The Most Popular?

Everyone knows the unique, characteristically spicy and at the same time flowery scent of lavender. Many associate it directly with southern climes, Tuscany in Italy or Provence in France. The purple flowering plant has long been at home in our areas. The Benedictines brought lavender to us in the Middle Ages, north of the Alps.

Lavender not only looks beautiful and smells wonderfully aromatic, but can also be used in many different areas in the areas of health, cosmetics or even in the culinary arts - so it is a real all-rounder. Lavender oil is the most popular form of using the powers of the mint family for healing purposes. The essential oil has not only been used since modern times, but the beneficial effects of lavender have been known in naturopathy for thousands of years. Lavender has a relaxing effect and helps to find inner peace and increase well-being . But lavender can do much more. Lavender oil is one of the most versatile of the essential oils.

In the Tiroler Kräuterhof you can buy first-class lavender oil. And so that you can use all the positive properties of this natural hero with the best knowledge, we have summarized a lot of information about lavender, its effects, possible uses and the manufacturing process of lavender oil for you. Have fun while reading!

Lavender oil: the all-rounder among essential oils

Lavender oil has many more beneficial properties than you might realize. In fact, it is among the most versatile of essential oils . The most widespread use is probably as an essential oil in aromatherapy. Its unique and gentle scent can be used in the bedroom, for example. It calms and makes it easier to fall asleep. This is probably the most well-known effect of lavender, but by no means the only one.

While the unique scent of lavender oil is perceived by most people as very pleasant, insects generally find it repulsive and unpleasant. For this reason, lavender pillows are often used to deter moths on rarely used fabrics. If you buy lavender oil, you can also use it to keep mosquitoes and other annoying insects away.

Speaking of summer, lavender oil also helps with sunburn. It has a cooling effect. At the same time, it has an antiseptic effect, soothes the skin, relieves pain and promotes wound healing. Lavender oil is a real all-rounder.

Lavender oil also proves its versatility when used in the kitchen, because it can be used to conjure up delicious dishes and refine sophisticated drinks.

Homeland: The ancient Egyptians already knew lavender oil

Where does lavender actually come from? The purple herb probably has its origins in Persia, today's Iran. From there it quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean. Its disinfecting and healing properties were already known to the ancient Egyptians. Part of their death cult was, among other things, rubbing the deceased with lavender oil to preserve them. The effects of lavender were also known to the Romans. They gave the fragrant herb its current name, which derives from the Latin "lavare" (to wash) - because the Romans used the plant to wash clothes and the body. It is not without reason that lavender was also called “washing herb” in Germany in the past.

The Benedictine monks brought lavender from Italy across the Alps to us in the High Middle Ages. The clergy knew of its healing effects and cultivated it in their monastery gardens. Today, lavender is cultivated particularly extensively in the French Provence. The area is known for the bright purple-blue lavender fields. In the south-eastern region of France, the plants flower at altitudes of more than 1,000 m from early June to mid-August. Lavender oil is also produced there on a large scale. Lavender is also cultivated extensively in Italy, Greece, Dalmatia and on the Canary Islands. In German and Austrian gardens, lavender is also popular because of its fragrance and winter hardiness.

There are over 25 species in total. The four most important main types of lavender include real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and woolly lavender (Lavandula lanata). Under "Types of lavender" further in this text you can find out more about the individual types of lavender and their individual effects.

From the flower to the lavender oil

Lavender oil is extracted from the lavender flowers by distillation. It takes around 120 kilograms of the purple flowers to produce one liter of lavender essential oil. Every bottle that you buy from us is a concentrated dose of the active ingredients found in lavender. Depending on the variety, lavender smells differently – and so does the oil: from lovely and sweet in the case of real lavender to tart and fresh in the subspecies.

Ingredients of lavender oil

In addition to camphor, the components of lavender oil also include linalyl acetate, cineol and linalool. These natural substances ensure the relaxing effect on the central nervous system in our brain. This is where the fragrances of the essential oil dock and thus reach all nerve tracts of the body.

Over 200 active ingredients

A total of more than 200 different substances are responsible for the numerous effects of lavender oil. What all these are has not yet been adequately researched. What is clear, however, is that it is an extremely powerful composition of valuable natural substances. So it's no wonder that lavender has so many positive properties. For the most effective effectiveness, users should make sure to buy high-quality lavender oil, such as the natural products from the Tiroler Kräuterhof .

The proportion of linalyl acetate is one of the most meaningful quality criteria of lavender oil. This ingredient is not only responsible for the typical scent of lavender, but is also particularly stable in its basic environment. Linalyl acetate is therefore often used separately as a natural perfume for detergents and soaps. However, lavender oil has not only been valued for its aromatic scent for a long time, but above all for its positive properties for body and soul. One ingredient that contributes to this is linalool. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties . Another component of lavender essential oil is camphor. This has an expectorant and germicidal effect, which is why lavender is also often used for colds. Cineole also supports this as another valuable component of lavender oil. Bronchoconstricting neurotransmitters are inhibited by cineol. It is also used to improve lung function in people with conditions such as asthma or COPD.

What do you have to pay attention to if you want to buy good lavender oil?

When you buy lavender oil, you definitely want an oil in which the valuable active ingredients are as concentrated as possible and that does not contain any additional by-products. Therefore, you should make sure to buy a product that is as high quality as possible that has not been stretched or provided with additives. The Tiroler Krauterhof only offers 100 percent pure essential oils in its online shop. Alcohol and other additives are also completely dispensed with during production. All of our products are also organically certified. This way you can be sure that your essential oils do not contain any toxic pesticide residues or other contaminants. Therefore, always buy your essential lavender oil from reputable and sustainable suppliers such as the Tiroler Kräuterhof.

Buy high-quality lavender oil from the Tyrolean herb farm

If you want to buy organic lavender oil from us, you will find various products in our online shop:

For example, we offer 100% pure lavandin as a hydrolat (plant water) made from sweet lavender (Lavandula hybridia). The lavandin water is created by crossing fine lavender and spike lavender, using both the flowering herb and the inflorescences in the production process. It has a pH of 3.6 to 4.5 and is perfect for sitz baths and massages.

You will of course find all of these varieties in our extensive range of essential oils . Here we offer numerous high-quality blends that contain high-quality lavender oil. You can also buy essential lavender oil in pure form, in the extra organic and extra fine organic versions .

Our product not only convinces laypeople. Even people with often higher demands, such as doctors, naturopaths or aromatherapists, buy our lavender oil because of its outstanding quality.

Types of Lavender

The four best-known types of lavender are, in addition to the classic real lavender, the French lavender, the spike lavender and the cotton lavender.

True lavender has the lowest camphor content of all types . For this reason, it is primarily used for relaxation and skin care, less often for colds and lung problems.

French lavender, on the other hand, has a strong anti- infective effect and is also good for energetically cleaning the air. French lavender soothes nervousness and strengthens the heart. Rheumatic complaints and circulatory disorders can subside under the influence of this lavender variety.

Spike lavender contains higher levels of camphor and is particularly useful in treating respiratory diseases. Spicy lavender oil can also help with states of mental exhaustion and have a positive effect on heart, stomach and brain activity. Spike lavender is also known for its warming effect and has proven to be an effective helper for tension and neck pain.

Spike lavender oil, but also wool lavender oil, kills pathogens and thus counteracts various bacterial and viral infections.

Lavandin is a breed (hybrid) from different types of lavender and is particularly suitable as an antiseptic and pleasantly scented addition to the washing machine and cleaning products.

The manufacture of lavender oil

Also highly concentrated for direct use on the skin

About 120 kilograms of flowers and leaves of the fragrant herb are needed to distill just one liter of essential lavender oil. This is why lavender oil contains such a high dosage of around 200 active ingredients from the original plant.

So if you want to use the plant substances contained in lavender in a highly concentrated form for yourself, we advise you to buy pure essential lavender oil. With pure oil you are sure not to buy any other harmful substances or additives. Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that can be used undiluted directly on the skin in small doses in its pure state. Sunburn, for example, can be treated with a few drops. In most cases, however, it is also diluted, either with alcohol, other carrier oils or with water for use in fragrance lamps.

In general, we recommend a careful allergy test before using an essential oil on the skin, even if the lavender plant is usually considered to be very well tolerated. The best and most reliable way of doing such a test is to dab a small amount of lavender oil on the inner arm area. If one or more allergic reactions such as redness, itching, vomiting, dizziness or cramps occur afterwards, seek medical advice immediately. If you don't show any of these reactions, you have a wide range of uses for lavender essential oil.

The effect of lavender oil

Lavender oil is considered the universal healing oil par excellence. The fresh scent of lavender affects the entire human organism: lavender oil pampers body, mind and soul. Lavender is generally considered to be calming and pain-relieving. Its scent can relieve fears and the body can relax. At the same time, lavender also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The active ingredients that enter the body through the nose and respiratory tract can have a positive effect on sources of disease and inflammation in the body and thus alleviate symptoms.

Relax with lavender oil

The lavender scent activates the right side of the brain in particular. This is considered a creative and emotional center. Therefore, stimulation by lavender provides mental clarity for many users, helps with restlessness and nervousness and soothes fears or worries . If you have trouble falling asleep or have nightmares , it can also help to put a few drops of the oil on your pillow or a scented sachet, which you then place under the pillow. Regular use of lavender oil can even reduce the symptoms of depression .

However, one does not have to have a mature or serious mental health condition to benefit from the calming effects of lavender oil. After each busy, stressful day, the essential oil helps to switch off and wind down . Feelings such as rage and anger, which boil up again and again in everyday life, can be soothed more easily by inhaling the fragrance.

Calms not only the mind, but also the intestines

However, the calming effect of lavender oil is not limited to the psyche, but also affects the physique. Lavender can help alleviate digestive problems such as painful flatulence. Because the essential oil stimulates bile production, which stimulates stomach movement and food can be digested more easily and quickly. If you buy high-quality lavender oil, you can also use it internally in small doses for this purpose.

Against infections

Due to its antibacterial effect, lavender is also used to support the healing of infections and inflammations of the ear, nose and throat area (e.g. sore throat, eye and conjunctivitis, asthma, bronchitis, flu). Lavender oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect in general, which is why it helps to cure infections in such cases.

External use for skin diseases

Due to its antimycotic and skin care properties, lavender oil is also often used to treat skin fungi, acne, eczema, ulcers, itching or to treat wounds. Lavender oil can also effectively relieve symptoms as a cooling compress or wrap for insect bites and sunburn.

In cosmetics

Lavender is also often found in natural cosmetics . In soap , lavender oil counteracts oily skin, for example, as lavender hydrolate it helps with dry and impure skin. In summer, a few sprays of lavender water (lavender hydrolate) refresh body and soul. Using lavender for antibacterial cleansing of the body is not a new idea, it dates back to the ancient Romans. After all, it is the reason why lavender is more commonly known as washweed.

As a gentle healing oil, lavender oil is also an ingredient in many skin care products. The added dose is even safe for pregnant women and helps them with navel pain. Applied as an ointment, it has a preventive effect against stretch marks. Since lavender is non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin, it is also a good medicinal oil for children .

Lavender oil in the kitchen

But lavender oil can not only be used on the body; it is also suitable in the household. The stimulating fragrance eliminates bad smells such as kitchen vapors or smoke.

Lavender is also used in other ways in the kitchen, for example as a tea, spice or in honey. Desserts, ice cream and dairy products as well as cocktails and soft drinks can be flavored and refined with lavender.

Insect repellent

While humans appreciate the unique scent of lavender, most insects are deterred by the smell of lavender. This not only applies to annoying insects such as mosquitoes or flies on the terrace, but also to vermin such as clothes moths, ants or spiders. Scented sachets filled with lavender, which are placed between rarely used clothing and textiles to keep moths away, are therefore still particularly popular. But even a few drops of lavender oil spread on clothing can reliably deter insects and vermin. Buy lavender oil and mix it with other oils containing geraniol in a scented bowl to repel ticks, mites and flying insects even on a warm summer evening on the patio or balcony.

Application of lavender essential oil

Lavender oil is a popular ingredient in many cosmetics. It is found in massage oils, soaps, tinctures and ointments, among other things. You can also buy numerous products with lavender oil in our online shop . Alternatively, you can also make your cosmetics yourself and refine them with our high-quality oils.

For use in aromatherapy, the essential oil can be diluted with distilled water and added to an aroma lamp or aroma diffuser. We generally recommend aromatherapy with a diffuser, as this does not heat the oil, so all valuable active ingredients end up in the air undamaged.

Creams or fatty vegetable oils are best suited for skin care, which are mixed with the lavender oil and only then distributed on the skin. The pure oil should never come into contact with the mucous membranes or the eyes. If this happens, the affected areas should be washed with plenty of water or, even better, with a vegetable oil.

Lavender oil: tips for buying

Quality is absolutely crucial when purchasing a lavender essential oil . Because only a high-quality and pure lavender oil contains all and only the active ingredients that characterize the essential oil. Also make sure that you always buy lavender oil and other essential oils in dark dropper bottles , because they are sensitive to light and can quickly lose quality if stored in too bright a light.

Also check the information on the origin, composition and quality of the lavender oil. You can usually find these on the respective bottles. Here it is advisable to take a close look. Because pure essential oil and nature-identical oils usually differ significantly in terms of their quality . Ultimately, you can only be really sure with pure essential lavender oils that they are obtained from natural plants and that no nature-identical or synthetic fragrances have been mixed in.

You can tell whether an oil is of high quality directly from the label of reputable manufacturers. Not only is the exact name of the plant noted in German and Latin, but also how and where the oil was produced, from which parts of the plant it was obtained, when its shelf life expires. In addition, the batch number should be noted and, above all, whether it is a 100 percent pure natural product.

When it comes to lavender oil, we recommend products from the Mediterranean region. The oil obtained here is usually of very high quality and works reliably. Alternatively, quality oil is also produced in Bulgaria and England.

If you want to be on the safe side, you can buy lavender oil and numerous other essential oils from us, the Tiroler Kräuterhof. We offer a variety of natural, organic-based essential oils. Here you can be sure that you are only buying the coveted active ingredients and no other ingredients.

High-quality lavender oils have their price, but are very economical to use because they are used in drops. For a long shelf life, the oil should be stored in a cool place, but not in the refrigerator. It should always remain airtight and protected from light. In this way, the lavender oil can maintain its healing effect for more than a year even in an opened bottle.

Categories of lavender oils

You can find lavender oils in different categories on the market, including:

Natural oils

They consist exclusively of pure essential lavender oil, which is distilled directly from the plant. Our lavender oil is then filtered again. No substances are added throughout the process, so our product is actually 100 percent lavender derived.

Blended oils

These can be recognized by the fact that they usually bear the inscription "with lavender oil". Such an inscription then means that these oils were blended with others. That's not a bad thing though! Rather, these can also be interesting and helpful mixtures, which you can also prepare yourself for certain treatments.

Such mixtures are ready to buy in many different combinations. There are mixtures specifically for certain ailments. But you can always get inspiration for your own creations.

Nature-Identical Oils

These are mostly oils imitated in the laboratory, which are additionally mixed with natural aromas. They usually have the same chemical properties as naturally derived lavender oils. Of course, their aromatherapeutic effect cannot be equated with pure natural oils. Therefore, we advise against buying such artificial lavender oils.

Lavender Oil Derivative

This is usually also mixed with artificially produced aromas. However, these are purely replacement products. Although they are cheaper, they are purely chemical and, unlike high-quality lavender essential oil, have no aromatherapeutic effects. Here, too, we advise against buying.

Instead, prefer the pure organic oils from the Tyrolean herb farm. The lavender oil that you can buy from us contains all the aromatic active ingredients of lavender that you need in aromatherapy. This is what we stand for with our promise of quality !

Conclusion on lavender oil

Lavender oil is a real all-rounder and offers many positive effects on the entire organism - i.e. body and mind.

It can be used in a variety of ways both preventively and in acute situations (e.g. in the case of inflammation, minor burns or insect bites). And even after a wound has already healed, the lavender oil, combined with other high-quality vegetable oils such as hemp oil, is suitable for "care away" or alleviating scars. You should only avoid using lavender oil in open wounds that are still bleeding, as it could also promote bleeding.

In addition, lavender oil can be used as an aid against a variety of different pains and other ailments. Due to its relaxing and antiseptic effect, it can not only be used against migraines, headaches and rheumatic complaints, but also for sore muscles, sunburns, small burns, cramps, inflammation, tension, suppurating wounds and many other physical and psychological complaints.