Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is a versatile and widely used oil. It has been known to help with insomnia, anxiety and even respiratory problems. Lavender essential oil has also been suggested to help decrease pain and speed up wound healing. While research continues on this powerful purple plant, several studies have been performed to test how lavender can be beneficial to ease specific health symptoms.
However, not all lavender plants are the same, primarily when used in essential oils. We’ve done the research to help you make the best decision on which lavender essential oils to buy based on their species and use. Then we recommend several brands of pure, 100% lavender oil so you can shop with ease.
What are the types of lavender used in essential oils?
The two primary species of lavender you should look for in essential oils are Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, and Lavandula latifolia, commonly known as spike lavender. Different varieties exist even within these two species, but if an essential oil label states either of these botanical names in its purest form, you can be confident you’re getting a quality essential oil.
Both species can be used in aromatherapy, most notably using a diffuser. As with any alternative therapy, please discuss their use with your physician, especially if you are pregnant or are nursing.
What’s the difference between English lavender and spike lavender?
English lavender and spike lavender come from different plant species. Each has a different chemical make-up and should be used for different health concerns.
English lavender
Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula vera and Lavandula officinalis are the botanical names for English lavender. Essential oils deriving from this plant help relieve more issues than spike lavender.
An article published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes English lavender is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, which have a calming effect on individuals.
This essential oil can aid in lessening anxiety, even within dental and premenstrual contexts, when used in aromatherapy. A similar study offers positive results of lavender aromatherapy with sleep. Another NIH article reports the benefits of using lavender oil topically with a carrier oil during massage therapy to help osteoarthritis knee pain.
Other uses for English lavender pure essential oil include help with healing wounds more quickly with its inherent antimicrobial properties.
Spike lavender
Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula spica, and Lavandula spicata are the botanical names for spike lavender. It contains higher amounts of a natural camphor-smelling component, making its fragrance more medicinal. While fewer ailments are addressed with this species than with English lavender, this pure essential oil is helpful in three crucial areas.
Because of its chemical design, spike lavender is proving to be an antiviral agent. An NIH published article suggests essential oil derived from spike lavender can help ease respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis, sinusitis or other viruses. Spike lavender is also used to help ease headaches.
How to choose the right essential oil
Since the FDA doesn’t regulate essential oils, companies can make unsubstantiated claims about their efficacy or manufacturing process. Still, you can look for specific clues about what you’re buying.
Beyond looking for the scientific terms on lavender essential oil labels, skip any product that uses the words “lavender oil,” “essence” or “identical” to describe the oil, as you are not getting an essential oil. Instead, look for words such as “undiluted,” “natural” and “100% pure.”
You’ll also expect to pay a higher price for lavender essential oils due to the enormous volume of plants it takes to make the pure oils. You should avoid cheaper grocery and drugstore oils.
Which lavender oil should I buy?
Buy English lavender pure essential oil for help in these areas:
anxiety
relaxation and sleep
pain
wound healing
Buy spike lavender for help in these areas:
bronchitis
sinusitis
some viruses
headache
Best Lavandula angustifolia
Best overall English lavender oil
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil, 10 ml: available at Amazon
This brand receives its endorsement from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and has some of the strictest quality control procedures in the industry. Its full-bodied fragrance provides a pleasant, peaceful scent that promotes calm and relaxation when diffused. It’s also great for diluting with a carrier oil and massaging into the skin.
Best bang for the buck English lavender oil
Now Foods 100% Pure Lavender Oil, 30 ml: available at iHerb and Amazon
This purity-tested and quality-assured oil has been steam-distilled to ensure the highest quality oil. Smells sweet and floral. Use in a diffuser in the bedroom to ensure a restful sleep.
Best English lavender for diffusing
Revive Lavender 100% Pure Essential Oil: available at Amazon
Revive’s lavender oil is grown in Bulgaria with its ideal climate and higher altitude for growing some of the best lavender plants in the world. Add a few drops to the diffuser just before going to bed. The aromatherapy will permeate the senses to calm the brain and relax the body.
Best English lavender for topical use
Edens Garden Lavender Essential Oil Roll-on: available at Amazon
This pure oil comes already diluted in a carrier oil of fractionated coconut for less skin sensitivity. Rub the oil onto the wrist, behind the ears or along the top of the feet for an almost immediate calming effect. Place around arthritic knees to help ease joint pain.
Best Lavandula latifolia
Best overall spike lavender oil
Eden’s Garden Spike Lavender Oil, 30 ml: available at Amazon
Cultivated in France, this spike lavender oil is used to ease respiratory problems and open sinus passages. When properly diluted, it also can be used as an antiseptic skincare remedy.
Best bang for the buck spike lavender oil
Now Foods Spike Lavender Essential Oil, 30 ml: available at Amazon
This responsibly sourced and 100% natural oil does precisely what a spike lavender oil should at a less expensive price. It also comes in a child-resistant cap, a unique offering among essential oils.
Best spike lavender oil for diffusing
Aura Cacia Lavender (Spike) Essential Oil, 15 ml: available at Amazon
You’ll enjoy aromatherapy qualities when you diffuse Aura Cacia spike oil, given its high camphor content. It is especially good for remedying headaches and congestion, given its pain-relieving and expectorant properties. This brand’s organic spike oil comes from plants grown in the warmer climate of Spain.
Best Spike Lavender Oil for Topical Use
Nature’s Oil Lavender (Spike) Essential Oil, 10 ml: available at Amazon
Hailing from Spain, this oil’s fragrance is somewhat woodsy. This spike lavender oil can help ease joint pain associated with arthritis. Due to its high natural camphor content, proceed topically with care. Be sure to dilute with a carrier oil.
Tammy Tilley is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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