Compare 5 types of Lavender Essential Oils

Do you wonder what the differences and similarities are of the different lavender essential oils? We’re going to compare five members of the Lavender family that have many characteristics in common, and some subtle, and not so subtle, differences, too! Lavender is one of the most important essential oils to keep in your home medicine chest, in your purse, and by your bed.

Lavender has been around for thousands of years, and its use has been recorded from the ancient civilizations of the Phoenicians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Greeks and Romans. All of these civilizations send us their wisdom to use lavender for air and household purification, bathing for the skin, and calming and relaxing the mind, emotions and body.

When it comes to stress, panic attacks, headaches, anxiety, skin irritations, burns, or even if you need a natural hand sanitizer, you can’t do better than Lavender! It’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic, and analgesic properties make it a remedy for almost anything!

That’s how the lavenders are similar. Now, let’s talk about how they differ.

Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia):

• organically grown in Bulgaria
• a full, heady, multi-dimensional aroma
• strong assertive scent that's calming and uplifting
• often used in perfume
• helps support skin health, including soothing insect bites
• perfect for bedtime, place 2 drops on a cotton ball on tuck under your pillowcase or add several drops to your bath to help you relax

High Alpine Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula angustifolia):

• Highest level of esters that give it a most intense Lavender fragrance.
• Highest level of Linalyl Acetate, making it the most powerful against viruses and bacteria.
• Highest sedative levels to allow you to relax to levels of deep relaxation and sleep.
• Provides the deepest therapeutic pain relief for muscles and joints.

French Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula angustifolia):

• Moderate ester level and lower altitude give it a sweet, light floral-herb fragrance for aromatherapy.
• Still powerful for immune system with anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antiseptic properties.
• Great to add to shampoo or body wash for skin, hair and scalp health, with its light fragrance, and healing and conditioning properties.

Lavender Maillette Essential Oil (lavendula angustifolia Mill.)

• Grown in lower altitude levels of S. Africa and Provence
• Sweet, spicy, and even fruity aroma, so it’s good as a fragrance and aromatherapy and blends well with citrus and floral oils.
• Gentle, calming nature is good for skin, promoting growth of new skin cells.

Spike Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula latifolia)

• Grown in Spain and France, and produces high levels of Cineole, which has a camphor-menthol aroma and properties.
• Used primarily in cleaning products, soaps, deodorizers, and disinfectants.
• Makes a good expectorant, vaporizing rub and muscle salve.

There are over 200 varieties of Lavender plants, and these 5 are the most prized for their essential oil properties.

One thing is clear: Lavender is here to help us heal and to help us stay healthy! And, you’ll love having it in your essential oils kit!