Lavender essential oil has always been widely recommended for use, with soothing and relaxing effects on the body and mind, especially in calming the nerves and promoting sleep. The key lies in the ratio of two main ingredients. This article will introduce the ingredients and characteristics of lavender essential oil and how to choose the right one.
About lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) through steam distillation. Its use dates back to ancient Egyptian civilization around 2500 BC, originating from ancient herbal medicine, and has the magical effects of calming the nerves and relaxing the mind and body.
The main ingredients and effects of lavender essential oil
The chemical structure of lavender essential oil is mainly composed of linalool and linalyl acetate, which account for about 40-60%. These two components can calm the nerves, relieve anxiety, stress and tension, and also improve sleep quality.
The effects of Linalool
- Calmness and relaxation: Helps to relieve anxiety, stress, and tension.
- Antibacterial and antifungal: It can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory and pain relief: Helps relieve mild pain and inflammation.
- Improve sleep quality: It can promote relaxation and sleep, and improve the quality of sleep.
- Antioxidation: Combat the damage of free radicals, protect cells from oxidative stress and the effects of aging.
- Help relieve muscle spasms: Helps to soothe muscle spasms and tension, and alleviate muscle pain and discomfort.
The effects of Linalyl acetate
- Calmness and relaxation: Can alleviate anxiety, stress, and tension.
- Anti-inflammatory and pain relief: Helps relieve mild pain and inflammation.
- Antibacterial and antifungal: It can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Soothes the skin: Has a soothing effect on inflamed, irritated, and dry skin.
- Promote sleep: It can help relieve insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Comparison of the effects of lavender essential oils of different varieties
Lavender essential oil comes in several varieties, and the content of its main components (linalool and linalyl acetate) varies among each variety, resulting in different effects and prices. Here are some common lavender varieties and the percentage of their main components:
Common varieties and origins in the market
True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Linalool: 25-46%
- Linalyl acetate: 25-51%
- Producing countries: United Kingdom, France, Spain and Italy
Eye-catching Lavandula hybrida
- Linalool: 25-35%
- Linalyl acetate: 20-30%
- Producing countries: France and Bulgaria
Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
- Linalool: 30-45%
- Linalyl acetate: 20-35%
- Producing countries: Spain and France
Highland Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
- Linalool: 5-20%
- Linalyl acetate: 5-15%
- Producing countries: Spain, Portugal and France
Fragrant Lotus Lavender (Lavandula vera)
- Linalool: 25-40%
- Linalyl acetate: 25-45%
- Producing countries: France and Bulgaria
How to choose high-quality lavender essential oil?
Here are some important factors in choosing high - quality lavender essential oil:
- Source and origin: High-quality lavender essential oil usually comes from regions with excellent quality, such as France, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, etc. The climate and soil conditions in these areas are conducive to the growth of lavender plants and the production of high-quality essential oils.
- Ingredient labeling: Ensure that you purchase lavender essential oil of 100% purity, free from any additives or fillers.
- Product label: The Latin name of lavender essential oil is Lavandula angustifolia. If it is indicated on the packaging, it can ensure that the essential oil comes from the correct plant species and has certain quality assurance, rather than a mixture or substitute of other similar plants.
- Aroma and texture: High-quality lavender essential oil should have a rich, fragrant, and natural lavender aroma. The texture should be clear and free of impurities, and it should not feel sticky or have sediments.
- Good manufacturers and suppliers: Choose reputable manufacturers and suppliers that can provide product quality assurance and relevant test reports - Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) reports, used to test the composition and purity of lavender essential oil.
Ensure the true value and quality of lavender essential oil
To truly understand the quality and composition of lavender essential oil, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is an indispensable tool. This scientific technology can separate and quantitatively analyze the chemical components in lavender essential oil, helping us understand the proportion and content of each component.
Lanluis essential oils come with a GC - MS (Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry) report, which analyzes in detail the chemical composition of the essential oils and provides a highly transparent quality guarantee.
Interpreting Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Reports
Interpreting a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) report requires some professional knowledge, but basically it provides the following key information:
- Component Identification: The report will display the chemical structures and names of various components in lavender essential oil, which helps to determine the purity and authentic ingredients of lavender essential oil.
- Proportion and content: The report will show the relative proportion and absolute content of each component, which helps to judge the quality and efficacy of lavender essential oil. For example, a high content of linalool and linalyl acetate indicates that lavender essential oil has high-quality sedative and relaxing effects.
- Purity and contaminants: The report can also detect whether lavender essential oil is contaminated, such as heavy metals, pesticide residues, etc. This is crucial to ensure the purity and safety of lavender essential oil.
This will enable you to understand the composition, ratio, and purity of the essential oil, and ensure that you purchase high-quality and effective lavender essential oil.
Precautions for using lavender essential oil
When using lavender essential oil, please follow the correct dosage and dilution ratio, and conduct a skin sensitivity test first to avoid irritation or allergic reactions. Do not use it directly on the skin or take it orally. Store the aromatherapy oil in a cool place out of reach of children; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a long-term illness, please consult an aromatherapist and related professionals before use.
It is recommended to dilute lavender essential oil in an appropriate carrier oil, such as vegetable oil or coconut oil, to reduce its concentration. It is generally suggested to add 3 - 5 drops of tea tree essential oil per milliliter of carrier oil, and it can be diluted and used according to personal needs and conditions.
Extended reading:
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