Looking for a natural solution to soothe stress, promote sleep or calm skin irritations?True Lavender essential oil is an essential ally. Known for its relaxing, regenerating and well-tolerated virtues, it can easily be integrated into any skincare routine, whether for nervous comfort, skin or emotional balance.

Why choose True Lavender essential oil?

Among the gems of aromatic pharmacopoeia, True Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia - occupies a place of choice. Recognized since ancient times for its calming, antiseptic and healing properties, today it is one of the most widely used essential oils in phytotherapy, aromatic medicine and dermatological care. Behind its gentle, soothing fragrance lies a fine, complex pharmacology, backed by centuries of medicinal practice and validated by contemporary research.

Botanical name and characteristics :

Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia (syn. Lavandula officinalis)
Botanical family: Lamiaceae
Producing organ: flowers
Main chemotype: linalool, linalyl acetate
Habitat: dry, sunny soils, between 500 and 1,800 m altitude.
Particularity: the higher the altitude, the higher the quality of the essential oil.

True lavender differs from lavender aspic or lavandin in its biochemical profile and therapeutic uses. It grows naturally in southern France, in Provence, but also in Italy, Spain and Morocco. It is grown in stony, well-drained soils, where it develops its aromatic compounds with remarkable richness and complexity.

What are the traditional uses of True Lavender?

Used for over two thousand years, true lavender is mentioned in Greco-Roman, Arab and medieval treatises on botany and medicine. Although traces of stoechade lavender can be found in Dioscorides' De materia medica, it was not until the Middle Ages that fine or officinal lavender gained notoriety. It was used in fumigations, decoctions, ointments, baths and as antiseptic sachets in wardrobes.

In the 17th century, it was used in popular antiseptic preparations, such as the vinegar of the four thieves. In the 19th century, it became an emblematic plant of the Vaucluse region, where itinerant distillers collected the flowers to produce the essence in a still. Finally, in the 20th century, the famous story of René-Maurice Gattefossé, who treated a burn with lavender essential oil, marked the official birth of modern aromatherapy.

What properties does True Lavender essential oil offer?

True lavender essential oil is rich in linalool (30-40%) and linalyl acetate (30-50%). These two molecules are responsible for the multiple properties of this essential oil, which has neurotropic, dermatological and anti-inflammatory effects.

Neuropsychic effects

Sedative and anxiolytic: through interaction with GABA receptors and modulation of serotonin transporters.
Mild hypnotic: improves drowsiness and sleep quality
Antidepressant: reduces psychomotor agitation and moderate anxiety disorders
Sympatholytic: reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, lowering heart rate and blood pressure

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects

Analgesic action: blocks sodium and calcium channels involved in pain transmission
Spasmolytic: relaxes digestive, respiratory and vascular smooth muscles
Anti-inflammatory: inhibits synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins

Dermatological effects

Healing: stimulates cell regeneration and re-epithelialization
Antiseptic: inhibits growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans
Mild antifungal: limits proliferation of dermatophytes
Antioxidant: protects cell membranes against lipid peroxidation
Photoprotective: certain components limit UV-induced damage.

How to use True Lavender in natural health?

True lavender essential oil is an essential ally in many clinical fields. It can be applied to the skin, diffused into the air, taken orally (exceptionally and under medical supervision), or used in therapeutic baths.

Areas of use :

Sleep disorders: insomnia, nocturnal agitation, frequent awakenings
Anxiety, chronic stress: nervousness, psychosomatic disorders
Dermatology: superficial burns, sunburn, wounds, insect bites, dry eczema
Pain: headaches, muscle contractures, back or joint pain
Immune support: prevention of ENT infections, in association with other oils (ravintsara, niaouli)
Oral hygiene: gargle, antiseptic mouthwash
Support for digestive disorders: bloating, spasms, colitis

How to use True Lavender essential oil?

By the skin:

Apply undiluted to a small area (sting, burn, pimple).
Dilute 10-20% in a vegetable oil for massages.

Diffusion:

3 to 5 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser for 15-20 minutes
Creates an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep

Bath:

5 drops diluted in a dispersant (liquid soap, neutral base) in a tub of warm water
Relaxing and analgesic effect

Orally (exceptionally)

1 drop on a neutral tablet or in honey, 1 to 2 times a day (occasional use, under medical advice).

What are the precautions for using True Lavender?

True lavender essential oil is one of the safest to use. It is well tolerated, even by young children and the elderly, but certain precautions must be observed.

Contraindicated during the first three months of pregnancy.
Avoid prolonged, high-dose use in hypotensive patients.
Allergies may occur in subjects sensitive to linalool (prior testing recommended).
Not to be confused with the more aggressive lavender aspic (Lavandula latifolia) or lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) essential oils.

What's the difference between true lavender, aspic and lavandin?

True lavender: gentle, soothing, suitable for skin care, very well tolerated.
Spike lavender: rich in camphor, expectorant and healing, but neurotoxic in high doses.
Lavandin: more productive but less subtle, used mainly in cosmetics and detergents.

True lavender embodies the very essence of aromatherapy: gentle, effective and multi-purpose. It can be used in a wide range of therapeutic areas and is a basic ingredient in any family aromatherapy kit. Its balanced molecular profile, dominated by linalool and linalyl acetate, makes it a safe, effective and accessible remedy for everyone. Whether it's to soothe a burn, calm nervous tension or promote a good night's sleep, it's remarkably reliable.

What types of essential oils can be found in the Essential Oil Index on Soin-et-Nature?

The Soin-et-Natureessential oil index contains a complete selection of single essential oils, identified by their common and botanical names. Each oil can be consulted for its therapeutic properties, indications for use and precautions for use, based on scientific aromatherapy guidelines. This index is a reliable reference tool to guide users towards targeted, effective and safe natural solutions.

To purify and cleanse acne-prone skin and infected mucous membranes, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil is recognized for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
To improve blood circulation and soothe respiratory ailments, Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens) is traditionally used for its venous decongestant and cough suppressant effects.
To repel insects and soothe itching, Ceylon citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil acts as a natural repellent and skin anti-inflammatory.
To promote mental relaxation and support immunity,Frankincense Olibanum (Boswellia carterii)essential oil is appreciated in cases of nervous fatigue or respiratory imbalance.
To alleviate nervous disorders and digestive tension, Marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil is indicated for managing stress, spasms and mental agitation.
To relieve joint pain, lumbago or tendonitis, Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) essential oil, rich in salicylates, acts as a local anti-inflammatory.
To improve concentration, calm nausea and refresh the mind, Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil is widely used for cutaneous application or inhalation.
To disinfect mucous membranes and promote healing, Bitter Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) essential oil is recommended for chronic oral, ENT and skin ailments.
For emotional balance and restful sleep, Himalayan Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) essential oil is used for its sedative and neuroregulatory action.
To soothe anxiety and revitalize mature skin, Neroli essential oil (Citrus aurantium ssp. amara) is recognized for its calming and regenerating effects.
To strengthen natural defenses and prevent viral infections, Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamomum camphora CT cineole) is a must-have for winter.
To relax muscles and support physical recovery, Rosemary Camphor essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis CT camphor) is indicated in muscle preparations.
To tone skin tissue and harmonize mood,Damask Rose (Rosa damascena)essential oil is used in natural cosmetics and emotional aromatherapy.
To combat severe infections and stimulate the body, Mountain Savory (Satureja montana) essential oil offers intense anti-infectious activity.
To rebalance sebum production and promote tissue regeneration, Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil is particularly recommended for skin care.
To soothe toothache and disinfect sensitive areas, Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) essential oil acts as a natural local analgesic.
For gentle immune support, Thyme à Thujanol essential oil (Thymus vulgaris CT thujanol) is suitable for sensitive skin and is well tolerated with prolonged use.
To help you fall asleep and soothe skin irritations, True Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is a multi-use reference in aromatherapy.
To decongest and soothe muscular pain, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil is used in recovery treatments and invigorating massages.
To improve lymphatic and venous circulation, Lentisque Pistachier (Pistacia lentiscus) essential oil is recommended in cases of heavy legs, varicose veins or hemorrhoids.

Soin-et-Nature's Essential Oil Index is a precise, structured decision-making tool, enabling all users, whether professionals or private individuals, to select the essential oil best suited to their needs, in a safe environment that complies with modern aromatherapy standards.