Which Lavender to Choose? A Clinical Perspective on Lavandula and Its Hybrids
- Andree Noye
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
By Andrée Noye, MA, Clinical Herbalist and Aromatherapist. Reading Time: 5 minutes Lavender is one of the most beloved and broadly used aromatic plants in both traditional and clinical settings. But behind its familiar fragrance lies a diverse and often misunderstood botanical family. From Lavandula angustifolia to lavandin hybrids, understanding the distinctions between species is essential for effective therapeutic application.
Global Roots, Local Fields
Lavender and lavandin are cultivated across the globe—from the sun-drenched hills of Provence to experimental plots in Japan and Australia. Even in Nova Scotia, local producers like Laura Muise from Inner Oaks Holistic Approach (Quinan, NS) have cultivated thriving lavender fields, contributing to the growing interest in local, small-scale aromatherapy plants.
In its wild form, three species dominate the Provençal landscape:
Lavandula stoechas (maritime lavender)
Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender)
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as L. vera or L. officinalis (true or fine lavender)
Through natural pollination and human intervention, true lavender crossed with spike lavender has yielded hybrids known as lavandins (Lavandula × intermedia), including cultivars like grosso and super. These hybrids produce larger yields and are more economically viable for industrial distillation—but not all lavenders are created equal.
Lavender vs. Lavandin: A Matter of Chemistry and Clinical Relevance
True lavender (L. angustifolia) is prized for its high linalool and linalyl acetate content, giving it a gentle yet powerful calming, regenerative, and anti-inflammatory profile. Lavandin hybrids, while visually similar, contain significantly more camphor and other monoterpenes, shifting their effects toward stimulant, mucolytic, or analgesic actions.
From a clinical aromatherapist’s perspective, this matters. Lavandin may be better suited for cleaning products or muscle rubs, while true lavender remains the gold standard in wound care, nervous system support, and pediatric formulas.
Production data underscores this divergence: only 50 to 80 tonnes of true lavender essential oil are produced annually, compared to over 1000 tonnes of lavandin, making it essential to verify species and chemotype when selecting oils.
Therapeutic Uses: Evidence-Informed and Clinically Grounded
1. Skin Healing and Tissue Repair
The name lavender stems from lavare, meaning “to wash”—a nod to both its cleansing and healing nature. True lavender accelerates epithelial regeneration and is effective for:
Minor burns and sunburn
Acne, rosacea, and eczema
Small wounds or abrasions
Postpartum perineal care
Lavender can often be applied neat in small quantities, though best practice still recommends minimal dilution with a neutral carrier oil for repeated use.
2. Gastrointestinal and Uterine Spasm Relief
Lavender has mild choleretic and antispasmodic effects. Topical massage with 5 to 7 drops diluted in a carrier oil may help reduce:
Menstrual discomfort
Intestinal cramping
Upper abdominal tension from stress-related dyspepsia
While ingestion is sometimes referenced in traditional texts, internal use of essential oils should remain within professional clinical scope.
3. Respiratory and Immune Support
Lavender’s antimicrobial, expectorant, and antispasmodic properties make it suitable for:
Upper respiratory tract infections
Stress-triggered asthma (when emotional tension plays a role)
Viral or bacterial colds, sore throats, and mild cough
Applications include aromatic steam inhalation, chest massage with diluted oil, or paired infusions of dried lavender blossoms in tea.
4. Musculoskeletal Relief
Both lavender and lavandin are used for muscle tension, arthritis, sciatica, and rheumatic pain. While lavandin’s camphor content lends itself to more vigorous formulations, lavender provides excellent anti-inflammatory support when blended with Arnica montana or Hypericum perforatum oils.
5. Sleep and Nervous System Regulation
Lavender’s role as a mild sedative is supported in clinical aromatherapy and emerging pharmacological literature. Trials have shown lavender preparations may be comparable in effect to low-dose benzodiazepines in anxiety and sleep disturbance without the risks of dependency.
A few drops on a cloth tucked into a pillowcase or a low-dilution massage over the chest or soles of the feet can enhance parasympathetic activity, encouraging deeper rest.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Use
When used mindfully, true lavender is considered safe during pregnancy. Its applications include:
Diluted massage for lower back or leg discomfort
Belly oil blends to prevent stretch marks (often with wheat germ oil)
Perineal compresses postpartum
Warm compresses for breast congestion
As always, safety depends on quality, dosage, and individual tolerance. Lavender should only be used when the pregnant person finds the scent agreeable and feels safe using it.
Energetics and Emotional Resilience
Beyond its chemical actions, lavender’s vibrational profile is known to support emotional recalibration. In subtle therapies and flower essences, lavender encourages mental clarity, stabilizes overactive emotional states, and facilitates grief processing.
Its essential oil is often used to:
Soothe acute emotional distress
Anchor scattered or anxious energy
Deepen meditation or pre-sleep rituals
Selection and Sourcing Tips
To ensure clinical-grade quality:
Choose essential oils labeled with full Latin binomial, chemotype (if applicable), country of origin, and indication of purity (100% pure and natural).
Source from reputable aromatherapeutic suppliers, not perfumery or fragrance resellers.
Let your nose guide you. A clean lavender oil will never feel sharp, sour, or cloying.
A Gentle Ritual: Solar Lavender Infusion
A traditional method to enjoy lavender’s subtle properties involves solar infusion. Simply place a handful of dried lavender blossoms in a litre of spring water in a glass jar. Let it sit in full sun for several hours, then strain and sip. The result is a cooling, aromatic water that combines phytochemistry with the energetic imprint of the sun.
Summary Table
Species / Type | Key Components | Best Clinical Use |
Lavandula angustifolia | Linalool, linalyl acetate | Sleep, anxiety, burns, skin repair |
Lavandula latifolia | 1,8-cineole, camphor | Congestion, infection, stimulant use |
Lavandin (e.g. grosso) | Camphor, mixed esters | Muscle rubs, deodorants, large-batch formulations |
Final Thoughts
Whether in a bedside bottle, a tea blend, or a wound-care kit, lavender has earned its place as a foundational plant in modern clinical practice. But not all lavenders serve the same purpose. The choice between true lavender and lavandin should always be guided by therapeutic intent, client sensitivity, and formulation context.
As always, a trained practitioner can help you navigate the subtle distinctions and apply this powerful plant with confidence and precision.
In light,
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