Lavender is beautiful, fragrant, bee friendly - and full of healing powers

Lavender has been used for thousands of years – as a healer of war wounds, as a perfume and aphrodisiac, to ward off disease and insects, treat headaches and hysteria, embalm corpses, clean homes and for flavoring food. 

Modern science has shown that Lavender essential oil can alleviate stress and anxiety. A 2012 study on the effects of inhaling lavender oil on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity saw reduction in blood pressure, a more relaxed mental state and an increase in brain activities that are consistent with relaxation and better mood. 

Lavender oil, especially that extracted from Lavandula angustifolia, is active against many bacteria and fungi too. Roman soldiers carried it into battle to dress their wounds, and the oil was used during World War I to disinfect floors and walls. More recently a number of studies have confirmed lavender oil's ability to treat staph infections and MRSA. 

The main constituents of lavender oil are linalool, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, (E)-beta-ocimene, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor, with linalool and linayl acetate the most important. Linalyl acetate (an ester) and linalool (an alcohol) both have a relaxant effect, among others.

Each of these constituents can vary significantly in oils derived from different species and cultivars, as well as from species and cultivars grown in different locations (due to climate, environment, altitude and country of origin). However, each type of lavender oil carries a similar chemical make-up. 

Lavandula angustifolia has predominately esters and alcohols; 

Lavandula stoechas has predominately ketones; 

Lavandula latifolia has predominantly oxides, alcohols, followed by ketones and monoterpenes

Lavandula x intermedia has mostly alcohols and esters. 

Hence, it's the English lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) and the lavindins (Lavandula x intermedia) that are most often used medicinally. 

Lavandula latifolia has similar properties as Lavandula angustifolia, but because of its oxide content – which is stimulating and, in some cases, can be irritating – it's much stronger. Its essential oil should be used sparingly.