Organic Lavandin Abrial Essential Oil

Description

Lavandin is a hybrid plant that appears where lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula spica) hybridise naturally. Lavandin is propagated by cuttings because it is sterile.

It is understandably easy to confuse lavandin with lavender or spike lavender. However, careful observation reveals distinguishing features that help identify them.

To begin with, lavender is a high-altitude plant, so if you find a plant that looks like lavender but you are near the sea, it is not Lavandula angustifolia. It is most likely lavandin, particularly if it is an ornamental plant. Lavandin is a large plant; the stem bearing the flower heads branches at one point into three stems. Spike lavender often shows this feature too. Lavender, by contrast, has only one flower head per stem. In lavandin, the flower head is longer and the flower colour is more intense and uniform, although this depends considerably on where it is grown.
Super lavandin smells more like lavender than spike lavender, although it is more rustic, less refined and less gentle.

Three main varieties of lavandin are cultivated: Grosso, Abrial and Super.
Super lavandin essential oil is preferred for therapeutic purposes. The Abrial or Abrialis variety also has therapeutic value, with uses similar to those of spike lavender essential oil. Grosso, by contrast, has little therapeutic value. This essential oil is reserved for fragrancing cosmetics, cleaning products and soaps.

Appearance: Pale yellow liquid

Solubility: Insoluble in water

Precautions

Not for use by pregnant women or children. People with sensitive skin should take care as it may cause irritation; they should not use it in baths or massages.

Do not apply directly to the skin. Dilute in a carrier oil or follow the recommended usage rate for creams and other cosmetics. This rate should be 1% or 2% at most.