Which is your most relaxing Lavender?

We are asked this frequently.  And the answer, of course, depends on the chemistry, of the specific components of each specific lavender specimen.

The most relaxing chemical components in most essential oils are the Esters... in the lavender family, specifically Linalyl Acetate and Lavandulyl Acetate.  (Hint for the non-chemists among us... yes, the esters names tend to end in ATE.)


The analysis of some of our current versions of various lavenders show the following:

Lavender Variety	Linalyl Acetate Content	Lavandulyl Acetate	Total:
Wild High Altitude	33.70	3.85	37.55
Mailette	42.82	0.37	43.19
Population	38.21	4.32	42.53
Bulgarian	36.66	3.69	40.53
Abrialis	21.19	2.38	23.57
Grosso	23.77	2.42	26.19
Super	36.62	1.5	38.12
CO2 extracted Bulgarian	35.1	3.3	38.4

There are other esters found in trace amounts in Lavender oils.  Review the posted GC's and look for components with ATE in their names. And remember that a different analyst may give different results, depending on the equipment used, so these totals are not locked in stone.

Now, in the past, we have seen case studies that indicate that Lavandin Super was a more effective relaxant in a clinical trial than an oil that was supposedly a true Lavandula angustifolia. The report of the study also pointed out that there was no gc/ms or Certificate of Analysis presented with the research project, and the genesis/provenance of the Lavender oil used was unknown.  It is possible.

 Based on the chart above, Lavandin super may well be more relaxing than our Wild High Altitude Lavender.   

But if I were seeking a lavender for relaxation out of our current inventory, I would reach for either our Mailette clone, or our Population (Lavender Fine.)   Which to use would depend on personal preference. As we so often say, "Get samples and see what you prefer."

After thought:  We have used Lavandin Super in our "go to sleep" blends for years with wonderful results.   I think any of the oils in the above chart would be relaxing with the exception of Lavandins Abrialis and Grosso.  

Choose your favorite, and have a wonderful night's sleep.