Medicinal Uses
anxiety
exhaustion
irritability
insomnia
depression
colds
digestion
flatulence
upset stomach
liver and gallbladder problems
nervousness,
loss of appetite
breath freshener
mouthwash
acne
nasal congestion
alopecia
irritated skin
athlete’s foot
mouth ulcers
wound healing
asthma
candida/ yeast
chronic bronchitis
diabetes
fibromyalgia
infertility
menstrual cramps
halitosis
hypotension
hypertension
insomnia
lupus
migraines
hay fever
toothaches
varicose veins
vomiting
psychosis
rheumatism
shock
jet lag
teething
bruising
rash or itchy skin
insect stings
muscle aches
rheumatism
arthritis
bruises
athlete's foot
hair loss
parasitic infections
exercise recovery
hangovers
insect repellent
bug bites & stings
first-degree burns (including sunburn)
lice
Candida albicans infection
muscle soreness or injury
prevents dementia
infectious disease
carcinogenesis
Roehmheld’s syndrome
balenotherapy (functional circulatory disorders)
non-tubercular mycobacteria (NTM)​
Constituents
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linalool
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linalyl acetate
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1,8 cineole
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sabinene
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terpineol-4-ol
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camphor
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caryophyllene
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camphene
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dipentene
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limonene
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ocimene
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terpinene
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Some varieties are closer to the L. angustifolia end of the spectrum, and others being closer to the L. latifolia end of the spectrum
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One of the key elements that differentiates Lavandin Oil from Lavender Oil is it contains a much higher percentage of camphor. While Lavender Oil contains 0-0.6% camphor, Lavandin Oil contains 6-10%. This makes it a far more powerful expectorant, as well as giving it a stronger, more pungent scent.
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Energetics/ Organoleptics
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SMELL: floral, sweet, herbal notes with balsamic undertones characteristic of lavender
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TASTE: bitter, pungent, spicy, and sweet
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COLOR: clear to yellow
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FEEL: oily, slick, evaporates quickly
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NOTE: Top note
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ENERGETICS: cooling or slightly warming.
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It is both stimulating and relaxing at the same time.
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Used for cooling to hot conditions, such as inflammation, spasm, pain, and infection.
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Cools an overheated liver and stabilizes the heart.
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It can help Qi descend to the center of the body while dispersing it to the extremities.
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Lavender is both restoring and astringent.
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Affinity for digestive system, lymphatic system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, genito-urinary system, immune system, nerves, brain, solar plexus, all heart meridians, base chakra
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Lavender can help us move from judgement to kindness and generosity.
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One of the great emotional gifts of lavender is the feeling of total and unchanging support around us. It leaves us with no room for doubt that we are loved and will be supported in life's challenges and in the process of healing. Lavender promotes faith, even in the hard times. Lavender brings balance between masculine and feminine energy and traits.
Contradictions
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None known, although its tonic use may be constitutionally inappropriate. For example, if you have very dry skin and dry mucus membranes the long-term internal use may be too drying.
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Lavandin is wonderfully calming in small amounts, but can be stimulating if used in too large a quantity or too often. This is especially true with babies and small children.
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When taken by mouth, lavandin can cause constipation, headache, and increased appetite.
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When applied to the skin, lavandin can sometimes cause irritation therefore, unlike a few of its botanical cousins, Lavandin essential oil is not recommended for use on burns due to its potency. Although it can be used topically, it could potentially exacerbate this skin problem.
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There is not enough reliable information to know if lavandin is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding.
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Lavandin might slow down the central nervous system. If used in combination with anesthesia and other medications given during and after surgery, it might slow down the central nervous system too much. Stop using lavender at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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History
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Lavandula x intermedia, also called Lavandin, is a hybrid cross between Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) and Lavandula latifolia (Portuguese (Spike) Lavender) and is also known as bastard lavender
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The Lavandin cultivars are slightly less hardy than Lavandula angustifolia, but tend to grow larger and produce more flower spikes than other Lavenders.
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Lavandin is especially known for producing a LOT of essential oil, up to 10x more than English lavender.
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It is grown extensively in France and often preferred by the perfume industry.
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Lavandin is commonly referred to as ‘French Lavender’, because it was historically developed for the French perfume industry.
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Lavandula × intermedia “Grosso” essential oil is grown in the Lazio Region, Italy
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The Greek physician Dioscorides (c. AD 40-90) was the first to note the medicinal properties of lavender. He recommended its use in a tea-like infusion for chest complaints and claimed it had laxative qualities.
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Pliny the Elder (c. AD 23-79) suggested its use during bereavement and to promote menstruation. During the Middle Ages lavender became an important part of the medicine cabinet and was used to treat many illnesses.
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It has become popular again recently, and is used in aromatherapy, skin-grafting surgery and to relieve burns. Research is also being carried out into its possible uses to prevent cancer and control gastro-intestinal disorders.
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Lavandin was once used by hunters to quickly neutralise venom when snakes bit their dogs.
Common Names
Grosso, lavandin
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Botanical Name
Lavandula intermedia
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Family
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
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Parts Used
The flowers​
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Therapeutic Actions
analgesic
angioprotectant
anthelmintic
anti-aggregative
anti-cancer
anti-colic
anti-convulsant
anti-depressant
anti-flatulant
anti-fungal
anti-halitosis
anti-inflammatory
anti-microbial
anti-oxidant
anti-pyretic
anti-rheumatic
anti-septic
anti-spasmodic
anti-toxic
anti-tumor
anti-viral
anxiolytic
appetite stimulant
carminative
cholagogue
cicatrisant
cordial
cytophylactic
cordial
deodorant
diaphoretic
diuretic
douche
emmenagogue
hypotensive
insect repellents
muscle Relaxant
nervine
neuroprotective
parturient
rubefacient
sedative
splenic
stomachic
tonic
vermifuge
vulnerary
Proper Use
Aromatherapy skincare applications can use lavandin in a carrier oil with a dilution ratio of 1%-2% essential oil to 1 oz carrier.
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1-2 teaspoons of the flower in 8 ounces water can be used as an infusion up to 3 times a day.
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1 dropper of tincture (1:2 95%) can be used up to 3 times a day.
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Lavandin oil blends particularly well with
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bergamot
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citronella
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cinnamon
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clary sage
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jasmine
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pine
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thyme
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patchouli
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rosemary
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Formulary
Combine with valerian, or chamomile for a relaxing tea, diffuse in an aroma lamp or diffuser for restful sleep, use it in your evening bath, sprinkle a few drops of lavender on sheets and pillowcases, or add dried lavandin flowers to sleep pillow mixtures.
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Lavandin combines well with the analgesic power of rosemary to relieve all types of pain; arthritis, sore muscles, and nerve pain. Lavandin can also be used in a massage oil to relieve pain and arthritic stiffness in older dogs, (but not cats)
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Use lavandin sachet bags to protect clothes against moths. Flies and mosquitoes dislike the fragrance so it is effective to use the oil in insect sprays, or add the cut flowers to vases where people congregate. Lavandin is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. A tea made from the fresh or dried flowers can be applied as a skin wash for both pets and people to relieve itching due to flea bites and rashes, or the essential oil can be used.
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Lavandin essential oil can be rubbed into the temples along with diluted peppermint essential oil for headaches. A couple drops on the pillow can also help ease a busy mind into dreamland. For children that have trouble relaxing into sleep, try adding two to four drops of the diluted essential oil into a bedtime bath.
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Lavandin oll can be added to fresh aloe vera gel to treat a burn.
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Use a lavandin tea as a hair rinse to help reduce hair loss and dandruff.
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Fresh flower buds can be added to salads, jams, jellies and vinegar or can be candied and used to decorate cakes.
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Lavender flavors baked goods and desserts (it combines very well with chocolate) and can be used to make "lavender sugar".
Cultivation
From the Mediterranean and Middle East, this evergreen perennial woody shrub looks very similar to rosemary. And like rosemary, it likes well-drained soil and plenty of sun.
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Both its pinnate, silvery-green leaves and purplish-blue flowers have a scent that’s crisp, clean, floral, and sweet. Bushes grow up to a meter (3 1/4 feet) tall and look spectacular grown in expanses of dazzling blue, blooming in midsummer.
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Prefers a sunny position in a neutral to alkaline soil. Prefers a light warm dry soil. When grown in rich soils the plants tend to produce more leaves but less essential oils. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Very tolerant of salt wind exposure. When growing for maximum essential oil content, the plant must be given a very warm sunny position and will do best in a light sandy soil, the fragrance being especially pronounced in a chalky soil. Plants are hardy to between -10 and -15°c.
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Not a very long-lived plant, it can be trimmed to keep it tidy but is probably best replaced every 10 years. Any trimming is best done in spring and should not be done in the autumn since this can encourage new growth that will not be very cold-hardy. A good bee plant, also attracting butterflies and moths. Lavender makes a good companion for most plants, growing especially well with cabbages.
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Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. This species is a hybrid and will not come true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Usually very east, a high percentage will root within a few weeks. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Research & References
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Blažeković, Biljana & Yang, W. & Wang, Y. & Li, C. & Kindl, Marija & Pepeljnjak, Stjepan & Vladimir-Knežević, Sanda. (2018). Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oils of Lavandula × intermedia ‘Budrovka’ and L. angustifolia cultivated in Croatia. Industrial Crops and Products. 123. 173-182. 10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.06.041.
Garzoli, S., Turchetti, G., Giacomello, P., Tiezzi, A., Laghezza Masci, V., & Ovidi, E. (2019). Liquid and Vapour Phase of Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia) Essential Oil: Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(15), 2701. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24152701
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Kara, Nimet & Baydar, H.. (2012). Essential oil contents and composition of lavenders and lavandins cultivated in Turkey. Research on Crops. 13. 675-681.
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Lafhal, Sofia & Bombarda, Isabelle & Dupuy, Nathalie & Jean, Marion & Ruiz, Kirstin & Vanloot, Pierre & Vanthuyne, Nicolas. (2019). Chiroptical fingerprints to characterize lavender and lavandin essential oils. Journal of Chromatography A. 1610. 460568. 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.460568.
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