Lavender Oil Read Online Free Page A

constituents of lavender oil ( L. angustifolia ) usually fall into the following range:
           linalyl acetate
36–51 per cent
           linalool
29–46 per cent
           lavandulyl acetate
3.4–6.2 per cent
           terpinen-4-ol
2.7–6.9 per cent
           ocimenes
2.5–10.8 per cent
           caryophyllene
2.5–7.6 per cent
           1,8-cineole
0.1–2.2 per cent
    The setting up of ‘communelles’ in France has enabled suppliers to offer buyers within the industry large weights of essence of a similar price and quality, but over the years this has also led to a growing trend in France towards the production of ‘speciality compositions’. This means that the suppliers ‘treat’ or ‘build up’ the primary essence to correspond to different quality levels according to the price that the buyers are willing to pay. Unfortunately, adulteration is all too common, as two of the major constituents – linalool and linalyl acetate – can be produced synthetically at a fraction of the cost. In the 1992 season, for example, official figures proved that the French produced less than 50 tonnes of lavender, yet they still managed to export well in excess of 100 tonnes!
    Nowadays, gas chromatography is the main method used for analysing the exact composition of essential oils and for ascertaining their quality. A skilledtechnician can easily identify a lavender oil cut with synthetic linalool, since there is a sub-component in synthetic linalool (called dihydrolinalool) which does not occur naturally in lavender oil. This trace would show up on a GLC (gas chromatography) machine – where the presence and position of each peak on the graph indicates the amount of each component.
    Much of the lavender which is commonly available has been extended/ blended in this manner, although oils from Eastern Europe are less likely to have been tampered with, due to these countries’ lack of ‘technical sophistication’. A high quality pure essential oil of true lavender should be a pale yellow, mobile liquid with a pungent top note which quickly disperses, leaving a soft, fresh, floral and long-lasting aroma. As with tea tree oil, however, recent research has shown that different species and ‘chemotypes’ of lavender oil have different therapeutic effects, so the ‘quality’ of an essence in the context of aromatherapy depends largely on its specific use and appropriateness, rather than simply on its aesthetic appeal.

CHAPTER FIVE
Summary of the Properties and Applications of Lavender Oil
    Lavender oil has often been called the most versatile of all essential oils … but why? By examining its history of use, medical applications and its chemical make-up, it becomes clear that lavender has several diverse areas of activity, being a valuable oil for both physical and psychological complaints. It may be useful, therefore, to divide its principal applications into the following loose categories: skin care; as a soothing remedy/for pain relief; and to help with stress-related conditions. Its secondary uses are also discussed below.
Skin Care
    Lavender is an oil with good antiseptic/bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and cicatrizant (wound-healing) properties, which makes it an excellent treatment for all types of external injuries or infections. These properties account for why it is such a useful household first-aid remedy for minor cuts, bites, burns and stings. Such applications have been well researched and documented, principally in France.
    As a deodorant and antiseborrhoeic oil, lavender is also a valuable skin care agent and is used for a wide range of common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, seborrhoea and spots. It has been credited with ‘rejuvenating’ properties,and since it also has a pleasing floral fragrance, lavender has a long history of traditional use throughout Europe as an ingredient in various types of cosmetic and