HEALTH Not all lavender is alike

Not all lavender is alike


Aromatherapy
Ellen Cox

Okay, I admit it. I coveted my neighbour’s lavender.
I’m afraid I did. I am guilty.
The neighbour in question was France. On a recent visit, I had a green-with-envy moment but nipped it in the bud and instead, turned my full attention to the sheer beauty of the rich and fragrant lavender beds in front of my eyes preparing to burst into bloom.
Of course, there are many gardens in Ireland that boast splendid specimens of aromatherapy’s most well-known flower. Maybe if I took a little more time with regard to soil preparation, I might indeed have a more impressive display.
People sometimes ask why Atlantic Aromatics supply three different types of lavender oil. I normally use the analogy that a wine shop will often stock several types of Cabernet or Chablis. They are a popular varieties, and a selection will meet different consumers requirements and budget.
David Kelly, Managing Director at Atlantic Aromatics has acquired a wealth of knowledge over the past 26 years in the oil business. Recently he released an information sheet for stockists and consumers all about lovely lavender.

Varieties
“There are many different varieties of Lavender, each with different qualities and uses. For example, a high-yielding hybrid variety known as Lavandin is largely used to improve the fragrance of washing powders. Over 1,000 tonnes of this is produced in France. Other relatively inexpensive lavender oil is primarily used to fragrance toiletries and cosmetics,” David explains.
I must add that our domestic friend, the washing machine, contributed to the initial commercial growth of lavender around the early 1900s. The aluminium washing salts used in the early models left a strong metallic smell on fabrics and so something with a pleasant aroma that could be easily sourced was required. Interestingly, the word ‘lavender’ is derived from the Latin ‘lavare’, to wash.

Certification
David sheds light on the issue of lavender quality and certification: “The finest oil of all comes from the mountains of Provence, lavender’s native region.
“In this area there are two regulatory systems that help to define the quality of the oil. These are the Organic Certification (generally Ecocert in this area) and the Appellation d’Origin Controlée (AOC). These systems, in their different ways help to ensure that the cultivated Lavender replicates as far as possible the qualities of the wild plant.
“Organic certification ensures the plants are produced by natural methods without chemical fertilisers or herbicides etc. To be awarded the AOC [which many will recognise as a fine-wine certification], the oil must be produced at high altitude in Provence, generally 800 meters above sea level. It must be skillfully distilled to produce the characteristic smell – sweet, rich and complex. It must be reproduced from seeds collected off the wild plants from the region …
“Only in France, among the best producers, are plants reproduced by seed rather then by cuttings. If you walk through a field smelling the flowers, each plant smells different. This gives the oil great richness and depth as the unique qualities of each individual plant contribute to the overall aroma.”

Why hybrids?
“Plants from cutting have a flatter, simpler aroma. They smell pleasant but lack the depth of aroma and would in all probability have lower therapeutic potential. Plants from cuttings have much higher yields and are easier to grow. Hence the vast majority of Lavender oil, both Conventional and Organic is produced this way.
“Up until the early 20th century, all French lavender oil was produced from plants gathered in the wild. Demand grew and this was no longer feasible. Today, little wild oil is available. An oil which is both Organic and AOC in combination is now the best available.”

The information in this column is not intended to replace medical advice. Those in need of medical treatment are encouraged to visit their health practitioner.

Ellen Cox is a qualified professional aromatherapist and a member of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists. She currently practices aromatherapy two days a month in St Brendan’s Retirement Village in Mulranny. She has worked with Atlantic Aromatics for 15 years.