Lavender, Stoechas (organic)

Lavandula stoechas is sold as lavender, and the name leads to substitution. Its chemistry has little in common with true lavender. It is a ketonic oil, led by fenchone and camphor, and is handled as such.

01 · Origin

Spanish or French lavender, though this oil comes from Portugal. The plant is recognised by the tufted flower head crowned with purple bracts. It grows wild across the dry western Mediterranean. This oil is distilled from wild plants gathered under organic certification.

02 · Chemistry

Fenchone and camphor are the leading constituents, both monoterpene ketones. 1,8-cineole and linalool follow in smaller proportion. The ester fraction that defines true lavender is largely absent. Ketone-rich oils call for conservative dilution.

03 · In Practice

Sharp, camphoraceous and green, with a rosemary-like freshness and only a trace of lavender sweetness. A top to middle note. Used at low concentration in diffusion blends and massage formulas for adults. Side-by-side work with Lavender Highland, Superior (No. 1930) shows how far one genus can range. Blends with rosemary, eucalyptus, pine, cedarwood, lemon and marjoram.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.