Botanical Profile
True lavender is a Mediterranean aromatic plant of the mint family. The flowers and the essential oil, Lavandulae aetheroleum, are particularly important.
Lavandula angustifolia Mill. is an aromatic subshrub with narrow leaves and violet inflorescences. The plant is typical of Mediterranean landscapes and is among the best-known aromatic Lamiaceae.
Phytochemistry
Phytochemically, lavender is characterised particularly by essential oil, including linalool and linalyl acetate. Flavonoids and phenolic plant constituents are also described.
Traditional Uses
The EMA monograph Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, aetheroleum (EMA/HMPC/143181/2010) describes traditional-use contexts for lavender oil.
Current Research
Modern research investigates essential-oil profiles, linalool, linalyl acetate, and neuropharmacological and aromatherapeutic fields of research.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, aetheroleum
- Assessment report on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, aetheroleum and Lavandula angustifolia Miller, flos
- Cavanagh HMA, Wilkinson JM. Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research. 2002.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.