It is an essential oil that is similar to lavender essential oil with many of the same, although not identical uses. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is actually a hybrid created from true lavender (lavendula augustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavendula latifolia).
Lavandin has aromatherapy uses similar to true lavender but it is more penetrating. It has a stronger scent and is considered beneficial for inflammation, respiratory and circulatory conditions. It is also thought to be very helpful in fighting germs.
Yes, it is considered to have similar actions as true lavender including being relaxing but due to its higher concentration of camphor, it may not be as pleasant to use simply for helping you drift off to sleep.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is actually a hybrid created from true lavender (lavendula augustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavendula latifolia). The true lavender grows higher in the mountains while the spike lavender or aspic as it is sometimes known grows down lower. Where they tended to meet they would cross pollinate and lavandin came into being. As it is a hybrid it’s appearance can vary some, but in general it is a larger plant than true lavender with woody stems. The flowers vary from blue like true lavender to more greyish, similar to spike lavender.
Uses for Lavandin Essential Oil
When looking at ingredients on a natural product that uses essential oils you may see lavandin essential oil listed either with lavender essential oil or by itself. It may be added to an essential oil blend to help strengthen either the scent or its actions or to give the scent more staying power.
Lavandin can be used for natural cleaning products as it still has a wonderful scent, but is generally less expensive than lavender.
3 Lavandin Essential Oil Benefits
- It has a stronger scent and is considered beneficial for inflammation, respiratory and circulatory conditions.
- Reach for lavandin to help with sore muscles and joint pain.
- It can also aid in clearing sinuses and symptoms of colds and flu.
Important Difference From Lavender Essential Oil
One benefit it does NOT share with lavender is the ability to help heal burns. Due to its higher camphor content, lavandin can actually make the burns worse.
Its scent is similar to lavender but more pungent with a slightly different note to it. We use lavandin in some our soap blends to help intensify the lavender scent as well as to extend its staying power. Another thing I like about Lavandin is that it is less likely to have been adulterated. If it says Lavandin then you usually know you are getting Lavandin. With Lavender you really need to know your supplier to make sure you are getting the real deal.
Summary
Lavandin is an important essential oil in its own right and is extremely useful for the soap maker when blending scents. It has many beneficial qualities and in many respects is similar to Lavender but should not be used interchangeably as the issue with treatment for burns points out.
These are three of the soaps that we use Lavandin for.
Just FYI – We don’t use Lavandin for any of our other skincare products other than soap as we don’t feel that it is as gentle on the skin as Lavender.
Sources:
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless
Nature’s Gift Aromatherapy Products
Essential Oils and Burns – Why Many People Choose Therapeutic Grade Lavender Essential Oil
Hello Kay,
Which type of Lavender plant can be used in your bedroom to fall sleep faster and sleep longer. Lavandin or Lavender?
Will it be OK to put an Aloe Vera plant and a Lavender or Lavandin plant in the same bedroom at night?
Hello Javier,
Thanks for your questions. As far as falling asleep lavender would be better than lavandin. As mentioned in the article lavandin has a more camphorous scent which will not be as soothing as the scent of lavender. There should not be any problem with having either plant in the same room as aloe vera. That said neither lavender or lavandin are really suitable as house plants. They both need a fair amount of sun. You might want to consider a diffuser instead of live plants. It should give you more scent as well. The live plant just sitting there is not really going to give off much scent.
Good luck!
Susan
I put lavandin aromatherapy in hand sanitizer by accident. Is it safe to use?
Hi Kay,
I am guessing you mean you put lavandin essential oil in your hand sanitizer? You didn’t say how much you put in but assuming you just put a relatively small amount like a few drops or even 1/2 tsp. into a good sized bottle you should be fine. Lavandin is actually great for skin care products. You just don’t want to dilute your hand sanitizer too much so it doesn’t have the proper % of alcohol in it to actually sanitize.
Hope that answers your question.
Thanks for writing.
Take care and stay safe,
Susan
Is lavandin good for sleep like lavender?
Lavandin has many of the same therapeutic qualities as true lavender including being helpful for relaxation and stress relief. Because of it’s sharper, more pungent scent with the undertones of camphor it is probably most beneficial for respiratory ailments such as throat infections and muscular aches and pains.
You have mentioned very interesting points! ps nice website.
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How do you use lavendin for sinus
Thanks for your question Maryann but I really can not give you any specific information on how to use essential oils to treat any medical condition.
Regards,
Susan