COMMON NAME: Lavandin, Bastard Lavender

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lavandula hybrida, Lavandula x intermedia, L. hortensis

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: France

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: France, Spain, Hungary, Argentina

HISTORY INFORMATION: This plant originated in this century and has no history. It has become so popular that people often mistake if for true lavender. Lavandin is a cross between true lavender (L. augustifolia) and spike lavender (L. latifolia). There are Super, Grosso, Reydovan and Abriata types. The Grosso is 90% of the French production and has less linalyl acetate (esters) than the Super. Abriata has more linalool, but is not produced very frequently. The Reydoan type has fewer esters and more camphor.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Lavandin is widely cultivated because the plant produces three flower spikes to the one spike produced by true lavender. Therefore, lavandin plants produce more oil. Lavandin is often used as an adulterant for true lavender. Used widely in the perfume industry.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A perennial herb growing larger than true lavender with woody stems producing either blue or grayish flower spikes.

PARTS PROCESSED: Flowering tops.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Clear to light yellow.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Esters/Alcohols. Linalyl acetate, linalool, cineol, camphene, pinene, camphor.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Similar uses to true lavender, except Lavandin is more penetrating and rubefacient with a sharper scent.

MENTAL USES: Life is fun. I am comfortable with my inner child. I am able to play.

EMOTIONAL USES: Rational, judgmental, life is a struggle, working very hard TO playful with life, renewed innocence, having more fun, childlike.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you want to develop new perceptions about how you hold the world and yourself. You are wanting more innocence and fun in your life as you have become tired of the struggle or doing it the hard way. Lavandin opens the intuitive so it is good for balancing the rational mind. It is also good for meditation and increasing the imagination. It is time to have more fun.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray, perfume.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic. Avoid in early pregnancy, a weak allergenic.