Type of plant: Shrub-like bush that grows taller than lavender, with three flowering heads on each stem, ranging from grayish-blue to intense purple

Part used: Flowering tops

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Data: Also known as Lavandula hybrida, L. hybrida grosso, or L. abrialis, lavandin is a spontaneous hybrid between true lavender and spike lavender. It developed due to insect pollination in the area crossed by the two parent varieties, which is above 500 meters in altitude but below 700 meters. The essential oil has been produced for over 100 years. It should not be confused with lavender, which has therapeutic properties not matched by lavandin.

Principal places of production: France, Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria

When buying look for: Colorless to pale-yellow liquid with an herbaceous, floral, camphor-like aroma

Therapeutic properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, nervine, sedative, vulnerary

Therapeutic uses: Skin infection, wounds, menstrual cramp, muscular cramp and contraction, muscular spasm, muscular injury, migraine, stress, tension, respiratory tract infection, pimples, acne, pain relief

Blends well with: Basil linalol, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile german, chamomile roman, clary sage, cypress, elemi, eucalyptus lemon, eucalyptus radiata, frankincense, geranium, ginger, greenland moss, immortelle, juniper berry, lemon, mandarin, manuka, marjoram (sweet), myrtle, niaouli, orange (sweet), oregano, palmarosa, plai, ravensara, spearmint, tangerine, tarragon, tea tree, thyme linalol, vetiver, yarrow, ylang ylang

Precautionary advice: No contraindications known