Steam Cream – Simple Quality Skincare

Origins

There are about 25-30 different species of lavender belonging to the Labiatae family and we only use a few of these. French lavender oil (Lavandula augustifolia) comes from Provence. Lavendin oil (Lavandula hybrida) comes from a hybrid plant developed by crossing true lavender and lavender spike.

Lavender oil is the most versatile essential oil. It is obtained from the flowering tops of the plants by using the method of steam distillation. Lavender plants vary in size and have purple flowering tops.

 

What it can do for you

Lavender is often used to calm the mind, aid restful sleep and as a relaxing oil. It's one of the most versatile and well-appreciated essential oils.

Lavender may also help heal damaged skin. The early 20th century French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse once burnt his arm during an experiment and accidentally put it in a vat of pure Lavender oil, thinking it was a vat of cool water.

He was later amazed at how quickly his skin healed and how little scarring was left. As a result, Maurice became extremely interested in the properties of essential oils and studied the topic more deeply. He is credited as "the father of modern aromatherapy".

The Facts

* Other types of lavender we use are Lavandin grosso, Lavandin super, Lavandin super absolute & Lavender absolute.
* Lavendin grosso (Lavandula hybrida) this is much bigger than normal lavender plants and has a much harsher aroma.
* Lavandin super (Lavandula hybrida) has a sweet herbaceous aroma much like that of French lavender.
* Lavendin super absolute (Lavandula hybrida) is a very dark liquid that resembles the lavandin oil. It is much sweeter and more concentrated.
* Lavender absolute (Lavandula augustifolia) is a dark green liquid and it smells is sweeter and less floral than the essential oil.