In priase of Lavender Spike (Lavandula latifolia Medic). A synonym is Lavandula spica DC. At the Shirley Price International College of Aromatherapy (SPICA) we are always going to have a weak spot for an oil with a name like that!
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Ian Brealey
With its 1,8 Cineole content (28%-35%), Camphor (11% - 23%) Lavender Spike is an indispensible oil for therapeutic use. Blends well with Lavender angustifolia with its Linalyl acetate (ester) content. Source flowering tops.
ReplyDeleteTisserand (2013) on quality cites (Kubeczka 2002) cautioning of potential adulteration to achieve the cineole content. On safety the hazard is the Camphor content. Like all oils it should be diluted in vegetable oil if used on the skin. Infants should not inhale the oil because of the camphor content. There are otherwise no known contraindications. This is an oil for professional therapeutic use so it makes it to the Shirley Price Professional Essential 48...
Lavender Spike is not a cheap oil. If you seek its cineole and camphor content these can be obtained more directly by use of Camphor and Eucalyptus. However I like this oil. I dont keep undiluted Camphor oil in the home as it is one of the few oils which can be lethal if ingested so Lavender spike is safer in that regard for home use. Camphor is commonly used in OTC preparations particularly for respiratory infections. There have been safety issues reported with preparations containing as low as 6% camphor.
Lavender spike must be kept out of the reach of children nor should they inhale it so avoid the oil in the burner. All essential oils carry red flags in pregnancy, Lavender spike particularly so.as Camphor can cross the placenta.
Ref
Tisserand (2013) Kindle (Camphor #33909)
Caddy (2005) #41
Tisserand's caution on reported adulteration is a good example of the value of buying Organic Lavender Spike Oil.
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