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Characteristics and Properties of Lavender (Lavandula hybrida)

A curious hybridization between common lavender and wild lavender (lavender) results in what is now known as Lavandin (Lavandula hybrida).

A plant that physically is very similar to its predecessors but that concentrates a little more essential extracts, being very interesting for the preparation of aromatic substances and as a medicinal plant for various remedies.

Little by little and throughout the article we will unravel all the facets to highlight of the cultivation of lavender and its properties that you can not miss.

Therefore, as you may have imagined, the medicinal effects of levandin are quite similar to those you can find in lavender oil.

Characteristics of lavender cultivation

lavender field

As a curiosity to tell you that being a hybrid by crossing between common and wild species, the lavender is a wild species that can not reproduce by seeds.

Therefore, your multiplication can be done by cutting, thanks to the identical cellular reproduction of plant species.  In this way, we will have a plant identical to the mother that we can transplant, sell or give away.

As we have said, physically there are very few differences between the different species of lavender, leaving their identification only to expert eyes.

As for its size, it is slightly larger than the common lavender, with a somewhat more rustic appearance and thicker stem.

It presents, as the main difference, 3 inflorescences in the form of a trident in front of the only inflorescence that the lavender has.

Varieties and types of lavender (Lavandula hybrida):

  • Grosso (most cultivated in France)
  • Abrial
  • Sumian
  • Super (one of the most cultivated in Spain)

Of these three types, the most valued by the concentration of aromatic extracts is that of lavender type grosso.

As we have said, the lavender is a sterile hybrid that is only reproducible at the cutting level. This causes it to develop more elongated stems and those that in itself produce lavender and lavender, with a larger and more pointed spike.

Agronomic characteristics

These three plants mentioned, lavender, lavender and lavender, are species that they need little to develop.

Undemanding in terms of water nutrients and soil characteristics. They tend to grow in environments with low levels of organic matter and stony.

Lavender has a greater capacity to develop in acidic soils compared to lavender or lavender. They do not support wet or poorly drained soils with a high water table.

At the level of resistance to dryness, lavender is a xerophytic species, that is, adapted to dry environments. It needs dry environment with rainfall below 400 mm per year.

Warm environments with mild winters favor the quality of the oils. Likewise, it has been found that a light wind favors the quality and accumulation of these oils (alcohols, monoterpenes and ketones).

Multiplication by cuttings

Being a hybrid species, lavender requires multiplication by cuttings.

For this, green shoots of the same year are chosen in adult plants (minimum 3 years of life), with a lignified part and a length of at least 10 centimeters.

These cuttings can be selected from the mother plants both in early winter, late winter or during the summer (August and September). At the commercial level, most of them are grown in nurseries with controlled climatology.

Medicinal properties of lavender

lavender and lavender field

The medicinal properties of lavender they are identical to those of common lavender or lavender, although with the difference that the extract is more concentrated and is usually, in the long run, more economical.

Chemical composition of the essential oil:

  • Alcohols (linalool)
  • Monoterpenes (cis and transocymines)
  • Esters (linalyl acetate)
  • Sesquiterpenes (carophyllene and farnese)
  • Ketones

Among all its properties, the following stand out.

Anti-inflammatory propertiesias

Some of its chemical components have anti-inflammatory properties. Applied to the skin, it reduces inflammation caused by sunburn, bumps or toothache.

Relaxing properties

Lavender offers relaxing properties highly exploited in the cosmetics and cleaning industry. Its essential oil can be used as to calm the nerves in stressful situations.

In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, aromatherapy and other treatments using natural essential oil lavender. Essential Lavender has a very soothing aroma that helps to relax and calm the mind. Its aroma helps in the treatment of conditions such as clinical depression.

A useful way to benefit from the relaxing properties of lavantin is by dosing, which we will apply a few drops of the essential extract.

It is very good to breathe the air of the diffuser with extract of Lavandula hybrida before going to sleep, helping to have a restful and peaceful sleep.

Analgesic properties

Lavender essential oil acts as an effective analgesic, helping to relieve some symptoms of arthritis and other muscle-type conditions.

To do this, we will apply a few drops of the essential extract directly on the skin and rub vigorously until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Healing properties

Thanks to the high concentration in different types of natural alcohols and monoterpenes, it can be used to accelerate the healing and healing processes of wounds.

Alcohols and monoterpenes from lavender oil have healing effects, helping to close wounds, burns and stretch marks. Therefore, it is effective as a treatment to reduce acne processes, and can be used alone or mixed with other effective compounds against the appearance of acne.

Antiseptic properties

An interesting medicinal properties in lavender is its antiseptic action due to its active ingredients.

Therefore, it can be used by Topically by gauze or compresses with alcohol extract to prevent infection of wounds, cuts and burns.

Expectorant properties

Lavender oil helps decrease cough symptoms and possible bleeding from the lungs that hinders breathing capacity.

Therefore, this natural remedy is especially interesting in people with lung conditions such as bronchitis, asthma or other related disorders.

Due to its expectorant properties, it can be used topically to reduce the symptoms of respiratory blockage, cold or general malaise.

Where to buy lavender oil

Do you know more properties of lavender?

About Lela M Altman

Lela M. Altman is a distinguished biochemist dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of life at the molecular level. With a robust background in molecular biology and genetics, she has contributed significantly to our understanding of key cellular processes. Her groundbreaking research spans diverse areas, from DNA replication mechanisms to protein folding dynamics. Dr. Altman's work has led to innovative treatments for various diseases and shed light on the origins of life itself. Her unwavering commitment to scientific exploration has earned her accolades and respect in the scientific community, solidifying her status as a trailblazing figure in the field of biochemistry.

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