Lavender oil

Pure lavender essential oil is produced through steam distillation. This generates a greater amount of oil compared to other methods due to reduction of polar compound loss. Harvest of lavender blooms is typically between late June and August. The cut lavender flowers and stems are compacted into a lavender still. A boiler is then used to steam the bottom of the lavender flower filled still at a very low pressure. The lavender flower pockets containing oil are broken from this heating process and a pipe of cold water is run through the center of the still. Lavender oil is produced around the world, with Bulgaria, France and China leading its production. ==Uses==

Lavender oil has been used as a perfume, aromatherapy, and skin application, but these uses have no clinical benefit. In Germany, Silexan is approved as a medicine for restlessness associated with anxiety. A 2024 review found that an oral 80 mg dose of lavender oil per day reduced symptoms in people with anxiety disorders compared to placebo. Lavender oil may be useful for treating depression. Oil of spike lavender was used as a solvent in oil painting, mainly before the use of distilled turpentine became common. ==Adverse effects==

Although lavender oil is generally recognized as safe for its intended uses, it is a potential endocrine disruptor that may affect breast development in children. Many essential oils, including lavender oil, can be poisonous if swallowed. In general, of a diluted essential oil may cause toxicity in adults, whereas can be toxic in children. Over 2014-18 in New South Wales, there were 271 reported cases of lavender oil poisoning mostly in children accounting for 6.1% of all essential oil poisoning cases. Symptoms of lavender oil poisoning by ingestion include blurred vision, difficulty breathing, burning pain in the throat, burns to the eye, confusion, decreased level of consciousness, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and rash. Topical application of lavender oil may cause contact dermatitis. Ingestion of lavender oil may cause interactions with prescription drugs, including anticoagulants, statins, and anticonvulsants. ==Phytochemicals==

The phytochemical composition of lavender oil varies from species to species (table), consisting primarily of monoterpeneoid and sesquiterpeneoid alcohols. Linalool (20-35%) and linalyl acetate (30-55%) dominate, with moderate levels of lavandulyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol and lavandulol, 1,8-cineole, camphor, limonene, and tannins. The composition of lavender essential oil as obtained by chromatography: ==Adulteration==

Lavender oil is among the most commonly adulterated essential oils. ==References==