Guide to essential oils

Essential oil of Spike Lavender

Spike Lavender essential oil stabilises emotions and promotes relaxation. Refreshing, Spike Lavender essential oil has a very pleasant botanical scent. Long known for its calming properties, it is used in cases of sunburn. Repairing and soothing, Spike Lavender essential oil is traditionally used for insect bites and minor skin problems.

How to use

  • Skin application and massage

    Skin application and massage

    Suitable

  • Cosmetic active ingredient

    Cosmetic active ingredient

    Appropriate

  • Aromatherapy bath

    Aromatherapy bath

    Appropriate

  • Diffusion

    Diffusion

    Appropriate

  • Food grade

    Food grade

Features

Properties and uses

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Flowering tops

Botanical name

Lavandula latifolia

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Properties and uses

Spike lavender essential oil is traditionally used for : Skin allergies , scars, eczema, chapped, cracked skin , burns, muscle cramp , bedsores, migraines and headaches , insect and other animal bites , and hives.

Health

Beauty

Find out more

A must-have in any first-aid kit, Spike lavender essential oil is traditionally used to relieve superficial burns, soothe insect bites or jellyfish stings and promote healing of minor skin problems such as blisters, ulcers or fungal infections.

Properties

Spike lavender essential oil is recognised for its health properties:

  • Exceptionalskin healing when used externally

  • Anti-infectious: antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral.

  • Anticatarrhal, expectorant

  • Analgesic, anti-inflammatory

  • Immune stimulant, tonic

  • Calming

Uses

Spike lavender essential oil is traditionally used to improve the following situations:

  • Skin ulcers, bedsores, atonic wounds, psoriasis, eczema, blisters, etc.

  • Skin and gynaecological fungal infections, athlete's foot

  • Superficial burns, insect bites, jellyfish stings and snake bites, etc.

  • Shingles, chickenpox, cold sores, genital herpes

  • Headaches, migraines, neuralgia

  • Bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, ear infections, rhinitis

  • Rheumatism, muscle pain, cramp

Synergies

  • Respiratory health: Eucalyptus smithii, Ravintsara essential oils

  • Muscle and joint health: essential oils of American Wintergreen, Lemon Eucalyptus, Katafray

  • Skin problems: German chamomile, Helichrysum italicum essential oils

In practice

Muscle and joint health: Mix into your oil blend. Apply your mixture locally, massaging lightly into the affected area.

Skin problems: Mix into your oil blend. Apply a few drops of your mixture locally to the affected area.

Respiratory health: Mix into your oil blend. Rub the mixture into the chest and upper back.

Precautions

  • Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Not suitable for children under the age of 7 or epileptics.

  • Exercise caution with asthmatics due to its 1,8-cineole content; avoid inhalation and diffusion.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

  • Avoid contact with eyes.

  • Certain natural compounds contained in this essential oil may present a risk of allergy for certain sensitive individuals when the essential oil is incorporated into a cosmetic composition (in accordance with the 7th Amendment of the European Directive on cosmetic products (2003/15/EC)): linalool and, to a lesser extent, limonene.

  • As a general rule, always test-apply your mixture in the crease of the elbow at least 48 hours before use.

  • For use as a cosmetic ingredient, please refer to the specific precautions.

Find out more

Spike Lavender is quite different from its cousin True lavender. Less wild and flowering later (June-July), it grows in relatively mild climates. Essential oil of Spike Lavender is characterised by the high presence of cineole and camphor, which are virtually absent from essential oil of True lavender. It shares its name and habitat with the asp viper and has been used since ancient times to rub on snake bites and as a general detoxifier.

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml


However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

EO = Essential Oil VO = Carrier Oil or Macerated Oil

Wasp or jellyfish stings (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingVarious

  • Lavandula latifolia spica essential oil (spike lavender): 1 ml

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 1 ml

  • Calendula officinalis (marigold) carrier oil: 3 ml

Use: Apply immediately and continue to pat in regularly (every 15 seconds) for the first two minutes, then every 1/4 hour for the next two hours, then apply 4 times a day.

Difficult skin healing, sluggish wounds (Aroma News - NARD)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Cistus ladaniferus CT pinene (gum rockrose) essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Lavandula spica (spike lavender) essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Commiphora molmol (myrrh) essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) essential oil: 0.2 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Evening primrose carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Wheatgerm carrier oil: add up to 15 ml extra as required for product optimisation

Use: 3 topical applications per day

Pressure sores and other bed sores (under medical supervision) (Aroma News - NARD)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 3 ml

  • Cupressus sempervirens (cypress) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Cistus ladaniferus CT pinene (gum rockrose) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Pistacia lentiscus (mastic tree) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Commiphora molmol (myrrh) essential oil: 5 ml

  • Tanacetum annuum (blue tansy) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Lavandula spica (spike lavender) essential oil: 10 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 50 ml

  • Evening primrose carrier oil: 50 ml

  • Thyme or chestnut honey: 100 g

  • Green clay: 570 g

  • Wheatgerm carrier oil: between 180 and 250 ml to obtain a paste of the ideal consistency

Use: 1 topical application morning and evening, cover with an occlusive dressing

Before each new application, cleanse to remove any remnants of the previous application. Keep the mixture in a cool place (fridge door)

.

Allergie cutanée / démangeaisons (prurit) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Matricaria recutita essential oil (German chamomile): 0.5 ml

  • Lavandula latifolia spica essential oil (spike lavender): 1 ml

  • Eucalyptus citriodora (lemon eucalyptus): 1 ml

  • Mentha x piperita essential oil (Peppermint): 1 ml

  • Talc or green clay: 100g in a powder bottle

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together in a container.

Directions for use: 2 or 3 local applications a day until a full improvement is seen.

Piqûres (abeille, guêpe, moustique, araignée, scorpion, puce) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingVarious

  • Spike Lavender essential oil: 3 ml

  • Tea Tree essential oil: 1 ml

  • Rose Geranium essential oil: 1 ml

Use: 2 to 3 drops of the mixture applied locally to the skin every three minutes until a clear improvement is seen.

Burn (superficial) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingBlows and trauma

  • Spike Lavender essential oil: 3 ml

  • Rosewood essential oil: 1 ml

  • Rose Geranium essential oil: 1 ml

Use: 2 drops of the mixture applied topically 3 times a day.

Dry eczema in pregnant women (over 3 months and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingProduct for pregnant or breastfeeding women

  • Immortelle essential oil: 0.2 ml

  • Egyptian geranium essential oil: 0.1 ml

  • Spike Lavender essential oil: 0.1 ml

  • Myrrh essential oil: 0.1 ml

  • Roman chamomile essential oil: 0.2 ml

  • Evening Primrose oil: 10 ml

  • Rosehip oil: 10 ml

  • Calendula oil: 50 ml

Use: 1 topical application twice a day for up to 3 weeks.

Chapped lips, corners of the mouth and breasts (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum) essential oil: 1 ml

  • Spike Lavender essential oil: 2 ml

  • Palmarosa essential oil: 2 ml

  • Wheat Germ Carrier Oil: 4 ml

Directions for use: 3 drops applied topically 4 times a day until a clear improvement is seen.

Migraines, headaches (Aroma News - NARD)

Health & wellbeingNerve pain and disorders

  • Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Mentha piperita (peppermint) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Lavandula latifolia spica (spike lavender) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Gaultheria procumbens (American wintergreen) essential oil: 1 ml

  • St John's wort carrier oil: add up to 15 ml extra as required for product optimisation

Use: 3 drops locally until improvement Aroma-Zone note: St John's wort macerated oil carries a risk of photosensitivity. Do not expose your skin to the sun after applying this mixture.

Eczema in adults and children (over 6 years and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Liquid form (oily)

  • Egyptian rose geranium: 1.5 ml

  • Spike lavender essential oil: 1.5 ml

  • Rosewood essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Myrrh essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Blue tansy essential oil: 0. 3 ml

  • Wheatgerm carrier oil: 10 ml

  • Tamanu carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Evening primrose carrier oil: add up to 50 ml extra as required for product optimisation

Uses: 1 topical application 3 times a day for 3 weeks or more

.

Hives (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Spike Lavender essential oil: 1 drop

  • Chamomile essential oil: 1 drop

  • Peppermint essential oil: 1 drop

  • Calendula carrier oil: 3 drops

Use: Apply this mixture to the entire itchy area. Repeat 3 to 4 times a day until an improvement is seen.

Hives (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Blue Tansy Essential Oil: 2 ml

  • Spike Lavender Essential Oil: 2 ml

  • Roman chamomile: 1 ml

  • Rose Geranium Essential Oil: 1 ml

  • Talc: 100 g

Use: Prepare the powder yourself or ask your pharmacist to make it for you. Powder the body 2 to 4 times a day, as required.

Superficial burns in children (over 6 years and on medical advice) (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

  • Spike lavender essential oil: 5 ml

  • St John's wort essential oil: 5 ml

Use: Apply a few drops of this formula to the burnt area (apply to cover an area larger than the burnt area itself) 3 to 5 times a day immediately, at 10-minute intervals, then 3 times a day until completely healed Aroma-Zone note: St John's wort macerated oil may cause photosensitivity. Do not expose to the sun after applying this mixture.

Sunburn in children (over 6 years and on medical advice) (D. FESTY)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

Apply to the skin 1. Soothe with hydrosols In a 150ml bottle, mix:

  • 100ml true lavender hydrosol

  • 25ml rose hydrosol

  • 25ml peppermint water

Apply compresses generously soaked in this mixture to the sunburn 2 times a day 2. Treatment with essential oils In a 10ml bottle, mix:

  • 2ml spike lavender essential oil

  • 4ml St John's wort carrier oil

  • 4ml calendula carrier oil

Aroma-Zone note: St John's wort macerated oil has a risk of photosensitisation. Do not expose your skin to the sun after applying this mixture.

Apply a few drops locally, 4 to 5 times a day on the 1st day, then 2 to 3 times a day for the following 2 days.

Late-onset acne (L. Bosson)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Cistus ladanifera hydrosol: 1 teaspoon

  • Damask rose hydrosol: 1 teaspoon

  • Still mineral water: 1 litre

Use: Drink daily as required.

Local application for external use:

  • Spike lavender essential oil: 2 drops

  • Tea tree essential oil: 1 drop

Acne (L. Bosson)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Rosemary verbenone hydrosol: 1 teaspoon

  • Bog Labrador Tea hydrosol: 1 teaspoon

  • Non-carbonated mineral water: 1 litre

Internal use: Drink daily as required For external use, apply locally:

  • Spike lavender essential oil 2 drops

  • Tea tree essential oil 1 drop

Stretch mark oil - Pregnant and breastfeeding women only (C. Clergeaud)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Avocado carrier oil

  • A few drops of lavender essential oil

Use: Applied topically

Aphthosis, gingivitis, periodontal disease in children (over 6 years and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

  • Lavandula latifolia Spica (spike lavender) essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Myrtus communis ct cineole (cineole myrtle) essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Commiphora molmol (myrrh) essential oil: 0. 1 ml

  • Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • HV St John's wort carrier oil: 0.5 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 1 ml

  • 2% carbomer gel: add up to 30 ml extra as required for product optimisation (it is possible to substitute the carbomer gel with an aqueous gel containing 1.5% xanthan gum).

Use: Apply a small amount of gel locally three to four times a day until healed.

(Superficial) burns or minor new wounds (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingBlows and trauma

  • Aniba rosaeodora essential oil (Rosewood): 1 ml

  • Lavandula latifolia spica esential oil (Spike lavender): 2 ml

  • Triticum vulgare carrier oil (Wheat germ): 4 ml

  • Calophyllum Inophylum carrier oil (tamanu tree): 3 ml

Use: After thoroughly cleansing the affected area, apply 3 local applications of the mixture per day until healing is complete.

Sunburn in children (over 6 years of age and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

Liquid form (oily)

  • Spike lavender essential oil: 2 ml

  • Annual Tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • helichrysum essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Wheat germ carrier oil: 10 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Calophyll carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Calendula carrier oil: 15 ml

  • St John's wort oil: 50 ml

Aroma-Zone Note: St John's wort macerated oil presents a risk of photosensitisation. Do not expose yourself to the sun after applying this mixture Use: 1 local application 3 to 4 times a day for 4 to 5 days.

Bibliography

1

'Huiles essentielles - 2000 ans de découvertes aromathérapeutiques pour une médecine d'avenir'

Dominique Baudoux

2

'The Practice Of Aromatherapy'

Dr Jean Valnet - Éditions Maloine

3

'L'Aromathérapie exactement'

P. Franchomme and Dr D. Pénoël

4

'La bible de l'aromathérapie'

Nerys Purchon

5

'L'ABC des huiles essentielles'

Dr Telphon

6

'Aromatherapy'

Nelly Grosjean

7

'Les huiles essentielles pour votre santé'

G. Roulier

8

'Les cahiers pratiques de l'aromathérapie française - Pédiatrie'

Dominique Baudoux

9

Aroma-News newsletters

NARD Association

10

'Aromatherapy - Healing with essential oils'

Dominique Baudoux