Lavender has been known as an aromatic and medicinal plant since ancient times. With its calming and balancing aroma, it has often been used for its relaxing effects on the body. According to ancient texts, its uses range from medicinal to religious - from cleansing cuts, superficial skin injuries, bruises and irritations to scenting the air in spiritual practices. The oldest records show that lavender was used in the mummification process in Ancient Egypt. In 1922, when the tomb of Tutankhamun was opened, archaeologists discovered jars of ointments that still smelled of lavender after 3000 years. The Romans used lavender in their baths and introduced this custom to England. It has also been widely used in folk medicine.

One of the most beloved and popular essential oils in aromatherapy, which has thousands of uses, is lavender essential oil. But despite its fame and widespread use, we believe there is more to tell about this uniquely fragrant plant. Lavender has stood the test of time, inspiring interest in itself through so many different eras and generations, which testifies to its multifaceted and beneficial effects. Its wide application is due to the extraction of essential oil from lavender flowers (0,8 - 1,5%), which is widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, the pharmaceutical industry and aromatherapy.

Short story

Lavandula angustifolia (the most common species), known as lavender, is a perennial evergreen plant from which the world's most widely used essential oil has been produced for over 2500 years. The plant's name comes from the Latin word lavare, which literally means "for washing".

Bulgaria – the largest producer of lavender

Bulgaria has been a leading producer of lavender oil since the 1970s. With an area of 70,000 decares, Bulgaria produces 155 tons of lavender oil and 7400 kg of lavender concrete. Thus, it has emerged as a world leader in the industry. Bulgaria is recognized as the largest producer and overtook France in 2012. Bulgarian lavender oil with BDS ISO standard 3515 is highly appreciated and sought after worldwide. It is characterized by a long-lasting and subtle aroma.*

The vast majority of Bulgarian lavender oil production is exported – around 85–90%. The main countries to which Bulgaria exports lavender and lavender oil are France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the USA, Japan, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The largest lavender producers are, of course, in the Rose Valley. The main lavender farms are in the Stara Zagora region with two sub-districts – Chirpanski and Kazanlak, east and west of the city of Kazanlak and Plovdiv – Karlovski and Zelenikovski. It is grown mainly in the Balkan foothills, Northeastern and Eastern Bulgaria. Chirpanski lavender is of very high quality, as is Karlovski – also in Zelenikovo and east and west of Kazanlak.

Lavender varieties and yield

There are over 30 species of lavender and hundreds of genotypes that differ in the growth form and chemical composition of their essential oils, of which the most widespread is Lavandula angustifolia, which we often just call lavender. Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) was also known as Lavandula officinalis (medicinal lavender) or True lavender (true lavender).

From herself Lavandula spica (spike or Old English lavender) the oil of the same name (lavender spica) is obtained, to which the species also belongs Lavandula broadleaf (deciduous lavender). Lavandin oil (spelled as Lavender) is obtained by distillation of a hybrid – a cross between true lavender/narrow-leaved (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavender spicata/broadleaf (Lavandula broadleafThe chemical composition of lavender essential oil consists of over 100 components, including linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, limonene, cineole, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, triterpenes and perillyl alcohol (linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, limonene, cineole, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, triterpenes and perillyl alcohol).

Seven different varieties of lavender are grown in Bulgaria – Hebar, Sevtopolis, Hemus, Yubileyna, Druzhba, Karlovo and Raya, which differ in the amount of yield. In all varieties, the plants reach 60–80 cm in diameter and between 60–90 cm in height. The leaves are perennial and do not fall off in winter. Lavender usually begins to bloom in the second half of June, with flowering lasting from 22 to 40 days, depending on the variety.

Lavender essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation. The highest quality is obtained only from fresh lavender flowers and no other part of the plant. The distillation part of the production process determines the value of the oil, due to the fact that the pressure or temperatures applied to the flowers can potentially change the structure of the aromatic molecules and thus change the chemical composition of the oil.

The oil is yellow-green in color and has a strong floral, fresh, slightly sweet, herbaceous and sometimes gently fruity aroma. In MAKASA store we offer high-quality Bulgarian lavender essential oils by Alteya Organics, Ecomaat, Zoya Goes Pretty. You can also find oils from world-famous brands such as Primavera Life, Apiarium, Plant Therapy, Tisserand and Biopark Cosmetics, which are leading in quality on foreign markets.

Lavender water

In addition to essential oil, lavender water is also extracted from the plant – again through steam distillation. Lavender water is made from fresh lavender flowers and is widely used for softening and moisturizing, and has an extremely good effect on problematic skin.

Restores and energizes, often used for cleansing and moisturizing. It is used for skin irritations and insect bites. It relieves itching and reduces redness. It can be used to scent and refresh the body and hair. The scent of lavender repels moths, flies and other insects in the home.

Applications and properties of lavender essential oil

Lavender oil has powerful antibacterial properties and is a must-have in your aromatherapy collection. Its relaxing and mood-enhancing properties help combat stress and improve sleep.

However, if used in larger quantities than necessary, lavender oil can actually act as a stimulant, so it is important to follow the recommendations for use. Despite its pronounced floral aroma, lavender oil is also liked by men - especially in combination with citrus oils, coniferous notes and mint. Lavender essential oil can be used safely in recommended doses for minor cuts and abrasions in children, as it has antibacterial and soothing effects. Its main healing properties can be summarized as follows:

Powerful antioxidant properties: Antioxidants are exactly the super healers our bodies need. Free radicals created by toxins, pollutants, chemicals, and stress are to blame for the rise in chronic diseases and immune suppression.
Protecting neurological health: Lavender essential oil is used to relieve stress and anxiety. The neuroprotective properties of lavender have been confirmed many times, most notably in a comprehensive literature review in International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice since 2013.
Antimicrobial agent: Nearly 100 published studies document lavender’s role as an antimicrobial agent for infections. Scientists at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa tested 45 blends for antimicrobial protection and found that synergistic blends yielded the best results. The most potent blends were lavender and cinnamon leaves, as well as lavender and orange.
Soothes the skin: Especially when mixed with a soothing carrier oil like grapeseed or aloe vera gel (at a ratio of 12 drops per 30 ml carrier oil), lavender essential oil is very effective in relieving sunburn, minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.
Helps with general pain: Rheumatism, muscle strains, headaches, earaches, migraines. Stimulates the regeneration of skin cells, used for burns, wounds, scars, acne and insect bites.
Relieves colic: It reduces discomfort caused by gas and indigestion. Lavender also works well against foot fungus. It is a useful insect repellent and relieves the unpleasant feeling after a bite.
Cardiovascular support: It has a tonic and calming effect on the heart and helps lower high blood pressure.
Lymphatic drainage: It is used for lymphatic system congestion, cellulite, fluid retention and menstrual pain.

Recipes to try

If you suffer from insomnia or have trouble falling asleep at night, you can try our favorite blends for relaxation and restful sleep:

PILLOW SPRAY AND PEACEFUL SLEEP

Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. Every night before bed, lightly spray the pillow from about 8–10 cm away.

BLEND FOR MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE

Mix with 5 ml of carrier oil and gently massage the temples and back of the neck.

Several hygiene and home products with lavender essential oil

Liquid laundry detergent Lavender Greenatural

Liquid detergent for washing machine Lavandula – Ecological liquid laundry detergent without allergens, without artificial bleaches, with the scent of organic lavender essential oil. Ideal for washing clothes made of all fabrics. It contains surfactants from plant and biological raw materials from renewable sources that clean effectively, sparing the environment.

Lavender fabric softener – A natural product for softer and more fragrant laundry! Natural fabric softener with lavender oil extract – a long-lasting fragrance that gives your clothes the freshness of spring. Thanks to its ecological formula with surfactants from plant raw materials and renewable sources, it provides effective care for fabrics, skin and the environment. Suitable for white and colored clothes. Like all preparations of the Italian brand Greenatural, it has concentrated, dermatologically compatible and biodegradable ingredients.

Gentle intimate gel Blueberry and Lavender – Gentle intimate gel with calendula, lavender and blueberry, which leaves the skin softened, protected and hydrated. The product contains anti-inflammatory and soothing active ingredients. The lack of artificial dyes and synthetic perfumes ensures that the alkaline-acid balance is not disturbed. Suitable for daily use.

Conclusion

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a basis for prevention or treatment! The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) does not recommend that essential oils be taken internally unless the application is under the supervision of a physician qualified in clinical aromatherapy! Like medications, essential oils should be treated with respect. It is important to seek professional advice and carefully follow the instructions listed on the packaging of the products you purchase.

When storing essential oils, it is important to be aware that light, heat, and oxygen can affect the integrity of the oil. Products should come from a reliable source, and should be certified by the appropriate authority in the specific country to ensure their quality. Carefully following the instructions reduces the risk of compromising your health.

Sources: Institute of Rose and Essential Oil Crops, Kazanlak; Wikipedia; "600 Aromatherapy Recipes" - Beth Jones, Vdkhnovenia Publishing House; "The Healing Power of Essential Oils" - Dr. Eric Zelinski, Vdkhnovenia Publishing House - the books can be purchased from the MAKASA store; AromaWeb

* Data on lavender production in Bulgaria – Gergana Andreeva, Executive Director of BNAEMPK, to Economy.bg: BIA News

Lavender – the essential oil of antiquity

Short story

Bulgaria – the largest producer of lavender

Lavender varieties and yield

Lavender water