What Gives Lavender Its Power?

Lavender contains two quite different groups of natural compounds, depending on whether we look at its extracts or its essential oil.

Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Lavandula angustifolia are rich in polyphenols. One of the most important is rosmarinic acid, accompanied by caffeic acid, ferulic acid derivatives, flavonoids and compounds such as coumarin and herniarin. These substances are mainly studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Lavender essential oil has a very different chemical profile. Its hallmark compounds are linalool and linalyl acetate, which contribute strongly to lavender’s characteristic fragrance and are associated with its calming and neurosensory effects. Other components include terpinen-4-ol, borneol, eucalyptol and small amounts of other volatile compounds.

The balance of these substances can vary considerably according to the lavender variety, geographical origin, harvesting and processing. This is why lavender extract and lavender essential oil should not be considered chemically equivalent preparations.