Benefits of lavender oil
What is the difference between an infused herbal oil and an essential oil? In our current demand for things quickly and delivered the next day, it can be reassuring that sometimes the old-fashioned way of doing things is still the best. Infused oils are a great example of this; they respect a time-honoured way of directly harnessing the natural healing properties of plants.
When we grew our little crop of Lavender in the Spring of 2020, we researched and studied Lavender and essential oils and how we would make our products, we realized there is a lot of controversy concerning essential oils.
Essential oils seemed like the obvious choice - essential oils smell amazing, override any other smells from the other oils, and you only need a bit per batch. It is an easier way to make products, but that was not what we wanted to focus on.
The more we researched, the more we understood this divide between herbalists, so we went with infused oils. And we wanted to be different. The more we researched we noticed that so many products contained essential oils - cleaning products, hair products, soaps, candles, you name it. We wanted to find a less wasteful way to incorporate the lavender plant’s properties in our natural skin care products.
To make essential oils we would have to waste a considerable amount of plant material to make such a small batch of essential oils. So we don't make any crucial oils on site.
Also, after much research, essential oil only captures about a third of the lavender plant's properties. The infused oil captures constituents not found in essential oil, giving infused oils a broader product line for application - skincare for the body and face!
Another reason we chose to create infused oils is that they are less likely to cause a reaction like essential oils. Essential oils are so concentrated that people can have sensitivities to products that contain them, and somewhere along the way, people have been told to put essential oils directly on their skin - NO!!
Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy, skincare, and other wellness applications and the benefits of lavender oil on the skin and for relaxation are remarkable. Infused and essential oils are two common forms of lavender used in these applications. Although they both come from the same plant, there are some critical differences between them.
Benefits of Lavender oil:Infused
Lavender-infused oils are created by steeping lavender flowers in a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil, for an extended period. This process allows the oil to absorb the fragrance and properties of the lavender flowers. Lavender-infused oils are generally milder than lavender essential oil and have a more subtle aroma. They are often used in skincare products as a moisturizer, massage oil, or as an ingredient in DIY home remedies.
Benefits of Lavender oil:Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is produced by distilling the flowers of the lavender plant. This process extracts the volatile compounds from the plant, resulting in a highly concentrated and potent oil. The lavender essential oil has a solid and distinctive aroma and is known for its calming and relaxing properties. The benefits of lavender oil for aromatherapy are for relaxation, reducing stress, and improving sleep. It is also popular in skincare and beauty products due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Differences between Lavender Infused Oils and Lavender Essential Oil:
The main differences between lavender-infused and essential oils are their potency and aroma. Lavender essential oil is much more concentrated and potent than lavender-infused oil. This means it has a more intense fragrance and is more effective at promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Lavender-infused oil, on the other hand, has a more subtle aroma and is often used in skincare products as a moisturizer or massage oil. Additionally, lavender essential oil is generally more expensive than lavender-infused oil due to the distillation process required to produce it.
In summary, lavender-infused and essential oils are two popular forms of lavender used in aromatherapy, skincare, and wellness applications. While both come from the same plant, their potency, aroma, and usage differ. The lavender-infused oil is milder and often used in skincare products, while the lavender essential oil is more concentrated and commonly used in aromatherapy.
Infused oils will never have a strong scent as an essential oil, but our products enhance the lavender with the other oils we invest in.
You can use infused oils on your skin or add them to your skincare creams and lotions to bring soothing, healing, and moisturizing properties.
When it comes to natural skincare, the benefits of lavender oil are truly remarkable and offer a range of uses that continue to expand as we learn more about this extraordinary plant's capabilities. If you're interested in exploring the potential of Hereward Farms' Infused Lavender Oils and our collection of natural skin care products, contact our friendly and committed team today.