Lavender is one of the most fragrant and beloved herbs in the world.
With its versatility and soothing scent, it’s no wonder that people use lavender in many different ways.
However, not all lavender is the same.
True lavender and English lavender are two distinct types of lavender with different characteristics.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two types of lavender, from their scent to their medicinal properties, and how you can grow and use them.
Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced herbalist, this article will help you understand the differences between true lavender and English lavender.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an herbaceous perennial that is native to the Mediterranean region and has a high oil content.
English lavender (Lavandula vera) is a hybrid of true lavender and other lavender species, and has a more camphoric scent.
True lavender has a more sweet and floral aroma, while English lavender has a sharper, more medicinal smell.
True lavender is also believed to have more therapeutic properties than English lavender.
The Types of Lavender
When it comes to lavender, there are two main varieties: true lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, and English lavender, also known as Lavandula x intermedia. True lavender is native to the Mediterranean and has a strong, sweet, floral scent. English lavender, on the other hand, is a hybrid of true lavender and other species, and has a sweeter, more herbaceous scent. Both types of lavender have medicinal properties, but they differ in terms of which conditions they are best suited to treat.
True lavender is more effective for treating skin conditions, reducing stress, and improving mood.
Its aroma is said to have calming and soothing effects, making it an ideal choice for those looking for relief from stress and anxiety.
It is also often used to treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
English lavender, on the other hand, is more effective for treating headaches and insomnia.
Its aroma is also said to have a calming effect, but it is more energizing than true lavender, making it a great choice for those looking for relief from headaches and fatigue.
It is also often used to treat digestive issues, muscle tension, and other ailments.
Both types of lavender are widely available in the form of essential oils, which can be used for a variety of purposes.
True lavender essential oil is also popularly used in aromatherapy, as its aroma is said to have calming and uplifting effects.
English lavender essential oil is often used to treat headaches, migraines, and other pain.
When choosing between true lavender and English lavender, it is important to consider what you are looking to treat.
True lavender is best for treating skin conditions, reducing stress, and improving mood, while English lavender is better for treating headaches and insomnia.
Both types of lavender have medicinal properties, so you may want to experiment with both to determine which one works best for you.
True Lavender Overview
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean region.
It is one of the most popular and widely used herbs in the world and has a strong, sweet, floral scent.
True lavender has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and is said to have calming and soothing effects.
The oils extracted from true lavender are used in aromatherapy and cosmetics, and the flowers are often used as a garnish.
True lavender can be found in a variety of forms, including dried buds, essential oils, and extracts.
True lavender is not only used medicinally, but is also popular as an ornamental plant in gardens and is often used in craft projects.
True lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties, and is believed to reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
It can also be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
Studies have also suggested that true lavender may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as antibacterial and antifungal properties.
English Lavender Overview
English lavender (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid plant that has been created by crossing true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) with other species of lavender, such as Lavandula latifolia.
This hybrid has been developed to increase the variety and range of benefits that lavender can offer.
English lavender has a sweeter, more herbaceous scent than true lavender, and is widely used in perfumes, lotions, and other aromatherapy products.
It is also a popular addition to gardens, as its fragrant blossoms attract bees and other beneficial insects.
English lavender contains a variety of compounds, including linalool, linalyl acetate, and camphor.
These compounds have medicinal properties, and are known to be effective for treating headaches, insomnia, and other ailments.
English lavender is also used to reduce stress and anxiety, and can be inhaled or applied topically to the skin.
Its scent is said to be calming and relaxing, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy products.
Differences in Scent
The two main varieties of lavender, true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and English lavender (Lavandula x intermedia), have distinct differences in scent.
True lavender has a strong, sweet, floral scent that is often described as being like a combination of rosemary, mint, and camphor.
This type of lavender is native to the Mediterranean and is often used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
On the other hand, English lavender has a sweeter, more herbaceous scent that is often compared to rosemary or thyme.
This type of lavender is a hybrid of true lavender and other species, making it more adaptable to different climates and soils.
As such, it is a popular choice for gardens as well as for use in perfumes and aromatherapy.
Differences in Medicinal Properties
When it comes to medicinal properties, there are some key differences between true lavender and English lavender.
True lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is native to the Mediterranean region and has a strong, sweet, floral scent.
It has traditionally been used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, and to reduce stress and anxiety.
It is also believed to help alleviate headaches and insomnia, although the scientific evidence is not clear on this point.
English lavender, or Lavandula x intermedia, is a hybrid of true lavender and other species.
It has a sweeter, more herbaceous scent and is more effective for treating headaches and insomnia than true lavender.
It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to alleviate muscle pain, joint pain, and arthritic pain.
However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims.
Both true lavender and English lavender have a wide range of medicinal properties, but it is important to note that they are not interchangeable.
Depending on the condition being treated, one type of lavender may be more effective than the other.
For example, true lavender is better for treating skin conditions and reducing stress, while English lavender is more effective for treating headaches and insomnia.
It is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using lavender for medicinal purposes.
Growing Different Varieties
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that has been used for centuries for its scent, flavor, and medicinal properties. While most people are familiar with the classic sweet aroma of lavender, there are actually two distinct varieties of this beloved plant: true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and English lavender (Lavandula x intermedia). Both varieties have their own unique scent and medicinal properties, but whats the difference between true lavender and English lavender?
When it comes to the difference between true lavender and English lavender, it all comes down to the way it is grown and harvested.
True lavender is native to the Mediterranean and grows in wild, rocky areas.
It has a strong, sweet, floral scent and is often used in aromatherapy and perfumes.
English lavender is a hybrid of true lavender and other species.
It has a sweeter, more herbaceous scent and is often used for cooking and as a decorative plant in gardens.
True lavender has many medicinal properties and is commonly used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as reducing stress.
It is also used as an ingredient in massage oils and lotions.
English lavender, on the other hand, is more effective for treating headaches and insomnia.
It is also used to improve digestion and to treat anxiety and depression.
Both types of lavender can be used in a variety of ways, from herbal teas to aromatherapy and perfumes.
No matter which type of lavender you choose, make sure to purchase the highest quality plants from a reputable source to ensure maximum potency and effectiveness.
Uses for True and English Lavender
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and English lavender (Lavandula x intermedia) are two of the most popular varieties of lavender.
Both types of lavender are known for their strong, sweet, floral scent, but they also have many other uses.
True lavender is native to the Mediterranean and has a long history of medicinal use.
It is often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis, as well as to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
English lavender is a hybrid of true lavender and other species, and is known for its sweeter, more herbaceous scent.
It is more effective than true lavender for treating headaches and insomnia.
In addition to medicinal use, both types of lavender can be used for culinary purposes, such as flavoring teas, syrups, and jams.
They are also popular as fragrances in perfumes, soaps, and candles.
Finally, the flowers of both varieties can be used in dried flower arrangements and potpourris.
Final Thoughts
Overall, true lavender and English lavender are two distinct varieties of the same herb.
While they are both used for their scent and medicinal properties, their differences in scent and medicinal properties should be considered when choosing which one to use.
True lavender is better for treating skin conditions and reducing stress, while English lavender is more effective for treating headaches and insomnia.
If youre looking to incorporate lavender into your life, take the time to learn the differences between the two varieties and how to grow and incorporate them into your life.
With a little research and experimentation, you can make the most of these two unique types of lavender!