Product Spotlight: Lavender Maillette

Sometimes a true classic is a classic for good reason. The world of essential oils offers such a diverse variety of compounds that its toolkit seems endlessly nuanced and complex. And while some of these compounds are quite obscure, with niche traits relatively unknown to all but the most informed, others are quite ubiquitous. Lavender, to put it simply, is one of the most ubiquitous. It reigns as one of the classic standards of the essential oil library. If every unique essential oil compound is like a special song created by nature, then Lavender might be something like the equivalent of “You Are My Sunshine.” Almost universally recognized, and simultaneously sweet yet powerful, Lavender is certainly one of nature’s most familiar and beloved refrains. Let’s find out why…

What is Lavender Maillette? How does it differ from other strains of Lavender?

Lavender has long been recognized for its value within perfumery and culinary applications, as well as for a host of therapeutic benefits. There are an extensive range of subspecies and variants of the plant, but the one most commonly utilized for essential oil production is scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia. This strain is particularly high in linalyl acetate which provides it with a maximally pleasurable aromatic profile. In the 1920’s a French potterer named Monsieur Maillette began a 30-year process of cultivating and cloning the best possible version of this strain, which has since led to the “Maillette” species being sourced for 40-50% of the entire world’s total production of Lavender Essential Oil. However, in the aromatherapy world, it plays a lesser role than the main Lavender people commonly know.

While Lavender Maillette is a cloned version of Lavandula angustifolia, it is not genetically engineered. Some maintain that the highest quality oil is sourced from the seeds, but this requires a process which is slow and expensive. Alternatively, Amrita’s Lavender Maillette Essential Oil is steam distilled from the flower tops of the plant which renders a much more sustainable and affordable product, while maintaining a consistently equal standard of quality and potency. It is often agreed upon by experts that French strains of Lavender provide the most pleasant aromatic profiles and therapeutically beneficial qualities, which is why France is in fact the most popular source of the oil.

Regarded by some as “the truest expression of the botanical,” Lavender has a sweet, warm, floral, herbaceous scent which is probably the most widely utilized natural ingredient in perfumes and soaps throughout history. Its use is highly documented throughout Ancient Chinese, Roman, and Greek culture, and it’s not difficult to imagine that perhaps some of the very earliest human experimentation with herbs for potentially therapeutic benefits may have started with such a plant. Its beautiful whorls of purple-blue flowers practically sing out to anyone close enough to see or smell them, compelling them to further explore their potential offerings. Lavender’s charm, along with its hardiness and broad accessibility, probably lent itself to widespread popularity among some of the earliest walks of life… and it’s been topping the charts ever since!

What are the therapeutic benefits of using Lavender Maillette Essential Oil?

Sometimes referred to as the “Swiss Army Knife of Essential Oils,” Lavender Maillette Essential Oil, while not superior to other lavenders, has an aroma that exhibits an extraordinary range of therapeutic qualities to be enjoyed by its users. Its name is derived from the Latin “lavare” which means “to wash” because the Ancient Romans knew that its antiseptic, antifungal, and bactericidal qualities made it an ideal candidate as an ingredient in soaps and other skin products as a cleanser and as an aid in healing burns, cuts, and insect bites.* Speaking of insects, Lavender naturally deters bugs even while existing as one of the most cordial therapeutic substances known to man.* It also boasts impressive anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic abilities for soothing sore muscles, aching joints, and cramps.* And because it is additionally regarded as an analgesic and antirheumatic, Lavender tackles a wide variety of pain sources from just about every angle.*

Lavender Maillette is triply effective for supporting the immune system.* It promotes lymphatic detoxification and deters viral infections, while also stimulating white blood cell production.* Its ability to increase the flow of bile from the liver, as well as its encouragement of healthy perspiratory and urinary function also assist in promoting a generally healthy and purified body.* Additionally regarded as hypotensive, it can help rein in high blood pressure while improving circulation.* One would find themselves hard-pressed to identify any other substance on earth which provides such a laundry list of potentially therapeutic benefits for the human body.*

And yet, the list of positive attributes for Lavender Maillette Essential Oil continues to grow as we also consider its abilities regarding mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.* The compound is regarded as having one of the most pleasant and harmonizing aromatic essences in existence. As a well-known ally in the battle against insomnia, especially when caused by stress or anxiety, Lavender is perhaps one of the longest recognized natural sedatives.* Still, it can also act as an antidepressant for those who need a little boost for the spirit.* To harken back to the musical metaphor introduced at the beginning of this article, it seems that of all the beautiful “songs” written by the ever-prolific hand of Mother Nature, Lavender seems to be one of her most harmonious, melodic, charming, and accessible.

How would you use Lavender Maillette Essential Oil?

Lavender Maillette Essential Oil can be applied utilizing a diverse variety of methods. Apply a properly diluted dose topically to the skin to clean and assist with the healing of cuts, abrasions, or bites, or to soothe areas where aches, pains, or cramps persist.* When applied via whole-body massage or aromatic bath, circulation will improve as a variety of aches, pains, and cramps will begin to fade away.* All these methods will also provide varying levels of detoxification depending upon the areas of application.*

The previously mentioned methods will help those who struggle with insomnia, but perhaps an even more direct approach to this problem is via the diffusion / inhalation application.* Lavender’s exquisite aroma has a powerful calming effect which can help reduce stress and anxiety, potentially translating into a better night’s sleep.* And of course, Lavender Maillette can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other essential oils, depending on the desired effect. Let’s look at the methods along with some of their potential benefits.

• Overall Topical Application: 3-5% Dilution
  • When it comes to maximizing the benefits of Lavender Maillette Essential Oil for the skin, this method truly shines. If cuts, abrasions, or bites persist, the user will enjoy the oil’s ability to facilitate rapid healing and mitigate bacterial, fungal, or microbial infections.* If pain, soreness, achiness, or cramps are a problem, focus the application on the affected areas to unlock its analgesic and anti-inflammatory powers.* This method will also help to regulate blood pressure and improve circulation.* Proper dilution for this method is 3-5% (15-25 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil).

• Whole Body Massage Application: 2-3% Dilution
  • Lavender Maillette is one of the most popular essential oils to be used in aromatherapy massage. For relief from pain, aches, sore muscles, and cramps, this method provides a well-deserved respite.* While it supports lymphatic detoxification and improves circulation, it will also create a powerful soothing effect for the soul and help the user achieve higher quality sleep.* Proper dilution for this method is 2-3% (10-15 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil).

• Aromatic Bath Application: 5% Dilution
  • This method of application for Lavender Maillette will help to maximize its benefits to the nervous system. It helps to significantly reduce stress and anxiety, thus improving overall sleep quality.* All the while, it will still provide other benefits such as improvement of circulation, mitigating high blood pressure, and reduction of pains, aches, soreness, and cramps.* Not to mention… you’ll smell great! Proper dilution for this method is 5% (up to 25 drops mixed with bath salts or bath milk before adding to full tub of warm water).

• Diffusion / Inhalation Application: add a few drops to a Nebulizer or Nasal Inhaler
  • Another of the most effective ways to combat stress and anxiety with Lavender Maillette is to inhale its powerful aroma directly.* This could be a go-to method for those who struggle with insomnia.* It can also help to restore the mood of someone who has been feeling a little down, as its aroma is a truly wonderful nurturer of the spirit.* If diffused and allowed to enhance the surrounding environment, Lavender Maillette will promote a stress-free and bug-free environment to be enjoyed by everyone nearby.* Simply add a few drops to your nebulizer, inhaler, or diffuser and feel free to experiment by blending with other essential oils. Its elegant aroma finds itself right at home complementing a diverse variety of others.

What would blend well with Lavender Maillette Essential Oil?

Lavender Maillette blends with an incredible range of other essential oils! Its aroma is classified as a “middle” note which nicely complements “top” and “base” notes. Try blending with Bergamot and Lemon for a potent combination which can help tackle pain and inflammation.* To keep the lungs clear and healthy while simultaneously curbing stress and anxiety, try blending with Lemon and a little bit of Patchouli.* Looking for a cordial way to keep the bugs away? Lavender Maillette works seamlessly with Eucalyptus Citriodora and Atlas Cedarwood in a diffuser to provide a stress-free and bug-free environment.*

Here are a few DIY recipes to try in for diffuser / inhaler:

Final thoughts from the Amrita team

Well, the song remains the same — and that’s great news when it comes to Lavender Maillette! If you’re not already singing the praises of this classic essential oil compound, what are you waiting for? It hits all the right notes as a solo act or blended with other aromatic voices to create a chorus for the senses. You really can’t go wrong with this one, folks… Lavender Maillette is just about as essential as essential oils get, and it provides a list of therapeutic benefits so diverse it’s hard to even mention all of them! Make sure your library of aromatherapy options is not without this crucial selection!

Happy Blending!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.