A Gaze into the Lavender Haze: Unraveling the Chemistry of Lavender

Wanna stay in that lavender haze?

chemistry of lavender

Wanna stay in that lavender haze?

Lavender (also known as lavandula) is one of the species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. It came from the Latin word “lavare” which means washing and bathing. This is due to the fact that the Romans have noted not only the aromatic qualities of the Lavender that is used for bathing but also the antiseptic properties that were utilized for wound disinfection associated with tissue loss.

Phytochemical Components of Lavender

Did you know that Taylor Swift’s “Lavender Haze” is a song about ignoring negativity? Lavender imparts calming and therapeutic effects that come from a unique brew of phytochemicals.

  • Linalyl acetate: It is associated with the fragrance, fruity odor, and distinct taste of lavender.
  • Linalool: It is associated with the floral scent and faint spicy aroma of lavender and its antimicrobrial properties.
  • Caryophyllene: It is associated with the anti-inflammatory properties of lavender.
  • Tannins: It is associated with the pesticidal properties of lavender.

References:

  • Ceccarelli, Ilaria; Fiorenzani, Paolo; Pessina, Federica; Pinassi, Jessica; Aglianò, Margherita; Miragliotta, Vincenzo; Aloisi, Anna Maria (2020). “The CB2 Agonist β-Caryophyllene
    in Male and Female Rats Exposed to a Model of Persistent Inflammatory Pain”. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 14: 850. doi:10.3389/fnins.2020.00850. 
  • Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 681304.
    https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
  • Steltenkamp, R.J., Casazza, W.T. (1967). Composition of the essential oil of Lavandin. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1967;15:1063–1069. doi: 10.1021/jf60154a005.
  •  Umezu, Toyoshi; Nagano, Kimiyo; Ito, Hiroyasu; Kosakai, Kiyomi; Sakaniwa, Misao; Morita, Masatoshi (2006). “Anticonflict effects of lavender oil and identification of its active
    constituents”. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. 85 (4): 713–721. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2006.10.026. 
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