Lemongrass is a steam distilled essential oil that smells very much like the lemongrass you may grow as a culinary herb. It has a woody, earthy odor that is strong and can be used in very small amounts to be effective. There are two varieties that are common, Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus and each has some different variations. The variety we offer here is lower in citral, but higher in neral and myrcene. This variation is also, of course, reflected in the properties of the oils, with Cymbopogon citratus having a stronger analgesic action due to the myrcene. All varieties have strong antimicrobial, antiseptic, calming and sedative actions. We particularly like to use it for it's insecticidal properties. We will be offering the Cymbopogon flexuosus from India, as soon as we can get it labeled and bottled. If you are interested in this variety, please email me at annrn@wingsets.com.

See notes above for description. We will be adding recipes and formulas in the near future.

As you can see, Spike Lavender is not as expensive as our Bulgarian Lavender. This is true because when distilled, this plant produces almost three times as much essential oil as "True Lavender" and is, therefore, sometimes used to adulterate True Lavender. Another good reason to know how to read your GC/MS reports. Spike Lavender is also grown at lower altitudes and makes for easier farming and as per Salvatore Battaglia loves growing by the sea. Lavandin and Spike Lavender are often passed off to other industries such as soapmaking and perfumery to be used as "lavender".

The scent? I personally love this lavender because I'm not expecting the flowery smell of the true lavender (which I do very much love - it's just different). You will notice the more medicinal, but not unpleasant, scent of this oil. It's bright and clean and fresh, but still smells like lavender. Which is why I like to use it in respiratory blends, muscle relief blends or antiseptic type blends. 

Andrea Butje in her excellent book "The Heart of Aromatherapy" suggests that Spike Lavender could and should be used prior to a workout to help stimulate the circulaton and prevent cramps. Also this is helpful for muscle pains when you still want to be alert and not in a more sedated condition that Lavandula angustifolia would cause. I love this that she wrote - "Spike Lavender has the same comforting, nurturing personality (as true lavender), but with a 'kick' that encourages you to get back out there and keep going. It loves giving pregame pep talks to make you feel empowered and congratulating you so you keep feeling good after you're done playing." I love the way she has written this book - please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. 

 We reformulated this already effective blend in the summer of 2011 after reading more and more research about the immunostimulant properties of quite a few of the essential oils we already love and use in this and other blends. We will soon be adding links to some of the best articles for those who want to know the why's of this blend and the proof that the chemical constituents in this blend have been researched and shown to be very effective. The predominant chemical constituent in some of these oils have studies showing they activate white blood cell activity (basically your immune system's army), are able to inhibit airborne germs, and general immunostimulants. The perfect blend to use if you're going to be traveling, in a conference with lots of people stuck in the room for hours at a time, shopping on busy holidays, a childcare setting, a hospital hallway or nurses' station or just being exposed to potentially dangerous colds and flu's. We've detailed below the properties of each oil:

Petitgrain - contains a high percentage of Linalool and Linalyl acetate known to be immunostimulants

Dill Weed, certified organic - contains Carvone which has been studied and shown to increase white blood cell counts, and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Clary Sage - also contains about 50 to 60% Linalyl acetate and is believed to be an effective immunostimulant

Oregano - contains Carvacrol, which is a well-known to have highly effective antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, plus it is suggested that Carvacrol might have some of the strongest antioxidant properties.

Basil, ct linalool - this particular chemotype contains approximately 92% linalool, and as stated previously, is believed to be a very effective immunostimulant.

Tea Tree, certified organic - this oil is one of only a few essential oils used in aromatherapy that contains a fairly large percentage of Terpinen-4-ol and though well-known for its germ fighting abilities, it is believed to be an effective immunostimulant and plays a part in activating white blood cell activity (our front-line germ fighters)

Lemon, certified organic - contains d-limonene a powerful helper for our immune systems as studies have shown that it contributes to the activity of some of the most important aspects of our bodies ability to fight off infections, including increasing the total white blood cell count, antibody production and enhancing our natural killer cell activity. 

Cinnamon leaf - contains Eugenol which has been studied and found to be a very effective germ fighting constituent

Black Pepper, certified organic - contains Caryophyllene-b, shown in studies to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

Clove leaf - also contains Eugenol and has the properties as stated above has been shown to be highly antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory

Bergamot - contains Linalool and as stated previously has been shown to be an effective immunostimulant  

SEE OUR SAFETY AND USE CAUTIONS FOR THIS BLEND