Lavender and Spike Lavender: Learn the Difference + a DIY recipe

Spike lavender and true lavender belong to the same genus, but they are not the same plant. True lavender is Lavandula angustifolia. Spike lavender is Lavandula latifolia. Both contain linalool, and both calm inflammation. What sets them apart is everything else in the bottle.

True lavender owes its calm to linalool and linalyl acetate. It is the oil most of us reach for at night, for stress and for sleep. Spike lavender trades much of the linalyl acetate for 1,8-cineole and camphor. Those components give it a fresh, penetrating scent and an energizing effect.

Open a bottle of each and your nose will settle the question. True lavender smells sweet and floral. Spike lavender smells sharper, a little like Eucalyptus globulus. One breath can clear your head. Reach for spike lavender during the day, and true lavender at night.

What spike lavender is used for

Spike lavender shines in two places, headaches and sore muscles. Head tension especially. Its 1,8-cineole content makes it a natural fit there, and we go deeper into that in our post, What Essential Oils are Good for Headaches?.

The camphor in spike lavender stimulates blood flow, which is what rubefacient means. It brings circulation to the surface. That eases cramps, knots, and the soreness that follows a workout or a long hike. The 1,8-cineole adds analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory support to any muscle blend.

Struggling with a stuffy nose? Spike lavender works as a decongestant. It calms swollen tissue in the nose and sinuses, and its penetrating aroma loosens mucus so your body can clear it out. Camphor is mucolytic, and 1,8-cineole is an expectorant that can reduce coughing. Try it in an inhaler, a diffuser, or a room spray while you get over a respiratory issue. Keep tissues nearby.

This oil also wakes up your mind. Studies have found that when 1,8-cineole is present in the bloodstream, people tend to think more clearly and feel more alert and upbeat, which makes spike lavender a daytime oil.

For natural cleaning blends, choose spike lavender over true lavender. One in vitro study found it antibacterial against 19 of 25 bacterial species, and its 1,8-cineole is generally more effective at clearing germs. Bug bites and stings ease up under its slight cooling effect. Just keep the skin unbroken.

There is more to this oil than fits in one post. We share other ideas in our article, Often Overlooked Uses for Lavender Essential Oil.

When to reach for true lavender

For stress, anxiety, and relaxation, no essential oil is more loved than true lavender. The synergy of linalool and linalyl acetate calms the nervous system and supports sleep. If you are winding down in the evening, this is your oil. Our essential oils for sleep guide has more blends for bedtime.

True lavender is also the kinder choice for skin. It soothes cuts, scrapes, and minor burns, and it is mild enough for children. Spike lavender can be harsh on tender skin, because 1,8-cineole is stronger than linalyl acetate. For a little one with a scrape, stick with Lavandula angustifolia.

Lavender and spike lavender body oil

This recipe blends both lavenders. You get a calming floral base with a fresh, camphoraceous lift. It is made for the soreness that follows a hard workout or a long hike. Massage it into whatever aches.

You will need:

• 1 fl oz (30 ml) Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 7 drops Spike Lavender essential oil (Lavandula latifolia)
• One 1 oz (30 ml) glass bottle

1. Pour the jojoba into the bottle.
2. Add the drops of each essential oil.
3. Cap and shake.

That's it!

If you want something stronger for a sore muscle, our post on how to Make Sports Massage Oil with Spike Lavender uses a higher concentration.

Safety notes for spike lavender

Spike lavender is generally non-toxic and non-irritating. It is stimulating for some people, so save it for the daytime. Keep your dilution at or below 19 percent. That dermal maximum is based on the oil's camphor content, and Tisserand and Young suggest staying under it for anyone with epilepsy.

Do not apply it to cuts, scrapes, or sensitive skin. Keep camphoraceous blends off your face, since the fumes can irritate the eyes. For children, reach for Lavandula angustifolia instead.

Common questions

Is spike lavender the same as lavender?

No. Both are Lavandula species, but spike lavender is Lavandula latifolia and true lavender is Lavandula angustifolia, and their chemistry sets them apart. Spike lavender carries 1,8-cineole and camphor, which make it energizing, while true lavender's linalyl acetate makes it calming.

Can you use spike lavender and lavender together?

Yes, and they work well together. The body oil above pairs 5 drops of lavender with 7 drops of spike lavender, so you get the floral calm of true lavender balanced against the fresh, penetrating edge of spike lavender.

Which lavender is better for sleep?

True lavender. Its linalool and linalyl acetate relax the nervous system and support sleep, while the 1,8-cineole in spike lavender can leave you feeling more awake, so save it for the morning.

Is spike lavender safe for kids?

True lavender is the preferable choice for children. Spike lavender's 1,8-cineole content is the reason, so reach for Lavandula angustifolia when blending for little ones.