Broadleaf lavender
StarLavandula latifolia
Synonyms: Lavandula decipiens, Lavandula cladophora, Lavandula interrupta, Lavandula major, Lavandula ovata, Lavandula inclinans, Lavandula spica var. vulgaris, Lavandula latifolia var. tomentosa, Lavandula hybrida, Lavandula erigens, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula spica var. latifolia, Lavandula guinardii, Lavandula spica, Lavandula spica subsp. latifolia, Lavandula latifolia var. erigens, Lavandula spica var. ramosa, Lavandula latifolia var. vulgaris
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Lavandula latifolia, spike lavender or broadleaf lavender, is a strongly aromatic evergreen shrub in the family Lamiaceae growing 30–80 cm tall. From a much-branched woody base it produces tufts of grey-green, lance-shaped to broadly oblong leaves 3–6 cm long and 5–8 mm wide, distinctly broader than those of L. angustifolia; the foliage is densely clothed in short hairs that give it a soft, hoary aspect. Slender, square, leafless flowering stems 20–50 cm long arise from the foliage mound and carry interrupted, branched spikes of small two-lipped pale lilac flowers 2–5 cm long. The fruit consists of four small nutlets retained inside the persistent calyx. Native to the western Mediterranean basin (France, Italy, Portugal and Spain), it grows on dry, sunny limestone slopes from sea level to about 1,700 m, often replacing L. angustifolia at lower, hotter elevations. Spike lavender essential oil, rich in eucalyptol and linalool, is distilled commercially for fragrance, soap making and aromatherapy.
Active Constituents
Linalool
Acyclic monoterpene alcoholConcentration: ~35–51% of the essential oil
The principal component of spike-lavender oil. Linalool binds glutamatergic (and modulates GABAergic) signalling and reduces spontaneous motor activity in rodents, underlying the sedative, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory (lipoxygenase-inhibiting) effects of the oil.
1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol)
Monoterpene ether (oxide)Concentration: ~26–32% of the essential oil (higher, ~50%, in leaf oil)
The high 1,8-cineole content distinguishes Lavandula latifolia from true lavender. Cineole is expectorant and mucolytic, suppresses acetylcholine-stimulated smooth-muscle contraction, and contributes anti-inflammatory activity, making spike oil useful for respiratory and muscular complaints.
Camphor
Bicyclic monoterpene ketoneConcentration: ~10–18% of the essential oil
Camphor gives spike lavender its penetrating, cooling character and rubefacient/counter-irritant action. In excess it is neurotoxic and convulsant, which is why spike oil is not recommended internally or for infants, pregnant women or people with epilepsy.
α-Terpineol
Monoterpene alcoholConcentration: ~1–2% of the essential oil
A minor alcohol contributing to the antimicrobial and mildly sedative profile of the oil.
α-Pinene
Bicyclic monoterpene hydrocarbonConcentration: ~1–2% of the essential oil
Contributes to the fresh, camphoraceous top-note and has documented antimicrobial and bronchodilatory activity.
α-Bisabolene
Sesquiterpene hydrocarbonConcentration: ~1–2% of the essential oil
A minor sesquiterpene reported in Spanish spike-lavender oil; part of the broader antioxidant/anti-inflammatory terpene fraction.
⚠ Drug Interactions
CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sedative-hypnotics, alcohol)
Linalool and other monoterpenes in the oil have mild CNS-depressant/anxiolytic activity in animal models, which could in theory add to the sedative effect of centrally acting drugs when the oil is used at high aromatherapeutic or oral doses.
Clinical note: Largely theoretical for topical/inhaled use; monitor for excess drowsiness if combined with sedatives.
Preparation Methods
Steam-distilled essential oil ("oil of spike" / oil of aspic)
Parts: flowering tops, leaf
The flowering tops and leaves are steam-distilled to yield spike-lavender essential oil, which is far higher in cineole and camphor than true lavender oil. For topical use it is diluted to about 1–3% in a carrier oil for muscular aches and chest rubs; a few drops may be used in steam inhalation for congestion. Because of the camphor content it should not be taken internally without professional guidance and is best avoided in pregnancy, in epilepsy, and on the faces of infants.
Inhalation / diffusion
Parts: essential oil
A few drops added to hot water or a diffuser release the expectorant cineole-camphor vapour used traditionally for coughs and blocked sinuses.
Clinical Studies
Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia Essential Oils from Spain: Aromatic Profile and Bioactivities
GC-MS profiling of Spanish spike-lavender oil identified linalool (35–51%), eucalyptol (26–32%) and camphor (10–18%) as the major components. The oils showed antioxidant activity and inhibited lipoxygenase, indicating anti-inflammatory potential attributed mainly to linalool, camphor, p-cymene and limonene.
Historical Texts
Oil of spike ("oleum spicae" / oil of aspic) in Renaissance craft and pharmacy
16th–18th century EuropeEarly modern European herbals (Gerard, Parkinson)
16th–17th centuryReferences
- Carrasco A, Martínez-Gutiérrez R, Tomás V, Tudela J. Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia Essential Oils from Spain: Aromatic Profile and Bioactivities . Planta Medica (2016) [DOI]
- Batiha GE, Teibo JO, Wasef L, et al.. A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula species . Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology (2023) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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