Lavender carries a bouquet of volatile compounds that lend it its characteristic aroma and extensive health benefits.
1. Linalool: This monoterpene alcohol is the primary bioactive compound found in lavender, accounting for 20-40% of its essential oil composition. It imparts the delicate, sweet, floral scent that's characteristic of lavender. Linalool exhibits remarkable anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties, contributing to lavender's use in pain relief and stress reduction.
2. Linalyl Acetate: Serving as a significant contributor to lavender's essential oil (10-30%), this ester exhibits soothing, calming, and anti-inflammatory effects. It complements linalool in providing the essence with a harmonious sweet and floral fragrance.
3. Camphor: This terpene, ranging from 0.5-3% of the essential oil, has a distinctive, penetrating scent. It possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, further enhancing lavender's efficacy in pain relief and relaxation.
4. 1,8-cineole: Also known as eucalyptol, this compound contributes about 1-3% to lavender's oil composition. Its distinctively refreshing, cooling aroma complements the soothing notes of linalool and linalyl acetate. 1,8-cineole offers anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and expectorant qualities, which bolster lavender's effectiveness in respiratory relief.
5. Terpinen-4-ol and α-terpineol: Terpinen-4-ol (up to 2%) and α-terpineol (<1%) are secondary bioactive compounds in lavender oil. Both exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, while α-terpineol has been shown to display notable antispasmodic and sedative effects.