How they’re Different…
Lavandin is more energizing as it yields a much higher concentration of camphor than lavender. Lavender is commonly used as a sedative while Lavandin is not.
Lavandin is NOT for burns. Lavender has been used for thousands of years, undiluted, for the treatment of burns. But probably don’t try this with with Lavandin. It’s commonly belived that Lavandin will exacerbate the issue.
(Interestingly, this author wasn’t able to find out what chemicals in Lavender make it good for burns. Lavander is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, but so is Lavandin as well as many other essential oils. What makes lavander so good for healing burns is a mystery to me, but I’m not going to argue with thousands of years of empirical evidence. I’m also not about to try Lavandin to see if it exacerbates a burn injury.)
Lavandin smells sweeter and less medicinal than Lavender. That’s why it’s known as “French Perfume”. I’ve seen some information online that flips these around, saying that Lavender is sweeter than Lavandin. I think these authors received misinformation and were using it to fill blog space. I can say from experience over time and from sampling the 5 different lavender essential oils and 2 Lavandin essential oils that I have in stock that Lavandin is sweeter aromatically than Lavender.
Lavandin is more of an expectorant than Lavender due to its higher concentration of camphor, which means it will likely work better for helping to clear mucus from the sinuses and from the system overall.
How they’re the Same…
Anti-inflammatory. Both Lavander and lavandin have anti-inflammatory properties, and they’re used as a remedy for muscle aches, headaches, and physical tension.
Nervine. Both essential oils are helpful for soothing the nerves and helping us to feel more centered. Using either essential oil is a wonderful oil to counteract anxiety, to help relax the brain, and for healthy sleep.
Anxiety and Sleep. Lavandin has been examined scientifically over the years in relation to pre-operative anxiety in sleep studies. While Lavandin is more energizing than Lavandin, when anxiety is reduced, it naturally results in more restful sleep.
Beauty and Skincare. Lavandin has been used since shortly after it was introduced in the 1900’s in beauty, skincare and home products. Lavender has a history in beauty and skincare that spans thousands of years.