Essential oils from Provence

Thanks to the quality of its soils and sunshine, Provence is a favorable terroir for the cultivation of plants suitable for the production of essential oils. The harvested stems and spikes are used for steam extraction of essential oils in distilleries. Pure and natural, essential oils from Provence are among the best available on the market.Provence essential oils come in a variety of types with specific properties and applications. Here, we'll look at the nature of these essential oils, their chemical types and properties, and their possible uses.

Types of essential oils from Provence

In France, a large number of essential oils are made from plants grown in Provence. The main ones used in this way are :

• lavender
• lavandin
• juniper
• lemon mint
• oregano
• scots pine
• rosemary
• clary sage
• and thyme.

Lavender and lavandin are emblematic "perfume plants" of the region, where they are grown on almost 20,000 hectares, mainly in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Vaucluse and Drôme. Produced from a noble product grown mainly in the mountains, fine lavender essential oil is highly prized in perfumery and aromatherapy. There is a certified quality PDO for lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence. Lavandin is a more common cross between fine lavender and spike lavender, grown mainly between 200 and 700 meters above sea level. The Valensole plateau is its most important production area. Lavender and lavandin are also grown in the Baronnies, the Banon basin and on the Sault plateau. Harvesting takes place between the end of June and the end of August in mountainous areas.

Many other Provencal plants are used to extract essential oils. These include juniper, a bushy shrub common in mountainous areas, whose branches are used for essential oil distillation. The same goes for Scots pine, the region's emblematic tree, whose oil has antiseptic properties. Lemon mint, grown in damp soils, is a herbaceous plant whose leaves, collected and then dried, are also used in this process. Oregano, a common shrub in Provence, produces an essential oil with antibacterial properties. Thyme and rosemary are both highly prized essential oils. Finally, clary sage is an aromatic plant whose essential oil is sought after in perfumery. It is cultivated in Provence by around a hundred growers over an area of around 1,000 hectares.

Chemotypes and properties of Provence plants

Provence essential oils are so popular because, depending on the plants used in their composition, they possess a wide range of properties. These are defined by the chemical type (or chemotype) of each plant, at the heart of aromatherapy practices.

• The main aromatic compounds in fine lavender are linalyl acetate and linalool. Lavender is known for its relaxing properties and for its fragrance, which makes its essential oil a must-have in perfumery.
• Lavandin has identical molecules to lavender, with the addition of eucalyptol and camphor. Its virtues are essentially relaxing, but also analgesic and anti-infectious.
• Juniper's chemotype is dominated by alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene and beta-pinene. Its essential oil is renowned for its antiseptic and anti-rheumatic properties.
• Lemon mint's chemotype contains menthone, menthol, menthyl acetate and citronellol. Its tonic and stomachic (digestive aid) properties are well known.
• Carvacrol and thymol are the main molecules in oregano's chemotype. Its essential oil is reputed to have the most effective antibacterial properties.
• Like juniper, pine's chemotype is centered on alpha-pinene and beta-myrcene, to which camphene is added. Pine essential oil is used as a tonic and antibacterial agent.
• Rosemary has three main chemotypes: camphor, cineole and verbenone. The first has anti-inflammatory properties, the second antiseptic and the last cholagogue (facilitating bile elimination).
• Like lavender, clary sage has a chemotype governed by linalyl acetate and linalool. Its main virtues are anti-infectious and antibacterial.
• Thyme has seven chemotypes, the most important being carvacrol thyme and thymol thyme. It acts as a general antiseptic and fungicide.

The different uses of Provence essential oils

Provence essential oils are distinguished by their wide range of possible uses. They are versatile products that can be used in the following areas:

• aromatherapy
• cosmetics
• perfumery
• well-being
• home care
• air purification
• and cooking.

They can also be used for medical purposes, depending on their various chemical compounds. Lavender essential oil, sedative and hypotensive, is a must in aromatherapy. Juniper essential oil reduces pain, while oregano helps fight infections. Rosemary verbenone essential oil boosts the immune system.

In cosmetics, clary sage and thyme essential oils are used for their dermatological properties. Skin care products based on lavender essential oil are also common.

The perfume industry has long appreciated lavandin essential oil, which benefits from low production costs. The perfume industry is also fond of the amber scent of clary sage essential oil.

Essential oils can also be used as massage oils. This is the case for those with tonic and relaxing properties, such as lavender and Scots pine essential oils.

For home maintenance, the antibacterial properties of lavandin essential oil work wonders. Lavender can also be used as a moth repellent.

In every room of the house, the air can be purified by diffusing specific essential oils, such as fine lavender with its delicate fragrance.

Organic essential oils can also be used in cooking recipes. Lemon mint essential oil can be added to marinades or sweet variations (crème brûlée, ganache), while lavender essential oil is ideal for compotes and jams. Thyme essential oil can also be added to the batter of a savory clafoutis.