Question: Can I make a tea from my Lavandula stoechas?

This pic is of Lavandula stoechas in the ACHS Herb Garden.

I've had several variations of this question in the past week, so thought it worth a blog post!

First, it is wonderful to experiment with teas straight from the garden - it doesn't get any fresher or more local than that! But always be concerned about the safety and look up any herb that you're not 100% familiar with. Be wary of the different varieties, as many things with the same common name or even similar Latin binomial names can be completely different plants with drastically different active constituents and safety profiles.

The lavenders are a great example, as their constituent profiles are dramatically varying.

I would definitely recommend using Lavandula angustifolia, even over L. intermedia, for tea and cooking. L. stoechas is fairly universally used as an ornamental lavender only.

Guenther Vol III (The Essential Oils, 1974 reprint, Krieger Publishing) states the following for Stoechas:

"The oils should contain about 80 per cent of ketones (d-camphor and d-fenchone). Oils also contains fenchyl alcohol, probably terpineol, and a phenolic compound of unknown origin...."

Tisserand and Balacs, Essential Oil Safety, Churchill Livingstone 1995, has a profile on page 145, which states:

"Camphor 15-30%
Fenchone 45-50%

Hazards: Neurotoxic - assumed from camphor content (mild)
Contraindication (oral): Epilepsy, fever, pregnancy
Toxicity Data and Recommendations: Camphor readily causes epileptiform convulsions if taken in sufficient quantity. L. Stoechas oil should therefore be used with cautions, especially in oral doses.

Comments: Camphor content is significantly higher than that of true lavender oil (<1%)"


So, the upshot is that regular use is probably not a good idea. A tea does extract some of the constituents that are in the oil, although in lower concentrations. Obviously the regularity of use will also be a factor. One cup of tea once or twice a year is less likely to cause problems than three cups a day. But why risk any issues? Instead, why not switch to L. angustifolia, which tastes better to most people and avoids these concerns. Some sources say L. intermedia use is fine, but L. intermedia is also high in camphor and this constituent has quite a few contraindications.

Keep in mind also that camphor is a stimulant, so any Lavandula  that is high in camphor is a stimulant, not a relaxing herb. So if you're looking for a relaxing cup of tea how about chamomile and L. angustifolia? If you are looking for a stimulating tea, why not try a blend based on peppermint?

Hope that helps and have fun with your garden!