ESSENTIAL OIL PRODUCTION ON THE FARM
Castle Farm is one of the biggest lavender growers in the UK, producing pure lavender and lavandin oils, as well as rosemary and German chamomile.
The lavender is grown on south or west facing slopes in the beautiful Darenth Valley and the varieties are harvested in sequence when they are in full bloom from mid-July to early August. The stems are cut by machine and immediately taken to the farm's 'still' where, over the next few hours, the oil is extracted by steam distillation. The pure oil is then stored for at least 6 months to mature before sale. Lavender water for ironing and scenting clothes is a by- product of the distillation process.
Four different types of oil are produced on the farm:
LAVENDER oil is produced from Lavandula angustifolia, and we have selected the highly prized 'Maillette' variety. It has a sweet, gentle aroma and an excellent 'profile' for perfumery and aromatherapy use.
Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils which can be used directly on the skin. It has soothing and antiseptic qualities as well as being relaxing and calming in its effect. It is reputed to aid sleep and relieve headaches. Accordingly, The Hop Shop has devised a unique pillow fragrance, a 'Sleepy Scent', combining the reputed somnolent properties of lavender and hops.
NB. On many commercial products in general use, lavandin oil is labelled as lavender.
LAVANDIN oil comes from Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso', a strong-growing hybrid variety with a powerful scent due to the oil's higher content of camphor which makes it an excellent moth, mosquito and fly repellent. This oil is the type often selected for domestic products (room fragrances, candles etc) and toiletries. Care should be taken when choosing bath or well-being products because camphor can act as a mild stimulant so may not have the relaxing effect of true lavender!
NB. Always look for the latin name on labels to check whether oil is lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or Lavandin ( Lavandula x intermedia or Lavandula hybrida).
ROSEMARY oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant in mid summer. It is widely used in toiletries and aromatherapy for its stimulating and refreshing characteristics. It is especially good for morning showers or early evening baths.
GERMAN CHAMOMILE oil is produced from a daisy-like flower and is an unexpectedly bright royal blue colour. Only minute quantities are produced by each plant so the oil is very valuable and used sparingly in herbal and medicinal skin preparations.
Castle Farm is one of the biggest lavender growers in the UK, producing pure lavender and lavandin oils, as well as rosemary and German chamomile.
The lavender is grown on south or west facing slopes in the beautiful Darenth Valley and the varieties are harvested in sequence when they are in full bloom from mid-July to early August. The stems are cut by machine and immediately taken to the farm's 'still' where, over the next few hours, the oil is extracted by steam distillation. The pure oil is then stored for at least 6 months to mature before sale. Lavender water for ironing and scenting clothes is a by- product of the distillation process.
Four different types of oil are produced on the farm:
LAVENDER oil is produced from Lavandula angustifolia, and we have selected the highly prized 'Maillette' variety. It has a sweet, gentle aroma and an excellent 'profile' for perfumery and aromatherapy use.
Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils which can be used directly on the skin. It has soothing and antiseptic qualities as well as being relaxing and calming in its effect. It is reputed to aid sleep and relieve headaches. Accordingly, The Hop Shop has devised a unique pillow fragrance, a 'Sleepy Scent', combining the reputed somnolent properties of lavender and hops.
NB. On many commercial products in general use, lavandin oil is labelled as lavender.
LAVANDIN oil comes from Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso', a strong-growing hybrid variety with a powerful scent due to the oil's higher content of camphor which makes it an excellent moth, mosquito and fly repellent. This oil is the type often selected for domestic products (room fragrances, candles etc) and toiletries. Care should be taken when choosing bath or well-being products because camphor can act as a mild stimulant so may not have the relaxing effect of true lavender!
NB. Always look for the latin name on labels to check whether oil is lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or Lavandin ( Lavandula x intermedia or Lavandula hybrida).
ROSEMARY oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant in mid summer. It is widely used in toiletries and aromatherapy for its stimulating and refreshing characteristics. It is especially good for morning showers or early evening baths.
GERMAN CHAMOMILE oil is produced from a daisy-like flower and is an unexpectedly bright royal blue colour. Only minute quantities are produced by each plant so the oil is very valuable and used sparingly in herbal and medicinal skin preparations.
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