Lavandula species are mainly grown for their essential oils, which are used in perfumery, cosmetics, food processing and aromatherapy products, and for their use as ornamental plants and ingredients in numerous cottage industry products. Certain types of lavender oil have also been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The dried flowers have been used for centuries in pillows and sachets to promote sleep and relaxation, and oil of spike lavender is used as an insect repellent. Lavender: The Genus Lavandula is a comprehensive volume covering all aspects of our current knowledge of lavender, including: * taxonomy, and history of usage and nomenclature * lavender cultivation for essential oil production and retail purposes in different countries * phytochemistry of the genus * chemistry of Lavandula oils * theory and practice of distillation and standardization of lavender essential oils * pharmacology and therapeutic properties of lavender oil and Lavandula extracts * use of lavender oil in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, food processing and medicine * new research into Lavandula species and their oils With contributions from lavender researchers worldwide, this book will be of interest both to graduate students and scientists in academia and industry who are involved with lavender, to professionals in the lavender growing and retail industry, the perfumery, food and cosmetics industries, and to those interested in lavender for alternative and conventional medical use.