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Overview Information
- Lavender is an herb. The flower and the oil of lavender are used to make medicine.
- Lavender is commonly used for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, headache and pain.
- In foods and beverages, lavender is used as a flavor component.
- In manufacturing, lavender is used in pharmaceutical products and as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri, and decorations.
Lavender (scientific name Lavandula angustifolia) is commonly contaminated with related species, including Lavandula hybrida, which is a cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, from which lavandin oil is obtained.
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How does it work?
Lavender contains an oil that seems to have sedating effects and might relax certain muscles. It also seems to have antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Uses & Effectiveness?
Possibly Effective for:
- Hair loss (alopecia areata).
There is some evidence that applying lavender oil in combination with oils from thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood might improve hair growth by as much as 44% after 7 months of treatment.
- Anxiety.
Some research shows that taking 80-160 mg of a lavender oil product (Silexan, Dr Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG) by mouth for 6-10 weeks improves anxiety and sleep and prevents anxiety recurrence in people with mild-to-severe anxiety. It is unclear if using lavender oil as aromatherapy helps for anxiety.
- Canker sores.
Some research shows that applying 2 drops of lavender oil to the affected area three times daily can reduce canker sore swelling and pain and shorten the time it takes for canker sores to heal.
- Fall prevention.
There is some evidence that attaching a pad with lavender oil (Aromaseal Lavender, Hakujuji Co.) onto the neckline of clothing reduces the risk of falling by 43% in nursing home residents.
- Pain after surgery.
Some research shows that inhaling lavender essence while receiving pain killers intravenously (by IV) can help reduce pain in women after a C-section. Also, inhaling lavender oil applied to the hands for 3 minutes every 6 hours seems to lessen pain and reduce the need to use acetaminophen after a tonsillectomy in children 6-12 years old.
Side Effects & Safety
Lavender is LIKELY SAFE for most adults in food amounts. It's POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or inhaled in medicinal amounts.
When taken by mouth, lavender can cause constipation, headache, and increased appetite. When applied to the skin, lavender can sometimes cause irritation, although this is uncommon.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Applying products to the skin that contain lavender oil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for young boys who have not yet reached puberty. Lavender oil seems to have hormone effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy's body. In some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breast growth called gynecomastia. The safety of these products when used by young girls is not known.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking lavender if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Lavender might slow down the central nervous system. If used in combination with anesthesia and other medications given during and after surgery, it might slow down the central nervous system too much. Stop using lavender at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
For more information visit:
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-838/lavender
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