Natural Products

Lavender

Scientific names: Lavandula angustifolia, L. officinalis, L. spic, L. stoechas, L. dentata, L. latifolia, L. pubescens

Common names: Lavender also is known as aspic, lavandin (usually refers to particular hybrids), spike lavender, and true lavender

Efficacy rating:

●●●...Positive clinical trials

Safety rating:

●...No safety concerns despite wide use.

What is Lavender?

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Lavender plants are aromatic evergreen sub-shrubs that are native to the Mediterranean region. The plant has small blue or purple flowers. Fresh flowering tops are collected, and the essential oil is distilled or extracts are obtained by solvent extraction. Lavender is cultivated extensively for use as a perfume, potpourri, and as an ornamental.

What is Lavender used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

Lavender has long found a role in folk medicine. The plant has been used as an antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, and general tonic. Extracts have been used to treat conditions ranging from acne to migraines. Although the plant has been known to increase bile flow output and flow into the intestine, its greatest value is not in the treatment of biliary conditions. Lavender has been used extensively as an antidiabetic agent in parts of Spain and is included in some commercial herbal antidiabetic preparations. Fresh leaves and flowers are applied to the forehead to relieve headaches and to joints to treat rheumatic pain. The vapors of steamed flowers are used as a cold remedy. Chileans drink the tea to induce or increase menstrual flow.

Lavender oil and extracts are used as pharmaceutical fragrances and cosmetics, and in small amounts to flavor food. Spike lavender oil often is used in soaps because it is inexpensive, though lesser quality than true lavender oil. Extracts of lavender are used in Europe as insect repellents.

CNS effects

Lavender usually is administered in the form of an infusion, decoction, or oil and is either taken internally or applied topically for relief of neuralgia. Spike lavender oil has antispasmodic (muscle relaxant) activity. In animal studies, lavender oil exhibits CNS depressant activity, anticonvulsant activity, decreases movement, and induces sleep. This helps to confirm folk remedies such as herbal pillow use to facilitate rest or minimize stress.

In humans, lavender oil aromatherapy for insomnia has been studied with the conclusion that it is comparable to hypnotics or tranquilizers. Lavender aromatherapy also has been utilized to increase mental capacity and diminish fatigue, and to improve mood and perceived levels of anxiety. Oils of different lavender species yield different results. The German Commission E monograph lists aiding restlessness and difficulty sleeping among lavender's uses. Lavender EEG studies, which have shown various alpha wave responses to different odors, can be used for psychophysiological response evaluation. A study of percutaneous (through the skin) absorption of lavender oil in massage found the main constituents of the oil were detected in the blood within 5 minutes after application.

One of lavender's uses listed in the German Commission E monograph includes helping in functional disorders of the upper abdomen with irritable stomach and intestinal disorders of nervous origin. Its effects are calming and antiflatulent.

Other uses

It has been suggested that lavender has antidiabetic properties. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of lavender for hypoglycemic effects.

What is the dosage of Lavender?

Lavender oil has been used for aromatherapy of dementia as a 2% solution. Sixty drops daily as a 1:5 tincture in 50% ethanol has been administered for depression. Stimulant and carminative doses have traditionally been 0.1 mL of oil.