Lavender
Generic name: lavender [ LAH-ven-der ]
Drug class: Herbal products
What is lavender?
Lavender is an herb also known as Alhucema, English Lavender, French Lavender, Garden Lavender, Huile Essentielle de Lavande, Lavanda,Lavande des Alpes, Lavande du Jardin, Lavande Espagnole, Lavande Fine, Lavande Française, Lavandula, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula dentate, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula spica, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula vera, Lavender Essential Oil, Ostokhoddous, Spanish Lavender, Spike Lavender, and other names.
Lavender has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating hair loss, anxiety, canker sores, pain after a C-section, and to help prevent falls in older adults.
Lavender has also been used to treat cancer-related pain, dementia, and pain around the vagina and anus. However, research has shown that lavender may not be effective in treating these conditions.
Other uses not proven with research have included agitation, eczema, colic in infants, constipation, depression, menstrual pain, high blood pressure, lice, migraines, ear infections, acne, nausea and vomiting, as well as other conditions.
It is not certain whether lavender is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Lavender should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Lavender is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Lavender may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Lavender side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, lavender is thought to be likely safe for most people.
Stop using lavender and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:
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severe drowsiness.
Common side effects of lavender may include:
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constipation;
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headache:
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increased appetite; or
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skin irritation when used topically.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Before using lavender, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use lavender if you have certain medical conditions.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
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high or low blood pressure.
It is not known whether lavender will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether lavender passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Lavender products for the skin might be possibly unsafe for children, especially young boys.
How should I take lavender?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use lavender, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Do not use different formulations of lavender (such as tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with lavender does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
Lavender can affect blood pressure and your central nervous system. If you need surgery or dental work, stop taking lavender at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra lavender to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking lavender?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Lavender might cause sleepiness. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid using lavender together with other herbal/health supplements that can also cause sleepiness. This includes calamus, California poppy, catnip, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, St. John's wort, skullcap, valerian, yerba mansa, and others.
Avoid using lavender together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood pressure, such as andrographis, casein peptides, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others.
What other drugs will affect lavender?
Other drugs may interact with lavender, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Do not take lavender without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
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medicines that cause sleepiness such as sedatives, barbiturates and benzodiazepines (chloral hydrate, amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others); or
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medicines for high blood pressure: captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lavender, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.
More about lavender
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
- Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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