Lavender

You may already appreciate lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for its aromatic fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. But this herb also is considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments, from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances. Recent studies bear out years of anecdotal evidence showing that lavender produces calming, soothing, and anticonvulsive effects. According to some research, lavender essential oil may be as effective as certain barbiturates in treating sleep disorders.

Plant Description

Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats, and it is now grown throughout southern Europe. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of 60 cm. Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with erect, rod-like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray-green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally.

The oil in the lavender plant's small, blue-violet flowers is what gives them their fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 to 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage.

Parts Used

The fresh or dried flowers of the lavender plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses/Indications

Lavender is a recognized treatment for the following conditions and symptoms.

• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Abdominal complaints
• Rheumatism
• Loss of appetite

Lavender oil may also be used externally for a variety of treatments. Aromatherapists use it as a tonic in inhalation therapy to treat nervous disorders and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections, burns, wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used externally in a healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments.

Available Forms

Commercial preparations are made from dried flower, dried herb, and essential oil. Lavender is available in the following forms:

• Drug
• Infusions
• Teas
• Lavender oil
• Dried flower
• Tinctures

How to Take It

The following are recommended doses for lavender.

• Internal use: Tea: 1 to 2 tsp. whole herb per cup of water. Lavender oil: 1 to 3 drops may be taken on sugar cube (however, other authorities advise against taking lavender oil internally). Tincture (1:4): 20 to 40 drops three times a day.
• External use: inhalation: 2 to 4 drops in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water; inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia. Topical application: lavender oil is one of the few oils that can be safely applied undiluted. For ease of application, add 1 to 4 drops per tablespoon of base oil.

Precautions

There are no side effects reported, although there is a slight risk of allergic reaction to lavender in certain people.

Possible Interactions

There are no known reports of harmful drug interactions with this herb but it may increase the sedative effects of many medications. Use with caution if taking medications with sedative effects such as antihistamines and therapies for anxiety and insomnia.

Supporting Research

Atanassova-Shopova S, Roussinov KS. On certain central neurotropic effects of lavender essential oil. Bull Inst Physiology. 1970;8:69-76.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 25th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders; 1974.

Gamez MJ, Jimenez J, Navarro C, Zarzuelo A. Aromatherapy: evidence for sedative effects of the essential oil of lavender after inhalation. Z Naturforsch. 1991;46c:1067-1072.

Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Vol. I. New York, NY: Dover; 1971.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998.

Guillemain J, Rousseau A, Delaveau P. Effets neurodepresseurs de l'huile essentielle de Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Ann Pharmaceutiques Francaises. 1989;47:337-343.

Hardy M, Kirk-Smith MD. Replacement of drug treatment for insomnia by ambient odor. Lancet. 1995;346:701.

Lis-Balchin M, Hart S. A preliminary study of the effect of essential oils on skeletal and smooth muscle in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997;58(4):183-187.

Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler V. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer; 1998.

Siurin SA. Effects of essential oil on lipid peroxidation and lipid metabolism in patients with chronic bronchitis. Klin Med (Mosk). 1997;58(4):43-45.

Thomson WA, ed. Medicines from the Earth: A Guide to Healing Plants. Maidenhead, England: McGraw-Hill Book Company; 1978.

Yamada K, Mimaki Y, Sashida Y. Anticonvulsive effects of inhaling lavender oil vapour. Biol Pharm Bull. 1994;17(2):359-360.

Copyright © 2000 Integrative Medicine Communications

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.