Lavender

by MedlinePlus

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia, and Africa. It has been used cosmetically and medicinally throughout history. In modern times, lavender is cultivated around the world and the fragrant oils of its flowers are used in aromatherapy, baked goods, candles, cosmetics, detergents, jellies, massage oils, perfumes, powders, shampoo, soaps, and tea. English lavender ( L. angustifolia ) is the most common species of lavender used, although other species are in use, including Lavandula burnamii, L. dentate, L. dhofarensis, L. latifolia, and L. stoechas.

Many people find lavender aromatherapy to be relaxing, and it has been reported to have anxiolytic effects in several small, methodologically flawed trials. Overall, the weight of the evidence suggests a small positive effect, although additional data from well-designed studies are required before the evidence can be considered strong.

Lavender aromatherapy is also used as a hypnotic, although there is insufficient evidence in support of this use.

Small phase I human trials of the lavender constituent perillyl alcohol (POH) for cancer have suggested safety and tolerability (up to 1200mg/m2four times/day), although efficacy has not been demonstrated.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Anxiety (lavender aromatherapy)

Lavender aromatherapy is traditionally used for relaxation. It is reported to help relieve anxiety in several small studies, although negative results have also been reported. Better research is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

Agitated behavior (lavender aromatherapy)

Small studies of patients with severe dementia in nursing homes have found that lavender aromatherapy (2% administered for 2 hours) or pinning a cloth with the oil on it to the patient may help to decrease agitated behavior. Further well-designed studies are needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Alopecia/hair loss (lavender used on the skin)

Small randomized controlled trials have shown that patients who massage essential oils (thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood) into their scalps daily showed more improvement than the control group. More research of lavender alone is need before a recommendation can be made.

Antibacterial (lavender used on the skin)

Early laboratory studies suggest that lavender oils may have antibiotic activity.However, this has not been well tested in animal or human studies.

Cancer (perillyl alcohol)

Animal studies report that perillyl alcohol (POH), derived from lavender, might be beneficial in the treatment of some types of cancer. This research has focused on cancers of the pancreas, breast, and intestine. Preliminary small studies in humans suggest safety and tolerability of POH, but effectiveness has not been established.

Dementia

Small randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of lavender aromatherapy on agitation and behavior in patients with Alzheimer's dementia report conflicting results. Further well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

Depression

Preliminary research suggests that lavender may be helpful as an adjunct to prescription antidepressant medications. A small randomized clinical trial found that using a lavandula tincture with the prescription drug imipramine was more effective than either therapy alone at treating mild to moderate depression. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Ear pain

A small clinical trial used a naturopathic eardrop called NHED (containing allium sativum, verbascum thapsus, calendula flores, hypericum perfoliatum, lavender and vitamin E in olive oil) at a does of 5 drops three times a day with and without an antibiotic and topical anesthetic. It was found that the ear pain was self-limiting and resolved after a few days with or without antibiotics. This evidence is preliminary and further research is needed before any conclusion about this treatment can be made.

Hypnotic/sleep aid (lavender aromatherapy)

Lavender aromatherapy is often promoted as a sleep aid. Although early evidence suggests possible benefits, more research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Overall wellbeing (lavender used in a bath)

Preliminary evidence has shown that 20% lavender oil in combination with 80% grapeseed oil used in a bath may help to increase overall wellbeing, and decrease anger and frustration. Lavender oil used as aromatherapy has also been shown to increase overall mood. Further well-designed research is needed to confirm these results.

Pain (lavender aromatherapy)

Preliminary research suggests that the impression of pain intensity and unpleasantness may be reduced after treatment with lavender therapy. Other research has shown that lavender aromatherapy may be effective when used with acupressure for short term relief of lower back pain. Further research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Perineal discomfort after childbirth (lavender added to bath)

Lavender has been evaluated as an additive to bathwater to relieve pain in the perineal area (between the vagina and anus) in women following birth. Preliminary poor-quality research reports no benefits. Better research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Eczema

In a small clinical trial essential oils were used in combination with massage to treat childhood atopic eczema. The subjects were massaged with a mixture of essential oils, including lavender, for a period of 8 weeks. It was found that there was deterioration in the patient's eczema, which may have been due to a possible allergic contact dermatitis provoked by the essential oils themselves. More study of the effect of lavender essential oil alone is needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Acne, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, burn treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome, circulation problems, colic, common cold, decrease in heart rate, diabetes, diuretic, dizziness, douche, exercise recovery, fatigue, fever, gas, hangover, heartburn, HIV, indigestion, infertility, insect repellent, lice, low blood pressure, menopause, menstrual period problems, migraine headache, minor burns, motion sickness, muscle spasm, nausea, neuroprotection, parasites/worms, psychosis, seizures/epilepsy, snake repellent, sores, sprains, tension headache, toothache, varicose veins, vomiting, wound healing.

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