Lavender : Dosing and Safety

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 2)

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

Lavender tea: 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 grams) of leaves steeped in 1 cup (250 milliliters) of boiling water for 15 minutes is a dose that has been used.

Lavender inhalation (aromatherapy): A technique that has been used is to place 2 to 4 drops in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water, and vapors can be inhaled. This can be repeated daily or as needed. Lavender aromatherapy (2% administered for 2 hours) or pinning a cloth with the oil on it to the person has been used to decrease agitated behavior.

Lavender bath additive: To reduce perineal discomfort after childbirth, 6 drops of lavender oil have been added to a bath. Another technique is to add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers to hot bath water. 20% lavender oil in combination with 80% grapeseed oil has been used in a bath to help increase overall wellbeing, and decrease anger and frustration.

Lavender massage therapy: A technique that has been used is to add 1 to 4 drops of lavender oil per tablespoon of base massage oil.

Lavender tincture: 60 drops of lavender tincture (1:5 in 50% alcohol) per day has been used.

Eardrops: A small clinical trial used a naturopathic eardrop called NHED (contains allium sativum, verbascum thapsus, calendula flores, hypericum perfoliatum, lavender and vitamin E in olive oil) at a dose of 5 drops three times a day with and without an antibiotic and topical anesthetic.

Perillyl alcohol (POH): Early cancer studies report doses of 800 to 1200 milligrams per square meter of body surface, taken by mouth, four times daily in a 50:50 POH: soybean oil preparation.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific evidence to safely recommend lavender for children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

People with allergies to lavender may experience skin irritation after contact, and should avoid lavender in all forms.

Side Effects and Warnings

Mild rash can develop after applying lavender oil. Reports describe increased sun sensitivity and changes in skin pigmentation after applying products containing lavender oil. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, headache, chills, confusion and drowsiness are sometimes reported after inhaling lavender or absorbing it through the skin, or after large doses of lavender (more than 5 grams daily) or perillyl alcohol (derived from lavender) are taken by mouth. The essential oil of lavender may be poisonous if taken by mouth.

Drowsiness can occur after lavender aromatherapy. More severe drowsiness or sedation may occur when lavender is used with other sedating agents. Use caution if driving or operating heavy machinery. In theory, lavender used by mouth may increase the risk of bleeding. Individuals with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase bleeding should use caution. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Some cancer patients have experienced low blood cell counts (neutropenia) after taking high doses of perillyl alcohol by mouth.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lavender is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

Animal studies suggest that lavender used as aromatherapy or by mouth may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Drowsiness caused by some seizure medicines may also be increased. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

In theory, lavender may add to the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Lavender may have additive effects when used with prescription antidepressant medications, such as the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Lavender used as aromatherapy or by mouth may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements. Examples of herbs that may cause sedation include calamus, calendula, California poppy, capsicum, catnip, celery, couch grass, dogwood, elecampane, German chamomile, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops, kava (may help sleep without drowsiness), lemon balm, sage, sassafras, skullcap, shepherd's purse, Siberian ginseng, St. John's wort, stinging nettle, valerian, wild carrot, wild lettuce, withania root, and yerba mansa. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

In theory, lavender may add to the cholesterol-lowering effects of some herbs or supplements such as fish oil, garlic, guggul, and niacin.

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