Lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is one of the most widely used, versatile herbs known today. It is considered a member of the Labiatae family, which also includes mints. The flower and the oil of lavender are used to make medicine. Many people appreciate lavender for its fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes.
The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash." Lavender may have earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. However, this herb has also been used as a remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and fatigue. Research has confirmed that lavender produces slight calming, soothing, and sedative effects when its scent is inhaled.
Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. Today, it flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters (about 24 inches). Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with upright, 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.
Lavender flowers have long since been used to treat digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. Until World War I, lavender was used to treat and disinfect wounds. For centuries, English farmers would place lavender flowers in their hats to prevent headache and sunstroke. Women would place sachets of lavender in their closets and wardrobes for fragrance, in addition to using it in potpourri. Hospitals used lavender as an antiseptic and disinfectant to sterilize surfaces and equipment.
Today, lavender is used in much of the same way, for many of the same reasons. Both the flowers of the plant and the essential oils derived from the plant can be used for therapeutic uses.
In foods and beverages, lavender is used as a flavor component.
In manufacturing, lavender is used in pharmaceutical products and as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri, and decorations.
Today, lavender is most commonly used for anxiety, depression, mental exhaustion, restlessness, insomnia, scrapes and wounds, digestive problems, headaches, skin problems and women's health problems. It is also used for a variety of digestive complaints including meteorism (abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity), loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas (flatulence), and upset stomach.
In addition to this, lavender can be used to treat exhaustion, heat exposure, fevers, aches and pains, over-exertion, jet lag, rashes, sprains, sunburn, sunstroke, bruises and burns. It can also be used as a disinfectant and insect repellant. Lavender is an antiseptic, natural antibiotic, sedative, detoxifier.
Some people use lavender for painful conditions including migraine headaches, toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. It is also used for acne and cancer, and to promote menstruation.
Lavender is applied to the skin for hair loss (alopecia areata) and pain, and to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Some people add lavender to bathwater to treat circulation disorders and improve mental well being. Research suggests that adding 3 mL of a 20% lavender oil and 80% grapeseed oil mixture to daily baths produces small improvements in mood, compared with baths containing grapeseed oil alone.
By inhalation, lavender is used as aromatherapy for insomnia, pain, and agitation related to dementia.
In mild to moderate depression, tincture of lavender appears to be slightly less effective than the medication imipramine (Tofranil).
Insomnia or Agitation
In folklore, pillows were filled with lavender flowers to help restless people fall sleep. Scientific evidence suggests that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. A study conducted at the University of Leicester in England showed that the use of lavender essential oil is just as effective in promoting sound sleep as traditional medication. In fact, many British hospitals offer their patients lavender pillows to help with sleeplessness.
Developing research suggests using lavender oil in a vaporizer overnight might help some people with mild insomnia. Studies also suggest that massage with essential oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, better concentration, and reduced anxiety. In one recent study, people who received massage with lavender felt less anxious and more positive than those who received massage alone. Several small studies suggest that lavender aromatherapy may help reduce agitation in patients with dementia. Lavender flowers have also been approved in Germany as a tea for insomnia, restlessness, and nervous stomach irritations.
Alopecia Areata
In one study of 86 people with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out, often in patches), those who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils daily for 7 months experienced significant hair regrowth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. However, there is no way to tell whether it was one or the combination of oils that was effective. There is some evidence that suggest combined oils from thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood when applied to the scalp improves hair growth by as much as 44% after 7 months of treatment.
Anxiety and Depression
The essential oil of lavender has a calming, sedative, and anti-convulsive effect. It can also increase the effectiveness of other relaxants.
According to the Smell and Taste Foundation in Chicago, the scent of lavender increases brain waves associated with relaxation.
Commission E, the German counterpart of the FDA that regulates herbal remedies, also approves lavender for treating anxiety and depression.
Scrapes and Wounds
Lavender essential oil has very powerful antiseptic properties. Applying it to wounds can not only increase cell growth causing the wound to heal faster, but it also decreases the appearance of scars. The oils anti-microbial action protects scrapes and wounds from infection, while allowing them heal.
Digestive Problems
Lavender has also been endorsed by Germany's Commission E to treat all sorts of stomach and digestive disorders. It soothes the lining of the digestive tract and promotes the secretion of bile, which helps the body digest fats. In addition to this, lavender can also relieve gas pressure and constipation.
Dementia
Study results have not agreed. In one study, nightly use of lavender oil in a bedside diffuser for 3 weeks reduced agitation in patients with various types of dementia. However, in another study, continuous use of lavender oil on a pad attached to a patient's shirt had no effect in a small group of patients with advanced dementia.
Headaches
Massaging lavender oil onto the temples, neck and forehead can relieve neck and head tension and promote relaxation, thus relieving a variety of headaches. Those included are general headaches, gastric headaches, nervous headaches, sinus and tension headaches.
Skin Problems
By massaging lavender oil into the skin, it can be used to treat a number of skin problems such as acne, burns, dry skin, eczema, itchy skin, sunburn, seborrhea, and skin inflammation.
Women's Health Problems
For pregnancy, lavender can help sooth and relieve flatulence and indigestion. It can diminish the look of stretch marks and scars. It can relieve cramps, edema, exhaustion, infection, breast abscesses, and post-natal depression. A study of lavender by British researchers suggests that using lavender oil during pregnancy and childbirth can help ease delivery pain and promote a speedy recovery.
By either adding lavender to the bath or massaging it into the skin, lavender can help relieve pre-menstrual syndrome, and menstrual cramps. It is effective in aiding the treatment of chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, thrush, vaginal infections, inflamed vaginal tissue, vaginitis, cystitis, Raynaud's Disease, breast abscesses, and cervical cancer. If being treated with radiation for any form of cervical or uterine cancer, lavender oil can prevent and diminish irradiation burns.
Other Uses
Aromatherapists also use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used in a healing bath for joint and muscle pain. One study evaluating treatments for children with eczema founded it was therapeutic touch from the mother that improved symptoms; in other words, massage with and without essential oils (including lavender) both reduced the dry, scaly skin lesions. Another study found that lavender oil may improve pain control after surgery. Fifty patients undergoing breast biopsy surgery received either oxygen supplemented with lavender oil or oxygen alone. Patients in the lavender group reported better pain control than patients in the control group.
The uses of lavender are endless. Lavender is a must-have for all homes because of its calming, antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It is good for treating or aiding in the treatment of a number of health problems.
By mixing lavender with water, it can be sprayed on surfaces and used as a household disinfectant, and applying it to the skin can deter insects.
According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, a particular compound in lavender, known as perillyl alcohol has been shown to exert remarkable action against a variety of cancer tumors in the breast, lung, liver, colon and pancreas. It is noted that currently, this particular compound is being tested as a possible cancer preventative, as well as treatment.
Commercial preparations are made from dried flowers and essential oils of the lavender plant. These preparations are available in the following forms:
Aromatherapy oil
Bath gels
Extracts
Infusions
Lotions
Soaps
Teas
Tinctures
Whole, dried flowers
Pediatric
Oral use in children is not recommended.
May be used topically in diluted concentrations to treat skin infections and injuries, such as minor cuts and scrapes. For proper dilutions speak with a knowledgeable health care provider. There are some aromatherapy formulas for children as well; again speak with a knowledgeable provider for dosing.
Adult
The following are recommended adult doses for lavender:
Internal use: Speak with a knowledgeable health care provider to find the right dose for you.
Inhalation: 2 - 4 drops in 2 - 3 cups of boiling water. Inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia. If you have asthma, talk to your doctor before using essential oil inhalations to see if they are right for you. There are some people who find essential oil used in inhalation form irritating to lungs and/or eyes.
Topical external application: For ease of application, add 1 - 4 drops per tablespoon of base oil (such as almond or olive oil). Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally. Only use the oil externally or by inhalation. Also, avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes, such as the lips and nostril.
Lavender is LIKELY SAFE for most
adults in food amounts and POSSIBLY SAFE in medicinal amounts.
When taken by mouth, lavender can cause constipation, headache, and
increased appetite.
Some people may also develop an allergic
reaction to lavender. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills have
also been reported in some people after inhaling or absorbing
lavender through the skin. Lavender applied to skin may cause
irritation in some people. Oral use of Lavender may cause
constipation, headache, and increased appetite. Lavender oil is toxic
if taken orally.
Children: Applying products to
the skin that contain lavender oil might not be safe for young boys
who have not yet reached puberty. Lavender oil seems to have hormone
effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy's body. In
some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breast
growth called gynecomastia. The safety of these products when used by
young girls is not known.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
There are no reliable studies that show that lavender is safe (or
unsafe) during pregnancy and breast-feeding, since it has not been
adequately studied in any pregnant women. There is some evidence that
lavender may have some effects on hormones, and it is possible that
lavender could disrupt the normal hormone balance in pregnant women.
If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to ask your healthcare
provider before taking any medication or supplement. You and your
healthcare provider can consider the possible risks and benefits of
using lavender in your particular situation, as well as any other
treatment alternatives. Of course, some lavender products carry more
risk than others. For instance, a lightly lavender-scented body
lotion is probably much safer than lavender taken
internally.
Surgery: Lavender might slow down the
central nervous system. If used in combination with anesthesia and
other medications given during and after surgery, it might slow down
the central nervous system too much. Stop using lavender at least 2
weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Be cautious with this combination.
Chloral Hydrate
Chloral hydrate causes sleepiness and drowsiness. Lavender seems to increase the effects of chloral hydrate. Taking lavender along with chloral hydrate might cause too much sleepiness.
Sedative medications
Lavender might cause sleepiness and
drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives.
Taking lavender along with sedative medications might cause too much
sleepiness.
Some sedative medications include amobarbital
(Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral),
pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital
(Seconal), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital
(Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The following doses have been studied
in scientific research:
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
For bald spots (alopecia areata): one study used a combination of essential oils including 3 drops (108 mg) of lavender, 3 drops (114 mg) of rosemary, 2 drops (88 mg) of thyme, and 2 drops (94 mg) of cedarwood, all mixed with 3 mL jojoba oil and 20 mL grapeseed oil. Each night, the mixture is massaged into the scalp for 2 minutes with a warm towel placed around the head to increase absorption.
Here are some reviews taken from different websites highlighting some of the health benefits of using Levender:
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Deal for a Multi-Purpose Oil, August 5, 2011
By
Gabriella (California, USA)
I've used medicinal grade Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia) for years in a wide range of uses - caring for my skin, sleep, as well as its relaxing and calming effects. It's safe for use on children which I've applied on the bottoms of the feet and on skin irritations. It's the one oil I always make sure to have on hand and order regularly. The 2-ounce bottle is an excellent deal and lasts a very long time.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Smells The best for sensitive skin!, August 14, 2008
By
Raeanne Wright From New York
I love this stuff and have been using it exclusively for a couple years now, switching only to the Cleansing Milk version of the product in the winter time. I have very, very sensitive skin, eczema, and it seems almost any cleanser makes me break out or dries out my skin terribly. This cleanser is gentle and has been perfect! I use it alone morning and night, and occasionally use the Lavender Moisturizing Cream as necessary. Highly recommended.
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5.0 out of 5 stars At last, September 25, 2011
By
ebbhyen
I have been using Lavender Oil for years, but when I ran out this last time, the store I purchased it from had closed. I looked all over Phoenix before I got the smart idea of looking on the internet. I am very pleased. I am HIV positive and I find the oil both soothes and invigorates. What I enjoy most is it is excellent for soothing joint and skin pain.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Skin Product for me!, December 9, 2008
By
K. Shih (CA USA)
I have combination and sensitive skin. It's been hard to find a skin product for me. Recently I've been looking for a cream to use for both during the day and night. I have tried this one for a week and [it works]. When I put it on, it feels light and refreshing with a light lavender and fresh mint scent. After a while the scent wears off and you'll barely notice it's there.
It has the perfect amount of moisturizer so my face feels hydrated and I don't need to constantly reapply nor wiping oil off my face. I have not found any other product fits my skin so well and I'll stick with this one for a while!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars long lasting smell, great price, August 19, 2011
By
M. Wolf (Pacific NW)
I am pleased with the quality of this product for the following reasons:
1. scent last long and does not dissipate quickly. I placed some oil in a diffuser. Even with out heat the scent is noticeable but not overpowering
2. no noticeable chemical or artificial quality (even when heated or when I have a headache where I become super sensitive to smell)
3. Unlike some larger bottles of essential oil there is a plastic insert that allows for controlled dispensing. This is easy to take out but when in place allows for dispensing just a few drops at a time.
I find this lavender oil to be helpful in alleviating headaches, providing a non-overpowering scent to a room, and in baths and such to help induce relaxation.
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