Lavender |
|
Botanical Name: |
Lavandula angustifolia |
Common Names: |
English lavender, French lavender |
| |
|
|
|
Overview |
|
Many people appreciate lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for its
aromatic fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes.
The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means
"to wash." Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used
in baths to help purify the body and spirit. However, this herb is also
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 sedative effects.
|

|
|
Plant Description |
|
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. 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 lavender's small, blue-violet flowers is what gives the herb its
fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 to 10 blossoms, forming
interrupted spikes above the foliage. |

|
|
Parts Used |
|
Essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the lavender plant and
used for medicinal purposes. |

|
|
Medicinal Uses and
Indications |
|
Although professional herbalists and aromatherapists use lavender to treat a
variety of conditions (described later), clinical studies thus far have only
demonstrated benefit for insomnia and alopecia (hair loss).
Insomnia In folklore, pillows were filled with lavender
flowers to help the restless fall sleep. There is now scientific evidence to
suggest that aromatherapy with lavender slows the activity of the nervous
system, improves sleep quality, promotes relaxation, and lifts mood in people
suffering from sleep disorders. Studies also suggest that massage with essential
oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable
mood, increased mental capacity, and reduced anxiety. In one recent study,
participants who received massage with lavender felt less anxious and more
positive than participants who received massage alone. Lavender flowers have
also been approved by the Commission E in Germany as a tea for insomnia,
restlessness, and nervous stomach irritations.
Alopecia areata In one study of 86 people with alopecia areata
(a disease of unknown cause characterized by significant hair loss, generally in
patches), those who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils
daily for 7 months experienced significant hair re-growth compared to those who
massaged their scalps without the essential oils. It is not entirely clear from
this study whether lavender (or a combination of lavender and other essential
oils) was responsible for the beneficial effects.
Other Aromatherapists also use lavender as a tonic 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 externally in a
healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments
(conditions affecting the muscles and joints). One study evaluating essential
oils, including lavender, for treating children with eczema concluded that the
oils added no benefit to therapeutic touch from the mother; in other words
massage with and without essential oils was equally effective in improving the
dry, scaly skin lesion. |

|
|
Available Forms |
|
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
|

|
|
How to Take It |
|
Pediatric
- Oral use in children is not recommended.
- May be used topically in diluted concentrations to treat skin
injuries.
- May be used as aromatherapy for children.
Adult
The following are recommended adult doses for lavender:
- Internal use: Tea: 1 to 2 tsp whole herb per cup of water.
- Tincture (1:4): 20 to 40 drops three times a day.
- Inhalation: 2 to 4 drops in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water; inhale
vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia.
- Topical external 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 |
|
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and
treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger
side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For
these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a
practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
Although side effects are rare, some individuals may develop an allergic
reaction to lavender. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills have also been
reported in some individuals following inhalation or absorption of lavender
through the skin.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using
lavender. |

|
|
Possible Interactions |
|
CNS Depressants Although there are no known scientific reports
of interactions between lavender and conventional medications, this herb could
potentially enhance the effects of central nervous system depressants including
narcotics (such as mophine) for pain and benzodiazepines (such as lorazepam,
diazepam, and alprazolam) for anxiety and sleep. People taking these medications
should consult a healthcare provider before trying
lavender. |

|
|
Supporting Research |
|
Anderson C, Lis-Balchin M, Kifk-Smith M. Evaluation of massage with essential
oils in childhood atopic eczema. Phyother Res. 2000;14(6):452-456.
Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded
Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications;
2000:226-229.
Cauffield JS, Forbes HJ. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of
depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Lippincotts Prim Care Pract.
1999; 3(3):290-304.
Diego MA, Jones NA, Field T, et al. Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG
patterns of alertness and math computations. Int J Neurosci.
1998;96(3-4):217-224.
Ernst E. The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An
Evidence-Based Approach. Mosby, Edinburgh; 2001:130-132.
Ghelardini C, Galeotti N, Salvatore G, Mazzanti G. Local anaesthetic activity
of the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia. Planta Med.
1999;65(8):700-703.
Gyllenhaal C, Merrit SL, Peterson SD, Block KI, Gochenour T. Efficacy and
safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Medicine
Reviews. 2000;4(2):1-24.
Hardy M, Kirk-Smith MD. Replacement of drug treatment for insomnia by ambient
odor. Lancet. 1995;346:701.
Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful
treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998;134(11):1349-1352.
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.
Motomura N, Sakurai A, Yotsuya Y. Reduction of mental stress with lavender
odorant. Percept Mot Skills. 2001;93(3):713-718.
Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler V. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to
Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer; 1998:74-75.
White L, Mavor S. Kids, Herbs, Health. Loveland, Colo: Interweave
Press; 1998:34. |

|
Review Date:
April 2002 |
Reviewed By:
Participants in the review process include:
Jacqueline A. Hart, MD,
Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Harvard University
and Senior Medical Editor Integrative Medicine, Boston, MA; Gary Kracoff, RPh
(Pediatric Dosing section February 2001), Johnson Drugs, Natick, MA; Enrico
Liva, ND, RPh (August 2000), Vital Nutrients, Middletown, CT; Steven Ottariono,
RPh (Pediatric Dosing section February 2001), Veteran's Administrative Hospital,
Londonderry, NH; David Winston, Herbalist (September 1999), Herbalist and
Alchemist, Inc., Washington, NJ. All interaction sections have also been
reviewed by a team of experts including Joseph Lamb, MD (July 2000), The
Integrative Medicine Works, Alexandria, VA; Brian T Sanderoff, PD, BS in
Pharmacy (March 2000), Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Maryland
School of Pharmacy; President, Your Prescription for Health, Owings Mills, MD;
R. Lynn Shumake, PD (March 2000), Director, Alternative Medicine Apothecary,
Blue Mountain Apothecary & Healing Arts, University of Maryland Medical
Center, Glenwood, MD; Ira Zunin, MD, MPH, MBA (July 2000), President and
Chairman, Hawaii State Consortium for Integrative Medicine, Honolulu,
HI.
|
|
|
|
|