Lavender Central


       


You may already appreciate lavender for its aromatic fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. 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 anticonvulsive effects. According to some research, lavender may be as effective as certain barbiturates in treating sleep disorders.

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 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. 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:

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

How to Take It

The following are recommended doses for lavender:

  • Internal use: Tea: 1 to 2 tsp whole herb per cup of water. Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes or even up to 15 minutes. Soothes tension and helps insomnia.
  • External use: inhalation: dried flowers in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water; inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia.
  • Topical application: lavender water can be safely applied. Pour 3/4 cups boiling water over 3 Tablespoons dried lavender flowers or buds. Let cool and strain. Can be sprinkled on your pillow for a good night's sleep, or applied to skin to cool, soothe and refresh.
  • Lavender Bath and Oatmeal: place into a muslin bag or multiple thicknesses of cheesecloth, two tablespoons each of lavender buds or flowers, and freshly ground oatmeal (whirl in blender). Tie tightly with a long piece of string or ribbon. Attach the bag to the bathtup spigot, so the bag hangs below the water level. While bathing, rub the bag on the skin to soothe dry, itchy, achy spots. Very relaxing!

Precautions

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

Possible Interactions

No noteworthy interactions (positive or negative) between lavender and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date.

Supporting Research

Thank you to Health and Age for some of the following information:

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.