Botanical name: Lavandula officinalis
© Steven Foster
Parts used and where grown
Eastern European countries, particularly Bulgaria, as well as France, Britain, Australia,
and Russia grow large quantities of lavender. The fragrant flowers of lavender are used in the
preparation of herbal medicines.
Lavender has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Traditionally, herbalists used lavender for a variety of conditions of the nervous system,
including depression and fatigue.1
It has also been used for headache and rheumatism. Due to its delightful odor, lavender has
found wide application in perfumes and cosmetics throughout history.
Active constituents
The volatile oil (also called essential oil) of lavender contains many constituents,
including perillyl alcohol and linalool. The oil is thought to be calming2 and thus
can be helpful in some cases of insomnia. One
study of elderly people with sleeping troubles found that inhaling lavender oil was as
effective as some commonly prescribed sleep medications.3 Similar results were seen
in another trial that included young and middle-aged people with insomnia.4 A large
clinical trial found that lavender oil added to a bath was no more effective than a placebo
for relieving perineal discomfort immediately after childbirth.5 However, perineal
pain was reduced three to five days afterward. Lavender is recommended by the German
Commission E monograph for indigestion and nervous intestinal discomfort.6
How much is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph suggests 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of the
herb be taken as a tea.7 The tea can be made by steeping 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of
leaves in 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water for fifteen minutes. Three cups (750 ml) can be
consumed each day. For internal applications, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) of
tincture can be taken two or three times per day. Several drops of the oil can be added to a
bath or diluted in vegetable oil for topical applications. The concentrated oil is not for
internal use, except under medical supervision.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Internal use of the volatile oil can cause severe nausea. Very small amounts should be used
only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Excessive intake (several times more
than listed above) may cause drowsiness.8 External use in reasonable amounts is
safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with lavender.
References:1. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 2d ed. Rockport, MA:
Element, 1990, 210.
2. Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Jager W, et al. Aromatherapy: Evidence for
sedative effects of the essential oil of lavender after inhalation. Z Naturforsch [C]
1991;46:1067–72.
3. Hardy M, Kirk-Smith MD, Stretch DD. Replacement of drug therapy for
insomnia by ambient odour. Lancet 1995;346:701 [letter].
4. Lewith GT, Godfrey AD, Prescott P. A single-blinded, randomized pilot
study evaluating the aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a treatment for mild
insomnia. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11:631–7.
5. Dale A, Cornwell S. The role of lavender oil in relieving perineal
discomfort following childbirth: A blind randomized trial. J Adv Nursing
1994;19:89–96.
6. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded
Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000,
226–9.
7. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 159–60.
8. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients
Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996,
339–42.