Lavender: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
lavandulae flos, Lavandula angustifolia
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Camphor
Linalool
Rosmarinic Acid
Linalyl acetate
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
Lavender is recognized for its calming properties, used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. According to ESCOP, it's recommended for treating mood disorders such as agitation and insomnia. Studies show that lavender essential oil, notably the Silexan ae formulation, can significantly improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when used in inhalation or orally. These beneficial effects on emotional well-being support its traditional and scientifically approved use in managing stress and promoting mental health.
Posologie
By Inhalation, oral, cutaneous
80 mg
Laseaxan ae, infusion, essential oil, dry extract
The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis
The antidepressant effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
The Effect of Lavender Oil on Perioperative Pain, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep after Microvascular Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Evaluation of aromatherapy with lavender oil on academic stress: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
Studies on the anxiolytic effects of lavender, particularly Silexan® lavender oil, show promising results for anxiety management. Research, primarily conducted using Silexan® capsules dosed at 80-160 mg per day over 6 to 10 weeks, indicates a significant improvement in anxiety compared to placebo. However, the small sample sizes and study heterogeneity limit the generalization of these results. Studies comparing Silexan® to conventional medications such as lorazepam and paroxetine reveal comparable effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms. a0 Moreover, aromatherapy through inhalation or massage with lavender essential oil also appears to moderately reduce anxiety in chronic or situational contexts, often in comparison with an inactive control. While there is limited evidence for other forms of oral lavender administration, one study suggests that a dried lavender flower extract at 500 mg twice daily may reduce anxiety. The varying quality of research in this area highlights the need for more rigorous methodologies to confirm these effects. The combination of lavender oil with other essential oils such as bergamot is also explored, suggesting potential synergistic effects for improving anxiety and other mental health parameters. Lavender essential oil has been compared with other oils like Damask rose oil. A small double-blind randomized study concludes that Damask rose aromatherapy was more effective than lavender in reducing anxiety.
Posologie
By Inhalation, oral, topical route
80 mg
Laseaxan®, essential oil, dry extract
Synergies
Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Effect of Aromatherapy on Dental Anxiety Among Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Compare the effect of aromatherapy using lavender and Damask rose essential oils on the level of anxiety and severity of pain following C-section: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial
Efficacy and safety of lavender essential oil (Silexan) capsules among patients suffering from anxiety disorders: A network meta-analysis
Lavender Aromatherapy to Reduce Anxiety During Intrauterine Insemination: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effects of Lavender and Citrus aurantium on Anxiety and Agitation of the Conscious Patients in Intensive Care Units: A Parallel Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
The Effect of Lavender Oil on Perioperative Pain, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep after Microvascular Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
Research on the effects of lavender against depression shows mixed, but overall promising results, particularly with lavender essential oil in the form of Silexan® capsules. A meta-analysis on patients with mild to severe depression indicates that orally taken lavender, whether in oil or powder form, is moderately more effective than a control group in reducing depression symptoms. The studied doses vary, including lavender powder at 1-2 g per day for 8 weeks and lavender oil at 80 mg per day over 70 days. Lavender oil aromatherapy has also been evaluated in several studies, with a meta-analysis showing moderate efficacy in comparison to various controls, though the studies are not specifically focused on depressed patients. Moreover, studies on combinations of lavender with other essential oils (bergamot, orange) or plant extracts (Chinese dodder) show improvements in depressive symptoms, suggesting possible synergistic effects. For example, taking 5 ml of a syrup containing lavender flower extract and dodder extract twice daily for 6 weeks seems to reduce depression similarly to citalopram 20 mg per day, according to a small clinical study.
Posologie
By Inhalation, oral, topical route
80 mg
Laseaxan®, essential oil, dry extract
Synergies
The effect of lavender herbal tea on the anxiety and depression of the elderly: A randomized clinical trial
Effect of Aromatherapy with Essential oil of Lavandula Angustifolia Mill- Citrus Bergamia and Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Sexual Function, Anxiety, and Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Factorial Design
The antidepressant effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Lavender and dodder combined herbal syrup versus citalopram in major depressive disorder with anxious distress: A double-blind randomized trial
The Effect of Lavender Oil on Perioperative Pain, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep after Microvascular Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research indicates that lavender oil aromatherapy may alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrhea. One study shows that inhaling three drops of lavender oil applied on cotton for 30 minutes at the start of menstruation modestly reduces pain compared to the scent of diluted milk. Another similar study reports a reduction in abdominal and back pain through lavender oil inhalation. Additionally, abdominal massage with lavender essential oil has shown a moderate reduction in pain immediately after the treatment. In combination, a study used topical aromatherapy in the form of abdominal massage with lavender oil, clary sage, and rose, showing a significant decrease in the severity of menstrual cramps.
Posologie
By Inhalation, topical route
3 drops
essential oil
Synergies
The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on the Pain Severity of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Effect of aromatherapy massage on dysmenorrhea in Turkish students
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
Hair Loss ✪✪✪✪✪
A randomized clinical study examined the effectiveness of scalp massage with essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedar in 86 patients with alopecia, revealing a significant improvement in hair growth after 7 months.
Posologie
By topical route
essential oil
Synergies
Sleep Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Sleep disorders and insomnia can be moderately improved by lavender oil aromatherapy, although study results are mixed and improvements often minimal. Several clinical studies suggest that lavender oil might improve sleep quality in some individuals. For example, a study on healthy students demonstrated that a patch infused with lavender oil, used in addition to good sleep hygiene practices, improved self-reported sleep quality. Moreover, in nursing homes, placing a few drops of lavender oil on a pillow near the bed improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue compared to a control group. However, lavender aromatherapy generally does not improve the sleep of hospitalized patients, despite some modest beneficial effects observed in certain conditions. According to ESCOP, lavender oil and flower infusions are recommended to treat symptoms of mood disorders such as restlessness or insomnia.
Posologie
By Inhalation, oral, topical route
80 mg
infusion, essential oil, dry extract
The effect of lavender on mothers sleep quality in the postpartum period: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Effects of Aromatherapy with Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils on the Sleep Quality of Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparing the effects of massage and aromatherapy massage with lavender oil on sleep quality of cardiac patients: A randomized controlled trial
The Effect of Aromatherapy on Sleep Quality and Fatigue Level of the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Study
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Effect of Inhaled Lavender and Sleep Hygiene on Self-Reported Sleep Issues: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial
Migraine ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical study showed that rubbing 2-3 drops of lavender oil for inhalation for 15 minutes significantly reduced the severity of migraine compared to controls. The study showed that out of 129 headache episodes, 92 fully or partially responded to lavender, compared to 32 out of 64 headaches for the placebo group. In other words, the percentage of subjects who responded positively to the treatment was significantly higher in the lavender group than in the placebo group.
Posologie
By inhalation
essential oil
Joint pain, Muscle pain ✪✪✪✪✪
Lavender essential oil may provide relief from muscle and joint pain. A controlled study showed that eight acupressure sessions with lavender oil over three weeks effectively reduced pain, neck stiffness, and stress in adults suffering from subacute nonspecific neck pain. Furthermore, a small clinical study on patients with osteoarthritis revealed that self-massage with 5 mL of 3% lavender oil applied to the knee three times a week for three weeks decreased pain by 23% compared to massage with a placebo oil, and by 36% compared to no treatment. However, the beneficial effects seem to decrease after the end of the treatment.
Posologie
Topical
essential oil
An experimental study on the effectiveness of acupressure with aromatic lavender essential oil for sub-acute, non-specific neck pain in Hong Kong
A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting
Lice ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that using lavender oil combined with tea tree oil can reduce the number of live head lice (but not nits) compared to control. The application of this combination three times a week also appears to improve lice eradication compared to bi-weekly treatments based on pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide.
Posologie
Topical
essential oil
Synergies
A randomised, assessor blind, parallel group comparative efficacy trial of three products for the treatment of head lice in children--melaleuca oil and lavender oil, pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, and a "suffocation" product
Restless Leg Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Symptoms typically intensify during periods of rest or at night. Preliminary studies suggest that massage aromatherapy with lavender oil could be beneficial for patients with restless leg syndrome, particularly those undergoing dialysis. Several small clinical studies have shown that foot or lower leg massage with lavender oil during hemodialysis sessions reduces the severity of restless leg syndrome by up to 45% compared to usual care, massage without oil, or a baby oil-based placebo. Dosages generally varied between 10 and 15 mL of 1.5% or 5% lavender oil for 10 to 45 minutes during three to four weeks of treatment. However, massage with lavender oil did not show significant advantage over 2% glycerine oil or 1.5% sweet orange oil for reducing the severity of restless leg syndrome.
Posologie
Topical
10 - 15 mL
essential oil
Effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients' restless legs syndrome
The effects of foot massage on hemodialysis patients' sleep quality and restless leg syndrome: a comparison of lavender and sweet orange essential oil topical application
Effect of massage therapy with lavender oil on severity of restless legs syndrome and quality of life in hemodialysis patients
Insect bites ✪✪✪✪✪
Lavender essential oil is used to treat insect bites due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties. It reduces swelling and skin irritation, offering quick relief. A few drops applied directly or diluted in a carrier oil effectively relieve itching and inflammation.
Posologie
Topical
essential oil
Properties
Sedative
The sedative properties of lavender, particularly its essential oil rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, are well-documented in numerous studies. These components act in a dose-dependent manner, reducing caffeine-induced hyperactivity in mice and modulating various stress-related hormonal responses. Inhaling lavender oil has also shown a dose-dependent anticonvulsant effect in rats and mice. In humans, inhaling lavender promotes relaxation and sedation, modifies EEG responses (electroencephalogram, recording brain's electrical activity), improves sleep quality and increases alertness upon waking. Studies show that intermittent exposure to lavender can increase the proportion of deep sleep and reduce cortisol levels, contributing to a calmer and more vigorous state of mind in healthy volunteers.
Usages associés
Anxiety-Reducing Effects of Lavender Essential Oil Inhalation: A Systematic Review
Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity of volunteers
Autonomic nervous function and localization of cerebral activity during lavender aromatic immersion
Effects of lavender aroma on sleep quality in healthy Japanese students
Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations
The effect of aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on serum melatonin levels
An olfactory stimulus modifies nighttime sleep in young men and women
Anxiolytic
The anxiolytic effect of lavender is supported by experimental studies. For example, lavender oil and its main constituents significantly reduced anxiety in rats, with results comparable, though less pronounced, to those of benzodiazepines. These effects have been attributed to linalool and linalyl acetate. Lavender's mechanism of action involves the inhibition of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and reduction of cortisol release, while increasing serotonin secretion by the adrenal gland, contributing to anxiety relief. Lavender's components, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, also act as sedative and anxiolytic agents by influencing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system. Research on humans inhaling lavender has shown that it can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improve mood. Lavender may enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity, potentially reducing stress response in the body. a0
Usages associés
Anxiety-Reducing Effects of Lavender Essential Oil Inhalation: A Systematic Review
Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity of volunteers
Autonomic nervous function and localization of cerebral activity during lavender aromatic immersion
Effects of lavender aroma on sleep quality in healthy Japanese students
Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations
The effect of aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on serum melatonin levels
An olfactory stimulus modifies nighttime sleep in young men and women
Dermatological effect
Lavender has beneficial effects on hair growth and wound healing. Preliminary animal and clinical research has revealed that topically applied lavender oil may accelerate healing of recurrent aphthous ulcers. This effect may be due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Lavender oil, known for its antibacterial activity, has demonstrated effectiveness in the laboratory against various pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. It also possesses antifungal properties, targeting fungi like Candida albicans by inhibiting germ formation and hyphal elongation at low concentrations, which can be useful for limiting fungal progression. Additionally, lavender oil, often used in synergy with tea tree oil, has proven effective against fungi responsible for ringworm and onychomycosis.
Screening for antifungal activity of essential oils and related compounds to control the biocontamination in libraries and archives storage areas
Analgesic
Lavender essential oil is known for its analgesic properties, which help relieve pain. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender can reduce postoperative pain and headaches, while topical application can relieve muscular and joint pain.
Usages associés
Musculoskeletal effects
Research has shown that lavender can have spasmolytic effects on smooth muscles, meaning it can help reduce muscle spasms. Laboratory studies have revealed that lavender's component, cineole, can inhibit acetylcholine-induced muscle contractions. Lavender might be useful in treating muscular pain and cramps, as well as digestive disorders such as intestinal spasms.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 12 years:
- Infusion (tea): 1.5 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of water, or 1 to 2 teaspoons of lavender flowers or leaves in a cup of boiling water, infused for 5 to 10 minutes and filtered before drinking. - Internally E.O.s: 1-4 drops (20-80 mg) on a sugar lump or neutral tablet. - External use: mix 20 drops of oil with 20 ml of a carrier oil such as almond oil. Can be applied neat to insect bites. - For the bath: 20 to 100 g of lavender flowers are generally infused in 2 L of boiling water, filtered, and then added to bath water. You can also add 5 to 7 drops to the bath and stir to mix the oil with the water. - Diffusion: use 2 to 4 drops of lavender oil in an appropriate oil diffuser or on a pillowcase to promote sleep. Lavender oil is quickly absorbed through the skin, and the components linalool and linalyl acetate have been detected in the blood 5 minutes after administration.
Child from 6 to 12 years:
Clinical studies have used lavender oil in aromatherapy with apparent safety for single doses lasting up to 2 minutes.
Interactions
Médicaments
Central nervous system depressants: weak interaction
Laboratory studies suggest lavender has sedative effects, but clinical studies on patients taking oral lavender oil at a dose of 160 mg for 10 weeks or lavender flower powder at a dose of 1 gram per day for 2 months have not reported side effects such as drowsiness, sedation, or sleepiness. However, there are still concerns that higher doses or different lavender preparations could have additive effects with central nervous system depressant drugs.
Precautions
Pregnant women: Use with caution
Initial clinical studies suggest the use of lavender essential oil during labor by inhalation does not present apparent adverse effects for newborns. However, it is important to be cautious regarding the use of essential oils during pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a physician before use.
Breastfeeding women: Use with caution
There is not enough available data. Use with caution.
