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Lavender
Even though it is a natural product, lavender can cause side effects, such as:
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Increased appetite
- Skin irritation
- Breast enlargement in males.
(Click Lavender Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Lavender can potentially interact with a few medications (see Lavender Drug Interactions).
Lavender (when used in foods in normal amounts as a flavoring agent) is generally recognized to be safe. Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to lavender. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking lavender if you:
- Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Lavender and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding (see Lavender and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Lavender Safety for more information, including any available lavender warnings and precautions.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD