Lavender

Lavender is a flowering plant that is often used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, as a scent in various products (such as cosmetics or cleaning products), and as an aromatherapy oil. It is also claimed to be beneficial as an herbal remedy for conditions such as hair loss, insomnia, and depression. Potential side effects of lavender include increased appetite, constipation, and headaches.

 

What Is Lavender?

Lavender is a flowering plant. It is used in a wide variety of products, such as foods, cosmetics, and cleaning products. It is also used medicinally as an herbal remedy, taken orally, used as an essential oil, or applied to the skin. It is claimed to be beneficial for a variety of different conditions, such as depression, insomnia, hair loss, and nervousness.
 
(Click Benefits of Lavender for more information on what lavender is used for, including additional lavender uses.)
 

How Does Lavender Work?

It is not known exactly how lavender may work. Lavender contains several different compounds that may have medicinal properties. Some of these compounds may have sedative, anti-spasm, anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects. Some compounds in lavender may also act like estrogens. Different parts of the lavender plant may contain different active compounds.
 

Is Lavender Effective?

It is not clear whether lavender really works for most uses.
 
(Click Does Lavender Work? for more information.)
 

Lavender Dosing Information

A standard lavender "dose" has not been established for any use.
 
(Click Lavender Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Lavender

Even though it is a natural product, lavender can cause side effects, such as:
 
(Click Lavender Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Lavender

Lavender can potentially interact with a few medications (see Lavender Drug Interactions).
 

Is Lavender Safe?

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:
 
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.)
 

What If I Take a Lavender Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a lavender overdose -- or even if a lavender overdose is possible. If you think you may have taken too much lavender, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Lavender Overdose for more information.)
 

Lavender: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual lavender product for information on how to best store lavender. Keep lavender out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;