Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula) Benefits, How to Use & Side Effects

Lavender essential oil has been used in traditional medicine for its relaxing and mood-lifting properties.

It is used in aromatherapy to promote stress relief, anti-anxiety effects, restful sleep and to combat feelings of irritable moods. It is said to clear the mind and to alleviate migraines and headaches.

According to Dr. Mercola, lavender oil is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. Applied topically to the skin, this essential oil is used to promote circulation and reduce muscle tension.

It has also been seen to induce analgesic (pain-relieving), antidepressant, hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering), antispasmodic, sedative, and detoxifying properties. [1]

Lavender essential oil is used as an ingredient in topical skin creams, shampoos, facial soaps, exfoliating lotions, candles, lip balms, bath oils, bug sprays, natural antiperspirants and more.

Lavender Oil

Essential Oil

Relax- ation

Sleep

Mood

How It Works:

• Calming essential oil to promote relaxation
• Supports mood, pain relief & restful sleep
• Used to cleanse cuts, bruises & skin irritations

Dosage:

2 - 4 drops for aromatherapy

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Lavender Essential Oil

In botany, there are 47 species of the Lavandula (lavender) genus, from the Lamiaceae (mint, deadnettle) family.

Lavender is native to northern Africa, Russia, the Arabian peninsula, and mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Today it also grows widely throughout Europe, Australia and the Americas. [3]

Lavender plants are harvested in midsummer and left to dry for a few days to enhance their aroma. The essential oil is made by steam or CO2 distillation of the dried flowers. [7] BOOK

The oil has been used as in various traditional medicines for thousands of years. Ancient Romans, Greeks, and Persians were known to burn this plant in the rooms of sick people. [7]

Today this essential oil is used orally, topically, and as aromatherapy for various purposes including pain, anxiety, nervousness, depression, canker sores, and much more.

Scientific research on lavender has investigated possible anticancer, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and several other effects.

Preliminary evidence has shown promising results in various conditions and more research trials are on-going. [1, 2]

This article explores how lavender oil works in the body, common uses, possible health benefits, safety and side effects, and possible interactions of this essential oil.

How does Lavender Oil Work?

Lavender oil is said to have a mildly-earthy, sweet, flowery scent and taste. Its color varies between colorless, light yellow, and yellow/green. [3]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that lavender oil is chemically complex, containing more than 100 active constituents including:

• Linalool
• Perillyl Alcohol (POH)
• Linalyl Acetate
• Camphor
• Limonene
• Tannins
• Triterpenes
• Coumarins [2]

According to Dr. Mercola this essential oil contains aromatic esters which are known to possess antispasmodic, stimulating, and calming properties. He says the chief botanical constituents of the oil are linalyl acetate, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor. [1]

Dr. Mercola states that other oil constituents are believed to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. These include lavandulyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, cis-ocimene, limonene, and geraniol. [1]

The NMCD reports other properties and some of its proposed mechanisms of physiological action which are discussed in detail below.

Some of these effects have only been observed in in vitro (cultured cell) and animal research studies, while others have also been seen in human research.

Effects seen only in in vitro and animal studies need to be validated with human research to determine if similar benefits are observed.

Even in cases where effects have been studied in humans, the number of clinical trials showing these various effects is often limited and more research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms of action in humans.

Analgesic Effects

Multiple human studies have found that lavender oil has analgesic effects and may reduce pain.

Pain associated with wound dressing changes, needle insertion, and canker sores, as well as post Caesarean section pain have all been seen to be reduced using aromatherapy. Topical application of the oil has been seen to reduce episiotomy pain. [2]

Antianxiety Effects

In animal research, lavender oil aromatherapy reduced anxiety levels in rats with experimentally-induced anxiety. [2]

In a clinical study it was seen that in both men and women the scent of lavender resulted in increased vigor/activity scores, as well as decreased tension/anxiety and confusion/bewilderment scores, relative to the effects of the scent of rosemary. [2]

Antibacterial Effects

In vitro studies have shown that lavender oil extracted from L. angustifolia and L. latifolia acts as an antibacterial agent against multiple strains of nontuberculous mycobacteria.

These oils have also been observed to work against both vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). [2]

Anticancer Effects

Some active constituents in lavender have induced anticancer effects in in vitro and animal studies. For instance, perillyl alcohol (POH) and limonene both have demonstrated antiproliferative effects on cultures of smooth muscle cells. [2]

Both of these constituents also have inhibited tumor growth in rats. This seems to occur due to promoting apoptosis (scheduled cell death) and blocking initiation. [2]

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Human research has shown that lavender essential oil treatment topically can decrease ulceration, inflammation, pain, and healing time in those with aphthous ulcers (canker sores). [2]

Antioxidant Effects

In vitro studies have shown that a constituent of the oil called caffeic acid possesses antioxidant effects.

In one study, essential oils of L. angustifolia and Mentha piperita slowed lipid peroxidation by inhibiting thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). [2]

Some animal research has also shown antioxidant effects in vivo (in a living organism). One study found that subcutaneous injections of the oil significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced lipid peroxidation. [6]

Canker Sores

Animal research has shown that lavender oil accelerates mucosal repair, and reduces the size of aphthous ulcers (canker sores). In rats with recurrent aphthous ulcerations, healing effects were generally noted within 72 hours. [2]

In one human study, the essential oil decreased swelling, redness, pain, ulcer size, and healing times in those with recurrent canker sores. [2]

Cardiovascular Effects

Electrocardiographic monitoring showed that the scent of lavender increased parasympathetic nervous system activity rates in women (associated with rest and relaxation).

Women also experienced reduced blood pressure with oil massage and aromatherapy. In another human study, lavender injections reduced heart rate. [2]

A lavender constituent called cineole has been observed to have hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering) effects.

Cineole is a cyclic monoterpene that has lowered cholesterol in studies in rats. It does so by slowing down activities of a rate-controlling enzyme of the mevalonate pathway called HMG-CoA reductase. [2]

Lavender oil may also affect cholesterol levels because of its POH constituent, which has been shown to slow down the conversion of a cholesterol precursor called lathosterol to cholesterol. [2]

Effects on Head Lice

Human research has shown that lavender oil combined with melaleuca oil was highly effective against head lice in the crawling stage. This oil combination demonstrated a 44.4% ovicidal (egg-killing) efficacy on head lice as well. [2]

Neurological Effects

Certain constituents in this plant are known to affect the central nervous system (CNS).

Smelling lavender oil stimulates both arousal and relaxation of various brain sections in women as measured by electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. [2]

Other human research has shown that inhaling lavender oil either alone or with bergamot oil can decrease subjective behavior arousal and autonomic arousal.

This is marked by lower blood pressure, skin temperature, and heart rate as well as an alpha-to-theta brain activity shift. [2]

The linalool constituent has been observed to reduce motor activities in mice. This occurs due to linalool binding to a primary excitatory brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called glutamate. [2]

The linalool component is also believed to increase activation of receptors for another neurotransmitter called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), possibly inducing anticonvulsant and hypnotic effects. [2]

Sedative Effects

In one study with healthy people, the smell of lavender before bed increased the percentage of slow-wave sleep in women and men. It also positively affected light sleep, REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and length of sleep periods in women. [2]

In another human study, administration of lozenges containing lavender oil along with oat extract, lemon balm, and hops altered brain activities by increasing attentiveness and relaxation. [2]

Other human research has shown the oil to decrease sleepiness after waking from sleep. [2]

Historical Uses for Lavender Oil

For more than 2500 years, lavender oil has been used medicinally and cosmetically. In the past, plant parts and oils were used:

• In Medieval and Renaissance Europe on castle floors as a disinfectant/deodorant
• By Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Arabians as perfume, and for mummification
• During the 17th century Great Plague as protection from the Black Death
• By Greeks, Persians, and Romans as a skin purifier in bath water [2]

Today, this herbaceous plant is cultivated worldwide, largely because of its essential oils. Lavender volatile oils are used in detergents, cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, soaps, powders, candles, massage oils, jellies, baked goods and teas. [2, 3]

Lavender flowers are commonly used in crafts, home decor, and potpourris, as well as for making non-toxic solutions to clean and disinfect the home. [1]

Common Therapeutic Uses for Lavender Oil

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that lavender essential oils and plant parts are used orally (by the mouth) for various purposes including:

• Acne
• Cancer
• Depression
• Flatulence
• Giddiness
• Inflamed joints
• Insomnia
• Migraine headaches
• Nervousness
• Neuralgia (nerve pain)
• Promote menstruation
• Restlessness
• Sores
• Sprains
• Toothache
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

Extracts from this flower are also applied topically for mood, circulation disorders, alleviating pain, and for an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss called alopecia areata. Topical application of the oil is also used as an insect repellent and for lice. [3]

In aromatherapy, lavender oil is vaporized and inhaled for stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. It is also used in aromatherapy to ease pain and reduce agitation, especially agitation related to dementia.

Dr. Joseph Mercola states that lavender oil can be used in aromatherapy in the following ways:

• Soaked into a hot, wet towel and used as a compress for sprains and other injuries
• Added to hot water and inhaled in steam to ease pain and improve sleep
• Added to bathwater to relieve stress and achy muscles
• As a massage oil to ease joint/muscle soreness [1]

Dr. Mercola also says that a couple drops of this oil can be placed in a large container of warm water for soaking sore hands and feet in. [1]

Lavender Oil Health Benefits

The NMCD rates lavender oil as Possibly Effective for alopecia areata, anxiety, canker sores, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), fall prevention, and postoperative pain. [2]

Promising results have been seen in clinical trials using the essential oil for colic, dementia, depression, hypertension (high blood pressure), insomnia, labor pain, lice, migraine headache, pain, stress, and psychological well-being. [2]

At this time, the research on these conditions is limited and more research needs to be done to determine the therapeutic efficacy for these and other uses.

The FDA has not approved lavender oil as a drug to prevent or treat any medical conditions.

Anxiety

Lavender oil is commonly used orally and in aromatherapy for symptoms of anxiety, and some clinical research has shown benefits using it as a treatment.

Clinical research has shown that taking a specific lavender oil product called Silexan (80 mg), daily for between 6 and 10 weeks improves sleep scores, remission rates, and anxiety in patients with mild-to-severe anxiety.

In one study, lavender oil improved anxiety remission rates by 42%, compared to baseline levels. [2]

Another study showed that oral use of 80 mg/day for 6 weeks improved sleep, remissions, and anxiety, but not as effectively as a benzodiazepine drug called Ativan (lorazepam). [2]

The effects of using lavender aromatherapy for anxiety are not yet well understood. The evidence is limited and sometimes conflicting.

Some preliminary evidence suggests that combining lavender and rose oil in aromatherapy reduces anxiety scores in women with postpartum anxiety compared to women with postpartum anxiety that received no treatment. [2]

However, other evidence suggests that using this essential oil in aromatherapy massage does not improve anxiety scores in advanced cancer patients compared to those receiving the same treatment with an inert oil. [2]

More clinical research is needed to understand if and how lavender oil may help to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, lengthen anxiety remission periods, or affect other related symptoms.

Alopecia Areata

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), “Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune skin disease, causing hair loss on the scalp, face and sometimes on other areas of the body.” [5]

According to the NMCD there is some evidence that supports using lavender oil topically for alopecia areata.

One study observed that combining lavender oil with essential oils of cedarwood, rosemary, and thyme improved hair growth by 44% in 7 months. [2]

More research is still needed to determine the effects this essential oil may have on alopecia areata and hair growth.

Additional Benefits

In addition to anxiety and alopecia, the NMCD has also rated lavender oil as Possibly Effective for canker sores, postoperative pain, and preventing falls.

Preliminary clinical research suggests that applying the oil directly to canker sores improves healing times.

In one placebo-controlled study, 2 drops to the affected area, 3 times each day, seemed to improve healing times and reduce swelling, redness, pain and size of canker sores. [2]

The NMCD states that using the oil in face mask inhalers, as an adjunct therapy to prescribed analgesic drugs, has been seen in research to improve post-Caesarean section pain scores. [2]

One study suggested that applying lavender essential oil to a pad placed around the neckline of clothing for one year helped to prevent falls in nursing home residents.

The risk of fall was reduced by 43% and the number of falls person was reduced by 49% compared to a placebo group. [2]

Lavender Oil Supplements

WebMD states that there are 386 natural health products that contain lavender.

While L. angustifolia is used most commonly in supplement manufacturing, other Lavandula species are used to lesser degrees. Some of these include L. burnamii, L. dentate, L. dhofarensis, L. latifolia, and L. stoechas. [4]

As an oral supplement, lavender is available as capsules, tablets, liquid drops, and in tea bags.

There are some essential oil formulations that state they are therapeutic grade and can be ingested. It is normally recommended to dilute a dosage in water instead of taking it straight.

When shopping for oral supplements, it is important to be mindful of product quality, and manufacturer reputation.

Try to find organic, non-GMO supplements that are offered from trusted manufacturers and distributors. Oils to be taken orally should be labeled as therapeutic grade and safe to ingest.

Lavender oil is also available as an essential oil intended for topical and aromatherapy use. These oils will typically be labelled as for external use only, and should not be ingested.

Recommended Usage

Lavender oil products are from different plant sources with different amounts of bioactive constituents.

The NMCD reports that “In most research, lavender oil is not standardized to specific constituents.” [2]

Some studies have used proprietary oil capsules (Silexan) that are standardized to contain 70% linalool and linalyl acetate. These capsules come in 80 or 160 mg dosages. [2]

Some oral dosages that have been used in research include 80-160 mg per day of the Silexan capsules for 6-10 weeks for anxiety, and 80 mg of the Silexan capsules daily for 6 weeks for depression.

A lavender tincture containing 60 drops of oil taken daily for 4 weeks has also been used for depression.

When used as inhalation aromatherapy, the following dosages have been studied:

• Anxiety/Depression: 8 drops on a cotton pad, inhaled for 15 minutes twice weekly
• Dementia: 2 drops in a diffuser nightly at bedtime for 3 weeks
• Dysmenorrhea: 3 drops to piece of cotton, inhaled every six hours for first 3 days of menstruation
• Migraines: 2-3 drops rubbed on upper lip and inhaled for 15 minutes
• Pain: 10% lavender oil inhaled from heat lamp [2]

For aromatherapy purposes, most manufacturers recommend using a few drops in a diffuser or oil burner. When used topically it is generally recommended to dilute in a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

You should discuss the best dosage of lavender essential oil for your needs with your doctor or a professional herbalist.

Safety and Side Effects

The NMCD reports that lavender has been given GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status by the FDA for use in foods. The NMCD has rated it as Likely Safe in oral amounts commonly found in the diet. [2]

Lavender is rated as Possibly Safe when used orally and appropriately in larger amounts. Capsules containing 80 mg have been used orally daily for up to 10 weeks without causing any side effects. [2]

Lavender oil is rated as Possibly Safe when used topically and appropriately, and when used as part of aromatherapy for up to 10 weeks of daily use. [2]

This essential oil is rated as Possibly Unsafe in children. Some evidence suggests that it can cause gynecomastia (breast development) in prepubescent boys. Usage in children is not recommended. [2]

There is not enough evidence available to rate the safety of this essential oil in pregnant or nursing women. Usage should be avoided in these groups until more research has been done.

In appropriate doses, lavender oil is typically well-tolerated by most people when used orally, topically, or in aromatherapy.

When used orally the most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, breath odor, and flatulence. [3]

When used topically this essential oil can cause contact dermatitis, especially when not diluted, or diluted improperly.

You should discuss all possible side effects of lavender with a health professional before beginning to use a supplement or natural health product that contains this ingredient.

Drug and Supplement Interactions

Lavender essential oil products may interact with certain medications, supplements, herbs, and health conditions.

Some drugs that it may interact with include:

• Antihypertensive drugs, used for lowering blood pressure
• Barbiturate drugs such as phenobarbital (Luminal)
• Benzodiazepines
• Chloral hydrate
• CNS depressants
• Pentobarbital [2]

This oil may interact with supplements and herbs with blood pressure-lowering effects including fish oil, lycium, L-arginine, coenzyme Q10, stinging nettle, L-theanine, casein peptides, andrographis, and cat’s claw. [4]

It may also interact with supplements and herbs with sedative effects including St. John’s wort, yerba mansa, skullcap, Jamaican dogwood, catnip, 5-HTP, hops, valerian, calamus, kava, cannabis, and poppy. [4]

It is recommended to stop using any lavender products at least 2 weeks prior to a surgery due to central nervous system depressant effects.

It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning to use lavender essential oil to determine whether this product is appropriate for you.

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