Lavender: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
lavandulae flos, Lavandula angustifolia
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Camphor
Linalool
Rosmarinic acid
Linalyl acetate
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
Lavender is recognized for its calming properties and is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. According to ESCOP, it is recommended for treating mood disorders such as agitation and insomnia. Studies show that lavender essential oil, notably the Silexan® formulation, can significantly improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when inhaled or taken orally. These beneficial effects on emotional state support its traditional and scientifically supported use to manage stress and promote mental well-being.
Posologie
Routes: inhalation, oral, topical
80 mg
Laseaxan®, 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 effect of lavender, particularly the lavender oil Silexan®, show promising results for anxiety management. Research, mostly conducted using Silexan® capsules dosed at 80–160 mg per day for 6 to 10 weeks, indicates a significant improvement in anxiety compared with placebo. However, small sample sizes and heterogeneity among studies limit the generalizability of these findings. Studies comparing Silexan® with conventional drugs such as lorazepam and paroxetine show similar efficacy in terms of reducing anxiety symptoms. Additionally, aromatherapy by inhalation or massage with lavender essential oil also appears to moderately reduce anxiety in chronic or situational contexts, often compared with an inactive control. Although evidence is limited regarding other oral forms of lavender administration, one study indicates that a dried lavender flower extract at 500 mg twice daily may reduce anxiety. The variable quality of research in this area highlights the need for more rigorous methodologies to confirm these effects. Combining lavender oil with other essential oils such as bergamot is also being explored, suggesting potential synergistic effects for improving anxiety and other mental health parameters. Lavender essential oil has been compared with other oils such as damask rose oil. A small randomized double-blind study concluded that damask rose aromatherapy was more effective than lavender at reducing anxiety.
Posologie
By inhalation, oral, topical
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 lavender's effects against depression shows varied but overall promising results, notably with lavender essential oil in the form of Silexan® capsules. A meta-analysis of patients with mild to severe depression indicates that lavender taken orally, whether as oil or powder, is moderately more effective than a control group in reducing symptoms of depression. The doses studied vary, including lavender powder at 1–2 g per day for 8 weeks and lavender oil at 80 mg per day for 70 days. Aromatherapy with lavender oil has also been evaluated in several studies, with a meta-analysis showing moderate effectiveness compared with various controls, although the studies are not specifically focused on depressed patients. Additionally, studies on combinations of lavender with other essential oils (bergamot, orange) or plant extracts (Cuscuta, Chinese dodder) show improvements in depressive symptoms, suggesting possible synergistic effects. For example, taking 5 ml of a syrup containing lavender flower extract and Cuscuta extract twice a day for 6 weeks appears to reduce depression to a degree similar to that of citalopram 20 mg per day, according to a small clinical study.
Posologie
By inhalation, orally, and topically
80 mg
Laseaxan®, essential oil, dry extract
Synergies
The effect of lavender herbal tea on anxiety and depression in older adults: 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 aromatherapy with lavender essential oil may alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. One study shows that inhalation of three drops of lavender oil applied to cotton for 30 minutes at the start of menstruation modestly reduced pain compared with the smell of diluted milk. nnAnother similar study reports a reduction in abdominal and back pain with inhalation of lavender oil. In addition, an abdominal massage with lavender essential oil showed a moderate reduction in pain immediately after treatment. nnIn combination, one study used topical aromatherapy in the form of abdominal massage with lavender, clary sage, and rose oils, showing a significant decrease in the severity of menstrual cramps. nn
Posologie
By inhalation, topical
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 trial examined the effectiveness of scalp massage with thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar essential oils in 86 patients with alopecia, revealing a significant improvement in hair growth after 7 months.
Posologie
Topically
essential oil
Synergies
Sleep disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Sleep disorders and insomnia can be moderately improved by lavender oil aromatherapy, although study results are mixed and improvements are often minimal. Several clinical studies suggest that lavender oil may improve sleep quality in some individuals. For example, a study of healthy students showed that a patch impregnated with lavender oil, used in addition to good sleep hygiene practices, improved self-reported sleep quality. In addition, in nursing homes, placing a few drops of lavender oil on a cushion near the bed improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue compared with 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 agitation or insomnia.
Posologie
Routes: inhalation, oral, topical
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 with controls. The study showed that out of 129 headache episodes, 92 responded fully or partially to lavender, versus 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 for 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 non-specific subacute neck pain. In addition, a small clinical study on patients with osteoarthritis found 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 with a massage using a placebo oil, and by 36% compared with no treatment. However, the beneficial effects appear to decrease after the end of treatment.
Posologie
Topical application
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 the use of lavender oil combined with tea tree oil can reduce the number of live head lice (but not the nits) compared with control. Applying this combination three times a week also appears to improve lice eradication compared with twice-weekly treatments based on pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide.
Posologie
Topical (cutaneous route)
essential oil
Synergies
A randomized, 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 legs syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Symptoms typically worsen during periods of rest or at night. Preliminary studies suggest that aromatherapy by massage with lavender oil may be beneficial for patients with restless legs syndrome, particularly those undergoing dialysis.nnSeveral small clinical trials have shown that a foot or lower-leg massage with lavender oil during hemodialysis sessions reduces the severity of restless legs syndrome by up to 45% compared with usual care, a massage without oil, or a baby oil-based placebo.nnDoses generally ranged between 10 and 15 mL of lavender oil at 1.5% or 5% for 10 to 45 minutes during three to four weeks of treatment.nnHowever, massage with lavender oil did not show a significant advantage compared with 2% glycerin oil or 1.5% sweet orange oil in reducing the severity of restless legs syndrome.nn
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 because of its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties. It reduces swelling and skin irritation, providing rapid relief. A few drops applied directly or diluted in a carrier oil effectively relieve itching and inflammation.
Posologie
Topical application
essential oil
Properties
Sedative
The sedative properties of lavender, notably its essential oil rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, are well documented across numerous studies. These components act in a dose-dependent manner, reducing caffeine-induced hyperactivity in mice and modulating various stress-related hormonal responses. Inhalation of lavender oil has also demonstrated a dose-dependent anticonvulsant effect in rats and mice. nnIn humans, inhaling lavender promotes relaxation and sedation, alters EEG responses (electroencephalogram, records the 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, thereby contributing to a calmer and more vigorous state of mind in healthy volunteers. nn
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, although less marked, to those of benzodiazepines. These effects have been attributed to linalool and linalyl acetate. The mechanism of action of lavender involves inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and reduced cortisol release and increased serotonin secretion by the adrenal gland, which helps relieve anxiety. Lavender 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 has been conducted on people who inhaled lavender, and the results have shown that this can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improve mood. Indeed, lavender may increase parasympathetic nervous system activity, which could reduce the stress response in the body.
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
Dermatologic effect
Lavender has beneficial effects on hair growth and wound healing. Preliminary animal and clinical research has shown that topically applied lavender oil may accelerate the 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 laboratory efficacy against various pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. It also has antifungal properties, acting against fungi such as Candida albicans by inhibiting germ tube formation and hyphal elongation at low concentrations, which may help limit fungal progression. In addition, lavender oil, often used in synergy with tea tree oil, has been found effective against the 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 inhalation of lavender can reduce postoperative pain and headaches, while topical application can relieve muscle and joint pain.
Usages associés
Musculoskeletal effects
Research has shown that lavender may have spasmolytic effects on smooth muscle, which means it may help reduce muscle spasms. Laboratory studies have found that lavender's component, cineole, can inhibit muscle contractions induced by acetylcholine. Lavender may be useful in treating muscle pain and cramps, as well as digestive disorders such as intestinal spasms.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults aged 12 years and older:
- Infusion (tea): 1.5 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of water, i.e. 1 to 2 teaspoons of lavender flowers or leaves in a cup of boiling water, steeped for 5 to 10 minutes and strained before drinking. - By internal use E.O.: 1-4 drops (20-80 mg) on a lump of sugar or a neutral tablet. - External use: mix 20 drops of oil with 20 ml of a carrier oil such as almond oil. Can be applied undiluted to insect bites. - For the bath: 20 to 100 g of lavender flowers are generally steeped in 2 L of boiling water, strained, then added to the bathwater. You can also add 5 to 7 drops to the bath and stir to mix the oil into the water. - Diffusion: use 2 to 4 drops of lavender oil in a suitable oil diffuser or on a pillowcase to promote sleep. Lavender oil is rapidly absorbed through the skin and the components linalool and linalyl acetate have been detected in the blood 5 minutes after administration.
Children aged 6 to 12 years:
Clinical studies have used lavender oil in aromatherapy with apparent safety for single doses for durations of up to 2 minutes
Interactions
Médicaments
Central nervous system depressants: minimal interaction
Laboratory studies suggest that lavender has sedative effects, but clinical studies in 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 did not report side effects such as drowsiness, sedation, or sleepiness. However, there remain concerns that higher doses or different lavender preparations could have additive effects with central nervous system depressant medications.
Precautions
Pregnant women: use with caution
Early clinical studies suggest that inhalation of lavender essential oil during labor does not appear to cause harmful effects in newborns. However, it is important to be cautious about using essential oils during pregnancy. Therefore, consult a physician before any use.
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
There is not enough data available. Use with caution.
