Updated December 30, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
What Lavender Is:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English or garden lavender, is an herb native to the Mediterranean region. Historically, lavender was used to mummify bodies in Egypt, in baths in Greece and Rome, and for antiseptic and mental health purposes. Today lavender is used for relaxation, to alleviate insomnia, anxiety, and depression, as well as for physical ailments such as stomach upset and headaches.
Lavender and Social Anxiety Disorder:
No scientific studies have specifically examined the benefits lavender use for social anxiety disorder (SAD). In a 2000 systematic review of aromatherapy studies, Cook and Ernst reported that in general, aromatherapy was helpful in reducing anxiety and stress in the short-term. More research is needed to support the used of lavender for the treatment of SAD.
How to Use Lavender:
Lavender is usually used in the form of an essential oil as part of aromatherapy. The scent is inhaled, or the oil is applied to the skin. Dried lavender can also be used to make a tea or liquid extract.
Typical Lavender Use:
Lavender tea can be made by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves for 15 minutes in a cup of boiling water. In liquid extract form, no more than 60 drops of lavender should be taken in a day. Before ingesting lavender in liquid form, you should read the product label and discuss the dose with a qualified health care provider.
Who Shouldn’t Use Lavender:
There is not enough scientific evidence to safely recommend lavender for children younger than 18 years. Lavender taken by mouth has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding. If you suffer from a bleeding disorder or are taking medication that may increase bleeding, use caution when taking lavender. There are also a number of potential medication interactions that should be considered before using lavender.
Medication Interactions With Lavender:
Lavender has the potential to increase the drowsiness caused by other treatments for SAD, such as Xanax (and other benzodiazepines) and St. John's Wort (and other herbal supplements). The same effects may be seen with barbituates, narcotics, seizure medications, and alcohol. Lavender may also increase the toxicity of antidepressant medications and herbs and supplements taken for depression.
When taken with drugs such as aspirin, warfarin, ibuprofen, and naproxen lavender may increase the risk of bleeding. Check the package insert and speak with a health care professional or pharmacist about possible interactions.
Side Effects of Lavender:
Side effects are rare but may include a mild rash, sun sensitivity, and changes in skin pigmentation. Drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, and constipation are also possible. Confusion may occur after ingesting large doses of lavender or perillyl alcohol (which is derived from lavender).
Risks Associated with Lavender:
Caution should be used when driving or operating heavy machinery if lavender is combined with medications causing drowsiness. Lavender essential oil can be poisonous if taken by mouth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of herbs and supplements. Most herbs and supplements are not thoroughly tested, and there is no guarantee regarding the ingredients or safety of the products. Use of lavender over an extended period of time should be supervised by a qualified health care professional.
Sources:
Cooke B, Ernst E. Aromatherapy: A systematic review. British Journal of General Practice: 2000; 493-495.
Medline Plus. Lavender. Accessed January 11, 2010.
National Center for Complementary and Alernative Medicine. Lavender. Accessed January 11, 2010.
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