Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Herbs & Roots. Western & European and Dr. Sebi's list.

Also called English lavender, True lavender, Common lavender

Spanish: Lavanda

Oil toxic if swallowed

Lavender is a fragrant purple flower used as a calming tea, oil, and aromatherapy for stress and sleep.

Did you know? Lavender's name may come from the Latin 'lavare,' meaning 'to wash,' because the Romans scented their baths with it.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Stress & anxiety. Several small trials of lavender oil capsules found less anxiety, but many used the same brand.
Early proof
Sleep. Small trials of lavender scent or capsules show mixed results for sleep.
Early proof

Parts of the body

Brain & mind, Nerves & pain

Traditional use

Ancient Romans and medieval Europeans used lavender in baths, for pleasant smells, and to calm the nerves. It is a classic European herb.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Nervine, Carminative, Antispasmodic. Energy: warming.

How people take it

Dried flowers are steeped as tea. Lavender oil capsules were used in anxiety trials. Essential oil is diluted for skin use or diffused into the air.

Tea, capsule, essential oil and topical.

Where to get it

Grows in dry, sunny areas of the Mediterranean and is widely grown in gardens and farms elsewhere. Sold as dried flowers, tea, essential oil, and capsules.

Be careful

Tea is safe in normal amounts. Concentrated oil can irritate skin, and swallowing it can cause serious harm. Rare hormone-like effects were reported in young boys who used the oil on their skin.

Avoid if: pregnancy; before surgery; young boys (skin oil).

Mixing with other things

Works well together
Often combined in bedtime teas.
Works well together
Common in calming tea and aromatherapy blends.
Works well together
A common sleep combination.
Use caution
Sleep or anxiety medicine (Ambien, Xanax, Ativan)
Lavender oil capsules may add to the effect of sedatives.
Use caution
Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits)
Alcohol adds to the drowsiness.

Adds up with others that can make you drowsy: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 14 more.

Found in these formulas

Sleepy-time blend (Western), Four Thieves vinegar (Folk)

The honest take

The best lavender evidence comes from oil capsules for anxiety, with several small trials, many using one brand. Aromatherapy for sleep has mixed results. Claims that lavender heals burns or wounds are not proven, and the oil should never be swallowed.