Lavender
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Aspic, Lavandula angustifolia, L. officinalis, L. spica, L. stoechas, L. dentate, L. pubescens, lavendin, spike lavender
Lavender is an aromatic evergreen shrub, native to the Mediterranean region, that reaches a height of about 3 feet. The fresh flowering tops produce small blue to purple flowers, which are harvested for their essential oils and extracts. Lavender has been used for many years in folk medicine for a variety of ailments. The volatile oil oflavender (1 % to 3%) contains more than 100 monoterpene components, up to 40% linalyl acetate and linalool, and less than 1 % camphor Several coumarins, ursolic acid, flavonoids, and tannins are also found in the plant. Monoterpenes account for the reported antiseptic actions of the oil. Linalool and linalyl acetate account for the central nervous system (CNS) depression associated with its use.
Reported uses
Lavender oil is used as a bath oil and in soaps, other bath products, cosmetics, and candles; the flowers are also added to sachets and potpourri. It’s also used as an antiseptic to treat minor scrapes, burns, and cuts. Lavender oil is also used in the topical treatment of functional circulatory disorders. When used orally, topically, or by inhalation, the oil has a calming effect and a mild sedative effect. The flowers have been used as a tea for abdominal complaints, nervous stomach, dyspepsia, Roehmheld syndrome (a rose-colored rash appearing in certain diseases), and intestinal discomfort. Lavender has also been used as a constituent in some commercial herbal antidiabetic preparations.
Administration
- Dried flowers: 20 to 100 g dried flowers added to a warm bath
- Oil: 1 to 4 drops by mouth on a sugar cube or diluted in a carrier oil (2% to 5%) as a topical massage
- Tea (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons dried flowers in 5 oz of hot water): 1 cup of tea three times a day.
Hazards
The use of lavender may be associated with CNS depression, confusion, dizziness, syncope, drowsiness, headache, and neurotoxicity. Respiratory depression and contact dermatitis may also occur. Use of lavender with CNS depressants may potentiate their effect. When lavender is used with alcohol, the patient is at increased risk of CNS depression. Because lavender has antidiabetic properties, and has been shown to lower blood sugar in animals, concomitant administration with anti diabetic medications may lead to hypoglycemia.
Pregnant patients and breast-feeding patients should avoid the use of lavender Patients with hypersensitivity to aven er should avoid its use.
Clinical considerations
- Advise patient about lavender’s drug interactions.
- Monitor patient for an allergic reaction.
- Warn patient to avoid hazardous activities while taking lavender owing to its CNS depressant effects.
- Advise patient to store lavender away from heat and light.
- Warn patient to keep lavender away from pets and children.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult with his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Safety Risk Don’t confuse true lavender oil with lavendin or spike lavender; the latter two have high levels of camphor and may elicit neurotoxicity.
