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Overview: Lavender is commonly used for anxiety. It is also used for many other reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. It is available as a dietary supplement that can be swallowed and as an essential oil that may be applied to the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy. When it is swallowed, common side effects include burping, nausea, or diarrhea. When it is inhaled as aromatherapy, common side effects include cough or headache. Before using lavender, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is lavender used for?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is commonly used for anxiety. It is also used for depression, stress, and trouble sleeping, and other reasons, but its benefits for these uses are not well defined.

Lavender may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

If you are having symptoms of a mental health problem, do not try to treat these symptoms on your own. Talk to your health care provider about your treatment options.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed lavender for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here. Learn more about essential oils and aromatherapy here.

How does lavender work (mechanism of action)?

Lavender is a plant called Lavandula angustifolia. Dietary supplements containing lavender are made from the flowers of the plant. Although some dietary supplements contain dried flowers, most dietary supplements contain lavender essential oils.

Lavender essential oils are also made from lavender flowers. But the chemicals in lavender essential oils are different from those in the dried flowers. Essential oils are made by heating the flowers until chemicals called volatile aromatic compounds are released. These volatile aromatic compounds, which give the distinctive smell of lavender, are made into lavender essential oil.

Lavender essential oil is sometimes inhaled as aromatherapy. This can be done in many ways, including through a diffuser, by placing a soaked cotton swab near your collar or pillow, or even as part of a massage. The smell of lavender can be soothing for some people, which may help reduce anxiety and stress for a short time. Lavender essential oil may also help reduce anxiety in certain people when a capsule containing lavender essential oil is swallowed. But it is not clear what effects it has in the body after it is swallowed.

Herbal products, such as lavender, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific lavender product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store lavender?

You should store lavender according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lavender?

The most common side effects of lavender are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on how you are using lavender or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness
  • Burping (when swallowed)
  • Nausea or diarrhea (when swallowed)
  • Cough (when inhaled)
  • Headache (when inhaled)

There may be other side effects of lavender that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lavender?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lavender are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lavender may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using lavender and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lavender?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use lavender.

  • Lavandula angustifolia
  • Lavender
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lavender products they stock.

What should I know about lavender before using it?

Lavender is available as a dietary supplement. Lavender essential oil is available as a dietary supplement, as aromatherapy, and in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep lavender out of the reach of children. Children who have not yet entered puberty may be at a greater risk of some side effects from lavender. If your child is in this age group, talk to your health care provider about the possible risks of taking lavender or applying it to the skin.

Herbal products, such as lavender, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific lavender product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Lavender is available in many different forms, including as a liquid, a tea, and a dried ground powder found in capsules or tablets. The essential oil of lavender may be used in aromatherapy, swallowed as a capsule, or applied to the skin as part of an oil or lotion. Each of these forms contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

You should not swallow liquid forms of lavender essential oil. Liquid lavender essential oil products are not made to be taken by mouth and may upset your stomach. However, some lavender essential oil products are made to be taken by mouth (orally) because the oil is put into a capsule. If you have questions, talk with your health care provider.

The FDA has not tested lavender products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement here. There are no third-party organizations that test essential oils to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

What should I tell my health care provider before using lavender?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if lavender is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lavender may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using lavender, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lavender could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if lavender passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does lavender interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between lavender and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lavender, but drinking alcohol while using lavender may increase your risk for drowsiness.

Does lavender interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using lavender.

  • Any medicine that causes sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
  • Any other dietary supplement that may cause sleepiness

The interactions between lavender and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements and essential oils, the research on drug interactions with lavender is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using lavender with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lavender?

If you or someone else has used too much lavender, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Lavender is available in many doses and forms. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use lavender safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.