As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
In herbal medicine, lavender is believed to have many benefits due to its active components.
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Some of these benefits are supported by varying levels of scientific evidence.
More research is needed to prove these health claims.
The following list reviews some of the research and possible benefits of lavender.
Anxiety
One of lavender’s most popular uses is foranxiety.
However, the review pointed out potential bias and the poor design of many of the studies included.
Another systematic review and meta-analysis found that lavender aromatherapy helped reduce self-rated anxiety.
Sleep
Lavender may be a safe and effective treatment for various sleep disorders.
A small trial tested this theory over five nights on college students with self-reported poorsleep hygiene.
In some cases, sleep deprivation is brought on by mental and physical stress.
Accordingly, a pilot study from 2021 found that lavender essential oil suppressed the stress response during short-duration sleep.
This led researchers to believe that using lavender duringnapsmay provide an anti-stress effect.
Large human trials are needed to further confirm lavender’s role in sleep.
One study included people experiencing post-dural puncture headaches, a complication because of being given spinal anesthesia.
In the study, participants inhaled lavender oil or a liquid placebo for 15 minutes.
Another study was performed on people withmigraines, a pop in of severe headache.
In this trial, migraines were self-assessed at the beginning and end of three months.
Inflammation
Research has shown that lavender contains anti-inflammatory properties.
In one lab study, essential oils from lavender reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory substances in human tissue.
The main active ingredients thought to be responsible for these effects were linalool and linalyl acetate.
In the study, mice with inducededema(inflammation) received varying doses of lavender essential oil.
Low-dose lavender reduced inflammation, while high doses caused irritation.
Although we can learn from these and similar studies, human trials are needed.
More research must be done to prove that lavender can indeed reduce inflammation in humans.
Wound Healing
Lavender may helpwoundsheal faster.
A 2020 review looked at current evidence on lavender essential oil as a cost-effective option for wound healing.
By reviewing 20 studies, researchers learned that lavender oil sped up the process of wound healing.
According to the review, lavender may increase the production ofcollagen, a protein important for skin and healing.
Unfortunately, few human trials exist on this subject.
More research is needed to validate these results.
Another study by the same researchers focused specifically on COVID-related olfactory dysfunction.
Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to corroborate these preliminary findings.
Lavender is mostly thought to be safe, but side effects are possible.
It’s also possible to be allergic to lavender.
For the most part, lavender side effects are thought to be both rare and mild.
A study of over 2,000 people found just 2% of participants to have allergic contact dermatitis.
Personal care items and essential oils containing lavender were found to be the most common causes of allergic reactions.
More research is needed to determine if additional side effects are possible.
If you experience side effects when using lavender, stop taking it and talk with a healthcare provider.
Side effects should subside after stopping.
Precautions
Some people may need to limit or avoid lavender use.
Lavender may also not be appropriate for use in children.
There was a regression of breast tissue after ceasing use.
However, it is not definitively known if lavender was the cause of swelling in these cases.
More research is needed before dosage guidelines can be made for lavender.
Fifteen minutes of lavender aromatherapy inhalation has also been shown to improve headaches.
A healthcare provider can also help you determine the proper lavender dose.
Toxicity
High doses of lavender oil can be toxic if consumed.
To prevent toxicity and other adverse events, only take lavender supplements as directed.
Taking too much of anything has the potential to cause unwanted side effects.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep lavender supplements out of reach of small children and pets.
Discard lavender once it reaches its expiration date or as described on the product packaging.
Interactions
Possible interactions between lavender and other supplements, medications, or foods are not well-documented.
Regardless, interactions may be present.
There is a general concern that essential oils like lavender have the potential to interact negatively with various medications.
There also is concern that lavender may causehypotension(low blood pressure) in people taking blood pressure medications.
Be sure to disclose all medications or supplements you take to a healthcare provider before starting lavender.
Carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of your supplements to learn which ingredients are included.
Similar Supplements
Lavender may provide the same benefits as other supplements.
In fact, many supplements may work similarly to lavender.
In many cases, you should only take one supplement at a time for a health condition.
In herbal medicine, lavender is mainly used topically, as an oral supplement, or for aromatherapy.
The flowers of the lavender plant are often used for cooking.
you’re able to find lavender flowers that have been dried and crushed to make cooking easier.
Lavender flowers have been found to contain several bioactive ingredients, many of which possess antioxidant activity.
It is believed that cooking with lavender may provide health benefits.
Be sure to read the ingredients list on the supplement label so you know what you are getting.
Many lavender supplements are naturally vegan and gluten-free.
There are also manyorganiclavender products.
This information can be found on the product label.
Supplements should never delay or replace standard medical care.
Summary
Lavender is a flowering plant that has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries.
Yet, more research is needed to strengthen the many health claims surrounding lavender.
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