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Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender)

Herbal actions

Carminative (Fisher, 2018; Beyerl, 1984; Braun, 2015)
Analgesic (Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, 2017; Beyerl, 1984; Braun, 2015)
Nervine Relaxant/Antidepressant (Fisher, 2018; Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, 2017; Beyerl, 1984)
Sedative/Anxiolytic (Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, 2017; Braun 2015; van Wyk & Wink, 2017).
Spasmolytic (Fisher, 2018; van Wyk & Wink, 2017)
Rubefacient (Fisher, 2018; Braun, 2015)
Antirheumatic (Fisher, 2018; Braun, 2015)
Insect repellent (Fisher, 2018; Braun, 2015)
Antifungal (Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, 2017)
Aromatic (Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, 2017; Beyerl, 1984)
Antimicrobial (Braun, 2015; van Wyk & Wink, 2017)
Antineoplastic (Braun, 2015)
Antihistaminic (Braun, 2015)

Constituents

Volatile oil – containing:
linalool, linalyl acetate – give a sedative effect (Braun, 2015)
thymol, carvacrol – antimicrobial (Braun, 2015)
perillyl alcohol, D-limonene – giving potentially anticancer effects (chemotherapeutic, chemoprotective) (Braun, 2015)

lavadulyl acetate, a-terineol, geranyl acetate, borneol, acetic ester, cineol, pinene, limonene, geraniol, coumarins, tannins (Fisher, 2018; Felters, 1922; Grieve, 1931).

Part of plant used

Flowers (Fisher, 2018; Braun, 2015)
Leaves, stems (Braun, 2015)






Indications

Cardiovascular: vasospastic conditions (Fisher, 2018), coronary circulation, hypertension (Braun, 2015)

Gastrointestinal: flatulent dyspepsia, colic (Fisher, 2018; Braun, 2015), bloating (Braun, 2015)

Nervous: headaches, restlessness, irritability, excitability (Fisher, 2018), insomnia, depression (Fisher, 2018; Braun, 2015), anxiety, mood enhancement, reduced agitation in dementia patients, improved concentration, migraine headaches (Braun, 2015)

Reproductive: dysmenorrhea, PMS, perinatal discomfort following childbirth (Braun, 2015)

Topically: rheumatism, myalgia, neuralgia, burns, insect bites and stings (Fisher, 2018), alopecia (Braun, 2015)

Chronic pain reduction (Braun, 2015)

Traditional use

According to Culpeper (1835), lavender can be used in the matter of “all the griefs and pains of the head and the brain”, including falling sickness (epilepsy), apoplexy (sudden death, including strokes), dropsy, sluggish malady, cramps, convulsions, palsies, faintings, it strengthens the stomach, frees the liver and spleen from obstructions, provokes women’s courses, expels the dead child and after-birth. It can be used in combination with hore-hound, fennel, asparagus root, and cinnamon can be used as a gargle to treat toothache, the distilled water of the flowers can help with a lost voice, as well as with trembling and passions of the heart, faintings, swoonings when applied to the temples (Culpeper, 1835).

Ravaged nerves, tendencies to hysteria, emotional outbursts, calms headaches from stress and fatigue; externally used for acne and troubled skin (Beyerl, 1984).

Improved appetite, helps with bruises and bug bites, relieve headaches, support pain relief, helps with nervous palpitations (Botanical Institute, 2022).

Side effects/Toxicity

Prevalence of dermatitis and skin allergies increases with prolonged and repeated exposure (Braun, 2015).

Toxicity in humans is estimated to be approx. 350 grams of lavender oil. Safe when used appropriately (Braun, 2015).

Warnings

Can cause contact dermatitis in some people.

Internal use of essential oil can cause gastrointestinal problems (Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, 2017)

Possibly safe in pregnancy for internal use (Braun, 2015).

Energetics


Cold / Hot
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Wet / Dry
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Elements: 🜂

Planets: ☿

Tastes: relaxing, bitter, aromatic