Lavender's therapeutic uses
Lavender, particularly English lavender, is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits, which span a variety of health conditions. Traditionally, lavender essential oil has been applied topically to alleviate joint pain, muscle aches, and skin issues such as acne and burns. Inhaled lavender is often used to reduce anxiety, stress, and headaches, while tinctures taken orally may provide relief for joint pain, migraines, and digestive problems. Lavender is also popular for its use in promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality, although scientific support for these effects varies. Some studies suggest that lavender aromatherapy may help reduce agitation in people with dementia and alleviate symptoms of depression. However, it is important to approach lavender with caution, as not all its proposed uses are backed by strong scientific evidence, and safety testing is limited. Topical applications are generally considered safer than internal use, which should be avoided. Despite its mixed scientific backing, lavender remains a favored herb in herbal supplements for its potential to promote well-being and calmness.
Lavender's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Insomnia, pregnancy support (pain after childbirth), wound healing, stress and anxiety, insomnia, skin health, mood
Overview
There are many plants in the lavender family, but English lavender is most commonly used medicinally. Traditionally, the essential oil of lavender was applied externally to treat joint pain, muscle aches, and various skin conditions, including insect stings, acne, eczema, and burns. Lavender essential oil was also inhaled to relieve headaches, anxiety, and stress. A tincture of lavender was taken by mouth for joint pain, depression, migraines, indigestion, and anxiety. Lavender was also used as a hair rinse and fragrance in special pillows and potpourri.
Therapeutic Dosages
When used internally, lavender tincture is taken at a dose of 2 to 4 milliliters three times a day. Lavender essential oil is used externally or by inhalation only; it should not be used internally.
Therapeutic Uses
Lavender continues to be recommended for all its traditional uses. Only a few of these uses, however, have any supporting scientific evidence, and the evidence for none of these is strong.
A few studies suggest that lavender oil, when taken by inhalation (aromatherapy), might reduce agitation in people with severe dementia. For example, in one well-designed but small study, a hospital ward was suffused with either lavender oil or water for two hours. An investigator who was unaware of the study’s design and who wore a device to block inhalation of odors entered the ward and evaluated the behavior of the fifteen residents, all of whom had dementia. The results indicated that using lavender oil aromatherapy modestly decreased agitated behavior. A somewhat less rigorous study reported similar benefits. Other studies have shown that lavender aromatherapy helps relieve depression.
A preliminary controlled trial found some evidence that lavender, administered through an oxygen face mask, reduced the need for pain medications following gastric banding surgery. A small study performed in Iran reported that oral use of lavender tincture augmented the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical treatment for depression. However, this study suffered from numerous problems, both in design and reporting and in the scientific reputation of the investigators involved.
In a controlled trial with more than six hundred participants, lavender oil in bath water failed to improve perineal pain after childbirth. One poorly designed study found weak hints that lavender might be useful for insomnia. One animal study failed to find that lavender oil enhances wound healing. Lavender is also used in combination with other essential oils.
Although scientific studies have produced mixed results, lavender remains one of the most popular herbs people choose to use as a supplement. It continues to be a key ingredient in herbal supplements, promising to promote relaxation and alleviate stress and tension. Although previously thought to have only a weak connection to alleviating insomnia, lavender may promote slow-wave sleep. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties may help with joint pain and headaches, and its antimicrobial properties could help treat acne, eczema, and minor wounds.
Safety Issues
No form of lavender has undergone comprehensive safety testing. Internal use of lavender essential oil is unsafe and should be avoided. Topical use is considered much safer. Allergic reactions are relatively common, as with all essential oils. In addition, one case suggests that a combination of lavender oil and tea tree oil applied topically caused gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) in three young boys.
A controlled study found that inhalation of lavender essential oil might impair some aspects of mental function. (Presumably, this was caused by the intended sedative effects of the treatment.) Oral use of tincture of lavender has not been associated with any severe adverse effects, but comprehensive safety testing has not been performed. Finally, the maximum safe doses of any form of lavender remain unknown for pregnant or nursing women, for young children, and for people with severe liver or kidney disease.
Bibliography
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