You may already appreciate lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for its aromatic fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. However, this herb is also considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments, from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances. Recent studies bear out years of anecdotal evidence showing that lavender produces calming, soothing, and anticonvulsive effects. According to some research, lavender essential oil may be as effective as certain barbiturates in treating sleep disorders.

Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats, and it is now grown throughout southern Europe. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of 60 cm. Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with erect, rod-like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray-green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally.

The oil in the lavender plant's small, blue-violet flowers is what gives them their fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 to 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage.

The fresh or dried flowers of the lavender plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Lavender is a recognized treatment for the following conditions and symptoms:

• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Abdominal complaints
• Rheumatism
• Loss of appetite

Lavender oil may also be used externally for a variety of treatments. Aromatherapists use it as a tonic in inhalation therapy to treat nervous disorders and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections, burns, wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used externally in a healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments.

Commercial preparations are made from dried flower, dried herb, and essential oil. Lavender is available in the following forms:

• Drug
• Infusions
• Teas
• Lavender oil
• Dried flower
• Tinctures

Pediatric

• Oral use in children is not recommended.
• May be used topically in diluted concentrations to treat skin injuries and burns.
• May be used as aromatherapy for children.

Adult

The following are recommended adult doses for lavender:

• Internal use: Tea: 1 to 2 tsp whole herb per cup of water. Lavender oil: 1 to 3 drops may be taken on sugar cube (however, other authorities advise against taking lavender oil internally). Tincture (1:4): 20 to 40 drops three times a day. Inhalation: 2 to 4 drops in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water; inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia. 
• Topical external application: lavender oil is one of the few oils that can be safely applied undiluted. For ease of application, add 1 to 4 drops per tablespoon of base oil.

There are no side effects reported, although there is a slight risk of allergic reaction to lavender in certain people.

No noteworthy interactions (positive or negative) between lavender and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date.

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