Herb library · Herb · Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender
A Mediterranean shrub used for its scent in baths, perfume, and aromatherapy, and sold as an oral supplement for anxiety. Oral lavender oil has the most study; aromatherapy evidence is unclear.
Traditional use
The name comes from the Latin lavare, to wash; the scent has long gone into bath products, perfumes, and aromatherapy. Today it is promoted as an oral supplement for anxiety and stress, for aromatherapy, and for the skin.
Traditional energetics
Galenic (hot or cold, dry or moist)
Hot and dry in the third degree. Culpeper's Complete Herbal (1814), p. 239 (opens in a new tab)
What studies show
- Limited
Anxiety: studies suggest an oral lavender oil product might help with anxiety, including anxiety with some depressive symptoms, but NCCIH notes small studies, a lack of independent funding and testing, and little participant diversity.
- Limited
Depression: small initial reports suggested oral lavender capsules or tea might reduce symptoms in some people; the research is preliminary. Lavender on the skin does not seem to help.
- Insufficient
Aromatherapy: it is unclear whether breathing lavender oil helps anxiety, stress, low mood, some pain, or sleep, though some people report better quality of life; a 2021 review of aromatherapy in general found improved sleep quality but called for more rigorous studies.
- Limited
Other uses: single preliminary studies suggested an oral lavender product might ease menopause-related sexual difficulties and a lavender syrup might reduce COVID-19 cough severity; both need more reliable evidence.
Be careful of
Cautions
- NoteFood amounts are likely safe. Oral products might be safe short term in the amounts tested; some people get diarrhea, headache, nausea, or burping. Aromatherapy is possibly safe but may cause headache or coughing.
- AllergyTopical lavender products may cause allergic skin reactions, and essential oils left on the skin for long periods can irritate it.
- ConditionA few cases of breast tissue swelling have been reported in children using topical lavender products; whether lavender was responsible is unclear.
- InteractionThere are theoretical reasons to suspect lavender might interact with sedative drugs or herbs, which matters especially before surgery.
- PregnancyLittle is known about safety in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“They have a rich, peculiar fragrance, which is retained long after drying, and a strong, bitter, aromatic, somewhat camphoraceous taste.”
Sources
- Lavender: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 15, 2026
- Sleep Disorders and Complementary Health Approaches: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 15, 2026
Reviewed September 15, 2026.