Lavender

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about lavender—common 

names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and 

resources for more information.

Common Names—lavender, English lavender, garden lavender

Latin Name—Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region. It was used in ancient 

Egypt as part of the process for mummifying bodies. Lavender’s use as a 

bath additive originated in Persia, Greece, and Rome. The herb’s name 

comes from the Latin lavare, which means “to wash.”

Historically, lavender was used as an antiseptic and for mental health 

purposes. Today, lavender is used as a folk or traditional remedy for

anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, headache, upset stomach, 

and hair loss.

Lavender is most commonly used in aromatherapy, in which the scent 

of the essential oil from the flowers is inhaled. The essential oil can 

also be diluted with another oil and applied to the skin. Dried 

lavender flowers can be used to make teas or liquid extracts that can 

be taken by mouth.

What the Science Says 

• There is little scientific evidence of lavender’s effectiveness for 

most health uses.

• Small studies on lavender for anxiety show mixed results.

• Some preliminary results indicate that lavender oil, combined with 

oils from other herbs, may help with hair loss from a condition 

called alopecia areata.

Side Effects and Cautions 

• Topical use of diluted lavender oil or use of lavender as 

aromatherapy is generally considered safe for most adults. 

However, applying lavender oil to the skin can cause irritation. 

There have been reports that topical use can cause breast growth in 

young boys.
• Lavender oil may be poisonous if taken by mouth.

• When lavender teas and extracts are taken by mouth, they may cause headache, changes 

in appetite, and constipation.

• Using lavender with sedative medications may increase drowsiness.

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

Henley DV, Lipson N, Korach KS, et al. Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. New England 

Journal of Medicine. 2007;356(5):479-485.

Lavender. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on 

August 4, 2009.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com

on August 3, 2009.

Lavender flower. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:226-229.

For More Information

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

NCCAM Clearinghouse

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov

NIH National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus

Lavender Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/838.html

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the 

medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to 

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of 

any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

National Institutes of Health

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

D366

Created March 2007

Updated April 2012