Lavender 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb lavender—common 

names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. 

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.” 

Common Names—lavender, English lavender, garden lavender

Latin Name—Lavandula angustifolia

What It Is Used For 

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

• Today, the herb is used for conditions such as anxiety, restlessness, 

insomnia, and depression. 

• Lavender is also used for headache, upset stomach, and hair loss. 

How It Is Used 

• 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. 

• 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 your health care providers about any complementary and alternative 

practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your 

health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
D366 

Created March 2007 

Updated March 2008 

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Sources 

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

December 28, 2006. 

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

http://www.naturalstandard.com on December 28, 2006. 

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: 

• What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

• Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

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 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

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

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 

Lavender and Tea Tree Oils May Cause Breast Growth in Boys at www.niehs.nih.gov/oc/news/01312007oils.htm 

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 

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services