This monograph was written as part of a university assignment and is not intended for any other purpose than for that of enjoyment and interest.

 

“Being an inhabitant almost in every garden, it is so well known, that it needs no description” (Comfort, 1843).

Botanical name

Lavandula angustifolia

Common name

Lavender

Family

Lamiaceae.

Parts used 

Flowers, stems, leaves (Braun & Cohen, 2018).

Major constituents:

Coumarins (herniarin, umbelliferone and santonine), 

Tannins, triterpenes, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene) and phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid).

Volatile oil: Linalyl acetate, linalool, cineole camphor, coumarins and tannins. (Braun & Cohen, 2018).

Major actions

Sedative, anxiolytic, antimicrobial, carminative, spasmolytic, antidepressant, insect repellent, antirheumatic, antiedematogenic, antiflatulent.

Essential Oil Topically:  

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory (Braun & Cohen, 2018; Fisher, 2018).

Therapeutic Indications

Hill et al. (1755), claimed the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) to be good against disorders of the head and nerves as a tea or in a spirit.  This affinity with the nervous system becomes a common theme, yet historically Lavender had broader applications than that for which it is researched and commonly known for today.  

Comfort (1843) would utilise Lavender brandy to treat slight diarrhoea, expel wind from the stomach and to correct digestion.  Culpepper (n.d.) also used Lavender to temper and strengthen the gastrointestinal tract and “free the liver and spleen from obstructions”.  The pair used Lavender in cases of hysteric fits preceded by extreme languor, cold extremities, and distress at the pit of the stomach (anxiety) as well as in cases of the nervous system and cardiovascular distress known today as stroke, epilepsy, oedema, cramps, convulsions and muscle paralysis.

Culpepper (n.d.), acknowledging its romantic attributes, determined it could help with “tremblings and passions of the heart” and the essential oil (EO) could help with outward or inward griefs.

Remington & Woods (1918) recommended storing flowers with clothes as a moth preventative. 

Grieve (1931) heralded Lavender's aromatic, carminative and nervine properties and considered Lavender a powerful nerve stimulant and restorative, worthy against muscular spasms and colic, and topically, a powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory against toothaches, neuralgia, sprains, stiff joints and rheumatism. In cases of mental depression and delusions, the EO proved of real service.  A few drops rubbed on the temple could calm a nervous headache.  In France, in the early 1900s, it was normal for households to keep a bottle of Lavender EO as a remedy against bruises, insects, bites and aches.  

Grieve (1931) and Remington & Woods (1918), note that in the early 1900s demand for the herb was being redirected to the perfume industry.  They acknowledged the powerful antiseptic action of Lavender, highlighting Its value during World War One for swabbing battle wounds, burns and for surgical purposes.

In contemporary times a lot of the focus around Lavender has been on the sedative, anxiolytic, anti-depressant and carminative actions of the EO for aromatherapy and massage oil to induce nervous system benefits.  Lavender EO directly affects the nervous system by smell through the olfactory nerve into the brain, swiftly enhancing nerve conditions linked to headaches, restlessness, insomnia, depression, irritability, excitability and musculoskeletal conditions.  Externally the EO is effective in the treatment of myalgia, neuralgia, rheumatism, burns, insect bites and stings (Fisher, 2018; Braun and Cohen, 2018).

Lavender EO has been shown to provide the necessary uplift in mood essential for making important dietary and lifestyle changes and improves depression scores without the side-effects of prescription medication (Thomas & Pizzorno, 2012).  According to Braun & Cohen (2018) and Donelli et al. (2019), Lavender aromatherapy reduces anxiety and, improves mood, concentration and sleep, also helping induce sleep amongst those suffering from anxiety-related insomnia.  

The oral tincture, also effective for depression and anxiety, enhances the effects of the depression drug imipramine (Donelli et al., 2019).  Phenolic components of an ethanol extract of Lavender were found effective in both enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent oxidation of lipids (Atsumi & Tonosaki, 2007).

Lavender EO can relieve rheumatic and musculoskeletal pain due to its antirheumatic action.  Smelling Lavender EO intensifies free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol, protecting the body from oxidative damage and improving coronary flow velocity (Atsumi & Tonosaki, 2007; Hechtman, 2012). 

Lavender massage oil can reduce anxiety.  Application to the abdomen can improve nervous or emotional indigestion (Worwood, 2016; Donelli et al., 2019).

The constituent linalool is believed to be responsible for the carminative and antiflatulent actions that soothe indigestion, colic, dyspepsia and bloating (Braun & Cohen, 2018).

Beginning just minutes after administration, Lavender EO has powerful antimicrobial killing effects and is often combined in products as an effective treatment against lice (Murray & Pizzorno, 2013).  Head lice products containing Lavender EO are required to be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods with evidence of any claims (Therapeutic Goods Administration, 2003)).

A 2019 randomized controlled trial by Duluklu & Celik identified the EO as a simple, low-cost, easy-to-use method effective for increasing ostomy adjustment and quality-of-life levels by eliminating odours in patients with permanent colostomy bags.  Yu & Seul (2017) demonstrated that the active constituent, Linalyl Acetate, relieves pain and urinary residual sense of indwelling urinary catheters after catheter removal.

When tested on cancer patients, aromatherapy showed positive results for pain relief, anxiety and depression, improved vital signs, quality-of-life, energy and sleep levels (Farahani et al., 2019)

Cardia et al. (2018) confirmed antiedematogenic activity when used both topically and orally.  Of interest is that Culpepper used it to treat oedema over 100 years earlier.  They credit this to chemically induced changes to prostanoids, proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide and histamine.  The researchers also confirmed Grieve’s earlier statement that it can have an irritant effect at higher doses.

Lavender EO has an affinity for the skin, and according to Rai et al. (2020), much of the effectiveness is its major phytoconstituents linalool and linalyl acetate.  They offer scientific evidence for topical efficacy against psoriasis.  Further research has shown that Lavender EO can effectively heal burns and insect bites (Kazemi et al., 2020).

Safety

Confliction around internal safety of EO:  

Not safe for internal use (Fisher, 2018)

No specific reports of toxicity & no known contraindications.  Oral usage may have mild but reversible gastrointestinal symptoms (Braun & Cohen, 2018; Donelli et al. 2019; Antonelli, 2020).

Possible membrane damage if taken internally at high doses (Prashar et al, 2004).

One controversial report of three young males developing reversible gynecomastia with topical Lavender and Tea Tree EO application (Derek et al. 2007).

Potential allergies

Possible contact dermatitis from overuse of EO with the number of reported incidences increasing yearly (Gangemi et al., 2015: Coulson & Khan, 2007).

Contact allergy with the dry plant may precipitate EO allergy (Sugiura, 2001).

Lamiaceae family allergy (Fisher,2018).

Pregnancy

Safe in pregnancy (Fisher, 2018)

Caution if using EO neat (Worwood, 2016).

Prescribing

Orally:

Infusion of dried herb - 1-2gm three times per day.

Tincture 1:5(60%) - 2-4ml three times daily (Fisher, 2018).

Ethanol extract 1:1(60%) 8.4-14.7ml/week (Hechtman, 2012).

1-4 drops oil on a sugar cube once (Braun & Cohen, 2010).

Externally:

Foot-bath: A few drops of EO in 2L as required (Grieve, 1931).

Massage oil: 15 drops EO into 2 Tablespoons of carrier oil applied as needed (Worwood, 2016).

Aromatherapy: 2-4 drops in suitable oil diffuser (Braun & Cohen, 2018).

 

References

Antonelli, M., & Donelli, D. (2020). Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Aroma Massage with Lavender Essential Oil: an Overview. International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 13(1), 32–36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7043716/#b3-ijtmb-13-5

Atsumi, T., & Tonosaki, K. (2007). Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva. Psychiatry Research, 150(1), 89–96. https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1016/j.psychres.2005.12.012

Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2018). Herbs & supplements: An evidence-based guide (4th ed., Vol. 4). Elsevier.

Cardia, G. F. E., Silva-Filho, S. E., Silva, E. L., Uchida, N. S., Cavalcante, H. A. O., Cassarotti, L. L., Salvadego, V. E. C., Spironello, R. A., Bersani-Amado, C. A., & Cuman, R. K. N. (2018). Effect of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Acute Inflammatory Response. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 1(10). https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1155/2018/1413940

Comfort, J. W. (1843). The practice of medicine on Thomsonian principles. https://archive.org/details/63340900R.nim.nih.gov

Coulson, I., & Ali Khan, A. (2007). Facial ‘pillow’ dermatitis due to lavender oil allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 41(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1999.tb06244.x

Culpeper, N. (n.d.). The complete herbal. http://www.bibliomania. cm/2/1/66/113/

Donelli, D., Antonelli, M., Bellinazzi, C., Gensini, G. F., & Firenzuoli, F. (2019). Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, 65, 153099. https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153099

Duluklu, B., & Çelik, S. Ş. (2019). Effects of lavender essential oil for colorectal cancer patients with permanent colostomy on elimination of odor, quality of life, and ostomy adjustment: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 42, 90–96. https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1016/j.ejon.2019.08.001

Farahani, M. A., Afsargharehbagh, R., Marandi, F., Moradi, M., Hashemi, S. M., Moghadam, M. P., & Balouchi, A. (2019). Effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 47. https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.003

Fisher, C. (2018). Materia medica of western herbs (2nd ed.). Vitex Medica; Aeon Books.

Gangemi, S., Minciullo, P. L., Miroddi, M., Chinou, I., Calapai, G., & Schmidt, R. J. (2015). Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - part 2: Echinacea purpurea-Lavandula angustifolia. Contact Dermatitis, 72(4), 193–205. https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1111/cod.12328

Grieve, M. (1931). A modern herbal. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html

Hechtman, L. (2012). Clinical Naturopathic Medicine - E-Book: Vol. Rev. ed. Churchill Livingstone. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=518074&site=ehost-live&scope=site. Acesso em: 5 out. 2020.

Hill, J., Jeffreys, T., Johnstone, W., & Owen, W. (1755). The useful family herbal. https://archive.org/details/mobot31753000812054/page/205/mode/2up?q=lavender

Kazemi, M., Mohammadifar, M., Aghadavoud, E., Vakili, Z., Aarabi, M. H., & Talaei, S. A. (2020). Deep skin wound healing potential of lavender essential oil and licorice extract in a nanoemulsion form: Biochemical, histopathological and gene expression evidences. Journal of Tissue Viability. https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1016/j.jtv.2020.03.004

Murray, M. T., & Pizzorno, J. E. (2013). Textbook of Natural Medicine: (4th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=480941&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Prashar, A., Locke, I. C., & Evans, C. S. (2004). Cytotoxicity of lavender oil and its major components to human skin cells.  Cell Proliferation, 37(3) 221-229. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2184.2004.00307.x  

Rai, V. K., Sinha, P., Yadav, K. S., Shukla, A., Saxena, A., Bawankule, D. U., Tandon, S., Khan, F., Chanotiya, C. S., & Yadav, N. P. (2020). Anti-psoriatic effect of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and its major components linalool and linalyl acetate. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 261. https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113127

Remington, J. P., & Woods, H. C. (Eds.). (1918). The dispensatory of the United States of America (20th ed.). http://www.swsbm.com/Dispensatory/USD-1918-complete.pdf 

Sugiura, M., Hayakawa, R., Kato, Y., Sugiura, K & Hashimoto, R. (2001). Results of patch testing with lavender oil in Japan.  Contact Dermatitis, 43(3). https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2000.043003157.x 

Therapeutic Goods Administration, (2003, October). Medicines Evaluation Committee, A review of this regulation of head lice treatments in Australia https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/review-headlice-preparations-040715.pdf.

Thomas, A. T. (1852). The London dispensatory: A practical synopsis of materica medica, pharmacy and therapeutics (11th ed.). (A. B. Garrod, Ed). https://archive.org/details/londondispensatio00thom

Yu, S. H., & Seol, G. H. (2017). Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Oil and its active constituent linalyl acetate alleviate pain and urinary residual sense after colorectal cancer surgery: A randomised controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://doi-org.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au/10.1155/2017/3954181

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