Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
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- Head and Neck
- 4 conditions
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Overview
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis, also known as L. angustifolia) is a small, perennial shrub that can grow about 3 ft (1 m) high, characterized by its narrow, silver-green leaves and spiked violet-blue flowers. Renowned for its sweet aroma, lavender has a long history in traditional medicine for improving mood and sleep, and NCCIH says it is promoted today for calming anxiety and stress. NCCIH says studies suggest an oral lavender oil product might help anxiety, but more high-quality research is needed to reach reliable conclusions.
Traditional uses & properties
Mood and sleep (traditional use): Traditionally used to improve mood and as a sleep aid; NCCIH says evidence that oral lavender helps depression is preliminary, and it is unclear whether lavender aromatherapy helps sleep. Headache: MSK says one study showed inhaling lavender oil may reduce migraine headaches.
Safety & precautions
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingesting without professional guidance. Allergies or Skin Irritation: Possible when applied topically; discontinue if irritation occurs. Children: NCCIH notes a few reports of breast swelling in children who used lavender skin products, although it is unclear whether lavender was the cause. Pregnancy: NCCIH says little is known about whether lavender is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so seek professional advice.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to France and the western Mediterranean, lavender is cultivated worldwide - especially in sunny, well-drained soils. It’s typically propagated from seed or cuttings. The flowers are harvested in high summer, preferably in the morning when their volatile oil content is at its peak.
Sources
The interaction notes and the statements on this page that name a source were written by HerbMate from these references, which were last checked in October 2026. They are summaries, not medical advice; ask a pharmacist about your own medicines.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as follows: Mood and sleep (traditional use): Traditionally used to improve mood and as a sleep aid; NCCIH says evidence that oral lavender helps depression is preliminary, and it is unclear whether lavender aromatherapy helps sleep. Headache: MSK says one study showed inhaling lavender oil may reduce migraine headaches.
What safety cautions apply to Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)?
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingesting without professional guidance. Allergies or Skin Irritation: Possible when applied topically; discontinue if irritation occurs. Children: NCCIH notes a few reports of breast swelling in children who used lavender skin products, although it is unclear whether lavender was the cause. Pregnancy: NCCIH says little is known about whether lavender is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so seek professional advice.
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