English Lavender
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, the Arabian Peninsula, and Russia (Lavender, 2007). In ancient Rome lavender was used to scent bathwater; the name lavender comes from the Latin verb “lavare” which means “to wash” (Prusinowska & Smigielski, 2014). The aroma of lavender is popular and this evergreen plant is used in perfumes, cleaning products, and potpourri. Medicinally, lavender oil capsules are used to treat mild to severe anxiety and a few clinical studies have shown it to be similarly effective as medications commonly used to treat anxiety (Kasper et al., 2010, 2014, 2014; Uehleke et al., 2012; Woelk & Schlafke, 2010). Lavender aromatherapy is used to treat depression and some evidence has shown that it is helpful in reducing symptoms, particularly in women experiencing postpartum depression (Conrad & Adams, 2012; Kianpour et al., 2016; Xiong et al., 2018). One study has shown lavender oil, in a combination with essential oils from cedarwood, thyme, and rosemary, to be successful in improving hair growth (Hay et al., 1998).
Historical Use
Historically, the medicinal properties of lavender have been described in many herbal texts. This excerpt, from A nievve herbal, produced in 1578 by Rembert Dodoens, describes the virtues of lavender. The text indicates that lavender may be taken alone or mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to “[cure the beating of the heart.]”
Similarly, this excerpt from The Herbal by John Gerard, produced in 1633 promotes mixing lavender in compositions for “head-ace of long continuance” and promotes drinking a decoction of the husks and flowers for “cleansing and driving forth all evill and corrupt humors.”
Latest Research
- Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil for the control of dental anxiety in patients undergoing dental surgery: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial
by Liliana Argueta-Figueroa on January 19, 2026 at 11:00 amCONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that ATL could be helpful in the management of dental anxiety.
- Short- and long-term effects of inhaled lavender essential oil on anxiety, fatigue, blood pressure, and sleep quality in middle-aged adults with hypertension: A randomized placebo-controlled pilot studyby Yi-Ren Wang on November 2, 2025 at 11:00 am
CONCLUSION: Inhalation of lavender essential oil via a mask clip may serve as an effective complementary approach for improving emotional and physiological outcomes in hypertensive adults.
- Traditional Applications, Phytochemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Properties of Lavandula multifida L.: A Reviewby Mohammed Allouani on October 16, 2025 at 10:00 am
The genus Lavandula represents one of the most valuable aromatic and medicinal plants, holding significant economic importance in the pharmaceutical, food, perfumery, and cosmetics industries. Among them, L. multifida is a traditionally used medicinal plant in the Mediterranean region. This work provides a comprehensive review of L. multifida, focusing on its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. Unlike conventional lavenders, its essential oil is dominated by…
- Comparative Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy and Nature Sounds on Anxiety and Pain in Cataract Surgery Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trialby Reza Pourmohammad on October 11, 2025 at 10:00 am
CONCLUSION: Lavender aromatherapy and nature sounds effectively reduced anxiety and pain in cataract surgery patients, suggesting their potential as non-pharmacological complementary therapies.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on lavender for sleep disorders in older adultsby Mohadeseh Ostovar on October 7, 2025 at 10:00 am
CONCLUSION: Based on preliminary evidence from this review, lavender may effectively treat sleep disorders, especially in the elderly. However, more research is required to fully understand its effectiveness and safety, especially with long-term use.
References
Conrad, P., & Adams, C. (2012). The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman—A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 18(3), 164–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.05.002
Hay, I. C., Jamieson, M., & Ormerod, A. D. (1998). Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Archives of Dermatology, 134(11), 1349–1352. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.134.11.1349
Kasper, S., Gastpar, M., Muller, W. E., Volz, H.-P., Moller, H.-J., Dienel, A., & Schlafke, S. (2010). Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of “subsyndromal” anxiety disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 25(5), 277–287. https://doi.org/10.1097/YIC.0b013e32833b3242
Kasper, S., Gastpar, M., Muller, W. E., Volz, H.-P., Moller, H.-J., Schlafke, S., & Dienel, A. (2014). Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder—A randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 17(6), 859–869. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1461145714000017
Kianpour, M., Mansouri, A., Mehrabi, T., & Asghari, G. (2016). Effect of lavender scent inhalation on prevention of stress, anxiety and depression in the postpartum period. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 21(2), 197–201. https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.178248
Lavender. (2007, March 1). NCCIH. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm
Prusinowska, R., & Smigielski, K. (2014). Composition, biological properties and therapeutic effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.). A review. Herba Polonica, 60(2), 56–66.
Uehleke, B., Schaper, S., Dienel, A., Schlaefke, S., & Stange, R. (2012). Phase II trial on the effects of Silexan in patients with neurasthenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or somatization disorder. Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, 19(8–9), 665–671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2012.02.020
Woelk, H., & Schlafke, S. (2010). A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, 17(2), 94–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2009.10.006
Xiong, M., Li, Y., Tang, P., Zhang, Y., Cao, M., Ni, J., & Xing, M. (2018). Effectiveness of Aromatherapy Massage and Inhalation on Symptoms of Depression in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 24(7), 717–724. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0320
Other Resources
Natural Medicines record: Lavender (Access to UI only)
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm