What is lavender?
The use of lavender in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Lavender is also known as Lavandula angustifolia, aspic, lavandin, spike lavender, and true
lavender.
Lavender has been used for many purposes including loss of appetite, nervousness, insomnia,
acne, headaches, diabetes, rheumatic pain, nerve pain, and colds.
Lavender has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of lavender may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Lavender may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lavender?
Before taking lavender, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Lavender may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take lavender without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether lavender will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take lavender without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether lavender will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of lavender by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take lavender?
The use of lavender in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take lavender, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor,
pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of lavender with a full glass of water.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of lavender with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of lavender can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., liquids, teas, and others) of lavender at the same
time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations
together increases the risk of an overdose of lavender.
Store lavender as directed on the package. In general, lavender should be protected from light.
What happens if I miss a dose of lavender?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of lavender. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about lavender?
Your pharmacist has information about lavender written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of lavender?
Although rare, allergic reactions to lavender may occur. Stop taking lavender and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have not been reported, although they may occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about lavender?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. At
higher doses, lavender may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol while taking lavender. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by lavender.
At higher doses, lavender may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Do not take lavender with other
medications that may also cause drowsiness.
Lavender has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of lavender may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking lavender?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. At
higher doses, lavender may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol while taking lavender. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by lavender.
At higher doses, lavender may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Do not take lavender with other
medications that may also cause drowsiness.
What other drugs will affect lavender?
Avoid alcohol while taking lavender. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by lavender.
At higher doses, lavender may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Do not take lavender with other
medications that may also cause drowsiness.
Interactions between lavender and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional
before taking lavender if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of lavender?
