Lavender

Lavender

Overview:

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) is commonly known for its sweet smell that is often associated with different types of perfumes and oils. (UMMC, 2012)

Benefits:

Most of lavender’s beneficial effects come from eucalyptol. (Hajhashemi, 2000) Eucalyptol decreases the rate of central nervous system, which makes it a good drug for treating patients with Insomnia. By slowing down the central nervous system, people become more relaxed and can ultimately improve sleeping conditions. People struggling with Insomnia are recommended to spread lavender oil on their pillow before the go to sleep. Lavender along with other oils has been proven to treat patients with alopecia areata. By applying lavender over the skin, there was a drastic improvement of hair growth. (Hay, 1998)

Side Effects:

Lavender is mostly safe to use, however young males who have not reached puberty are encouraged not to use it. It has been reported that lavender interferes with the natural hormones in the body and can cause gynecomastia. (WebMD, 2011) Some other side effects have been reported with the use of anesthesia. If mixed together, the rate of the nervous system may be inhibited too much, which can cause serious problems. (WebMD, 2011).

Sources:

  • Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD, Archives Of Dermatology [Arch Dermatol], ISSN: 0003-987X, 1998 Nov; Vol. 134 (11), pp. 1349-52
  • Hajhashemi V, Ghannadi A, Sharif B. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaf extracts and essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill.
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14522434
  • WebMD. “: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings – WebMD.” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 18 July 2012.
  • UMMC, “Lavender.” University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2012.