Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Research

Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia

Family: Lamiaceae

Lavender has been well researched for its calming action and ability to reduce insomnia.  It can also be applied topically to help with pain, inflammation, and itching, and has antimicrobial and insect repelling action.

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

• Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy Science: A guide for healthcare professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
• Peace Rhind, J.  (2012). Essential oils.  A handbook for aromatherapy practice.  Singing Drangon.  London.
• Natural Medicines (2018).  Lavender Monograph.  Retrieved in July, 2018.  Retrieved from:  https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=838
• Petersen, D. (2015). Aromatherapy materia medica.  Essential oil monographs.  American College of Healthcare Sciences.
• WebMD. (n.d.). Lavender.  Retrieved in February, 2016.  Retrieved from www.webmd.com
• In this review of lavender essential oil, studies have shown the following actions: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, preservative, antimicrobial, insect repelling, and wound healing. From: Wells, R., Truong, F., Adal, A. M., Sarker, L. S., & Mahmoud, S. S. (2018). Lavandula Essential Oils: A Current Review of Applications in Medicinal, Food, and Cosmetic Industries of Lavender. Natural Product Communications, 13(10), 1934578X1801301038.

SAFETY / QUALITY

• Lavender oil may be adultered with the cheaper lavandin (Lis-Balchin, 2006).
• Linalool and camphor are the toxic components (Petersen, 2015).
• Lavender may be unsafe for pre-puberty boys by having a hormonal affect and possibly promoting breast growth (Henley, Lipson, Korach, & Bloch, 2007).
• Lavender and tea tree oil in excessive amounts may have a gynocomastic effect in prepuberty boys due to estrogen enhancing constituents.  From:  Henley, D. V., Lipson, N., Korach, K. S., & Bloch, C. A. (2007). Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(5), 479-485.
• Lavender may interfere with anesthesia; discontinue use two weeks before surgery (WebMD, n.d.).
• Lavender may increase drowsiness and interfere with certain medications, including blood thinners, cholesterol lowering medications, and sedatives.  A safe amount to ingest for children and during pregnancy and lactation has not been determined (Natural Medicines).

ANALGESIC / ANTINOCICEPTIVE / PAIN REDUCING

• In a double-blind study of 46 diabetic patients with neuropathic pain, receiving an aromatherapy massage three times a week for 4 weeks reduced pain.  Essential oils used included: rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile.  From:  Gok Metin, Z., Arikan Donmez, A., Izgu, N., Ozdemir, L., & Arslan, I. E. (2017). Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(4), 379-388.
• The essential oils of bergamot (Citrus bergamia, Risso) clary sage (Salvia sclarea), thyme (linalool chemotype of Thymus vulgaris), lavender (Lavandula hybrida reydovan and Lavandula angustifolia) had antinociceptive effects on the mouse hindpaw.  From:  Sakurada, T., Kuwahata, H., Katsuyama, S., Komatsu, T., Morrone, L. A., Corasaniti, M. T., … & Sakurada, S. (2009). Intraplantar Injection Of Bergamot Essential Oil Into The Mouse Hindpaw: Effects On Capsaicin‐Induced Nociceptive Behaviors. International Review of Neurobiology, 85, 237-248.
• Aromatherapy with a diluted lavender and bergamot spray reduced pain, stress, depression and anxiety in a 4-week study of 84 older people with chronic pain.  From:  Tang, S. K., & Tse, M. Y. (2014). Aromatherapy: does it help to relieve pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in community-dwelling older persons? BioMed research international, 2014. Read more…
  
• This study of 120 women in labor demonstrated that the group that received aromatherapy with essential oils of either rose and/or lavender had reduced pain compared to the control group.  From:  Chughtai, A., Navaee, M., Alijanvand, M. H., & Yaghoubinia, F. (2018). Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy with Essential Oils of Rosa damascena and Lavender Alone and in Combination on Severity of Pain in the First Phase of Labor in Primiparous Women. Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences, 5(4), 312-319. Read more…
• In a randomized clinical trial of 150 children ages 8-12, groups who received aromatherapy of lavender or sweet orange via a nebulizing diffuser or inhaler demonstrated less pain and anxiety associated with dental procedures.  From: Nirmala, K., & Kamatham, R. (2021). Effect of Aromatherapy on Dental Anxiety and Pain in Children Undergoing Local Anesthetic Administrations: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 10(3), 111.
• Lavender aromatherapy reduced the demand for opioids after gastric band surgery in 54 overweight patients.  From:  Kim, J. T., Ren, C. J., Fielding, G. A., Pitti, A., Kasumi, T., Wajda, M., … & Bekker, A. (2007). Treatment with lavender aromatherapy in the post-anesthesia care unit reduces opioid requirements of morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Obesity surgery, 17(7), 920-925.  Read more…
• Essential oil of L. angustifolia, linalyl acetate and linalool had a local anaesthetic effect in rats. From:  Ghelardini, C., Galeotti, N., Salvatore, G., & Mazzanti, G. (1999). Local anaesthetic activity of the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia. Planta medica, 65(08), 700-703.
• In a randomized, controlled, blinded study of 94 children pre-anesthesia, the group who received the aroma of lavender and ginger provided comfort with less noticeable distress.  From: Nord, D., & Belew, J. (2009). Effectiveness of the essential oils lavender and ginger in promoting children’s comfort in a perianesthesia setting. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 24(5), 307-312.
• Lavender aromatherapy may be a useful conjunctive treatment of pain for post-cesarean women.  From:  Hadi, N., & Hanid, A. A. (2011). Lavender essence for post-cesarean pain. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 14(11), 664.
• In a study of 60 participants with neck pain, a blend of black pepper, lavender, peppermint, and marjoram essential oil in an 3% dilution applied topically helped reduce pain and improve range of motion compared to the placebo.  From:  Ou, M. C., Lee, Y. F., Li, C. C., & Wu, S. K. (2014). The effectiveness of essential oils for patients with neck pain: A randomized controlled study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(10), 771-779.  Read more:  Link
• Lavender odor reduced pain intensity during dressing changes of wounds in humans.  From:  Kane, F. M., Brodie, E. E., Coull, A., Coyne, L., Howd, A., Milne, A., … & Robbins, R. (2004). The analgesic effect of odour and music upon dressing change. British journal of nursing, 13(19).
• Inhalation of lavender essential oil may reduce migraine headaches. From:  Sasannejad, P., Saeedi, M., Shoeibi, A., Gorji, A., Abbasi, M., & Foroughipour, M. (2012). Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial. European neurology, 67(5), 288-291.
• Lavender oil was effective in reducing perineal discomfort following episiotomy. From:  Sheikhan, F., Jahdi, F., Khoei, E. M., Shamsalizadeh, N., Sheikhan, M., & Haghani, H. (2012). Episiotomy pain relief: Use of Lavender oil essence in primiparous Iranian women. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 18(1), 66-70.
• Eight sessions of acupressure over three weeks with aromatic lavender oil reduced neck pain.  From:  Yip, Y. B., & Tse, S. H. M. (2006). An experimental study on the effectiveness of acupressure with aromatic lavender essential oil for sub-acute, non-specific neck pain in Hong Kong. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 12(1), 18-26.  Read more…
• Acupressure using lavender, rosemary, and peppermint  was more effective than just acupressure alone in relieving shoulder pain in stroke patients.  From:  Shin, B. C., & Lee, M. S. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy acupressure on hemiplegic shoulder pain and motor power in stroke patients: a pilot study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(2), 247-252.
• Naturopathic ear drops containing allium sativum, verbascum thapsus, calendula flores, hypericum perfoliatum, lavender, and vitamin E in olive oil reduced ear pain in a double blind study of children.  From:  Sarrell, E. M., Cohen, H. A., & Kahan, E. (2003). Naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children. Pediatrics, 111(5), e574-e579.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

• Linalool and linalyl acetate were anti-inflammatory in rats.  From:  Peana, A. T., D’Aquila, P. S., Panin, F., Serra, G., Pippia, P., & Moretti, M. D. L. (2002). Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine, 9(8), 721-726.
• Lavender had an anti-inflammatory effect on rat paw edema.  From:  Hajhashemi, V., Ghannadi, A., & Sharif, B. (2003). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaf extracts and essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 89(1), 67-71.
• Lavender showed anti-inflammatory action in paw and ear in vivo.  From:  Cardia, G. F. E., Silva-Filho, S. E., Silva, E. L., Uchida, N. S., Cavalcante, H. A. O., Cassarotti, L. L., … & Cuman, R. K. N. (2018). Effect of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Acute Inflammatory Response. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018.
• In vitro and in vivo studies show a dressing infused with lavender essential oil was anti-inflammatory and promoted burn wound healing.  From:  Hajiali, H., Summa, M., Russo, D., Armirotti, A., Brunetti, V., Bertorelli, R., … & Mele, E. (2016). Alginate–lavender nanofibers with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity to effectively promote burn healing. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 4(9), 1686-1695.

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIFUNGAL / ANTIBACTERAIL / ANTIVIRAL

• The use of plant essential oils against antibiotic resistant microbes is discussed. Key essential oils include basil, cilantro, coriander, cinnamon, clove, curry, garlic, helichrysum, lavender, lemongrass, oregano, peppermint, and tea tree. From: Yang, S. K., Low, L. Y., Yap, P. S. X., Yusoff, K., Mai, C. W., Lai, K. S., & Lim, S. H. E. (2018). Plant-Derived Antimicrobials: Insights into Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance. Records of Natural Products, 12(4).
• Cinnamon, lemon thyme, thyme, honey myrtle, lavender, and fragonia demonstrated varying degrees of antibacterial activity against multiple tested pathogens. From: Durmic, Z., McSweeney, C. S., Kemp, G. W., Hutton, P., Wallace, R. J., & Vercoe, P. E. (2008). Australian plants with potential to inhibit bacteria and processes involved in ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 145(1-4), 271-284.
• Thymus fontanessi (thyme), Origanum glandulosum (oregano), Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal), and Lavandula stoechas (lavender) were antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA). Carvacrol, thymol, pulegone, fenchone, and camphor were the strongest constituents.  From:  Bekka-Hadji, F., Bombarda, I., & Touati, A. (2016). Antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of five essential oils from Algerian medicinal plants (Lamiaceae). Journal of Essential Oil Research, 1-10.
• Oregano, spearmint, lavender, and sage essential oils and the constituents of carvacrol and thymol exhibited antifungal properties against the human pathogens Malassezia furfur, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichosporon beigelii. From:  Adam, K., Sivropoulou, A., Kokkini, S., Lanaras, T., & Arsenakis, M. (1998). Antifungal activities of Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Mentha spicata, Lavandula angustifolia, and Salvia fruticosa essential oils against human pathogenic fungi. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 46(5), 1739-1745.
• Lavandula officinalis, Melissa officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis showed varying amounts of antimicrobial activity on the microbes tested.  From:  Larrondo, J. V., Agut, M., & Calvo-Torras, M. A. (1994). Antimicrobial activity of essences from labiates. Microbios, 82(332), 171-172.
• Antimicrobial activities of lavender, thyme, peppermint, cajeput, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, sage, and tea tree were summarized.  From:  Wińska, K., Mączka, W., Łyczko, J., Grabarczyk, M., Czubaszek, A., & Szumny, A. (2019). Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative? Molecules, 24(11), 2130.
• Tea tree, lavender, mint, thyme, and juniper showed varying degrees of in-vitro action against S. aureus.  From:  Nelson, R. R. (1997). In-vitro activities of five plant essential oils against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 40(2), 305-306.
• In a study of 30 different vaginal isolated strains of C. albicans to twelve essential oils, compared to the three of the mainly used drugs (clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole), mint, basil, lavender, tea tree oil, winter savory and oregano essential oils inhibited both the growth and the activity of C. albicans more efficiently than clotrimazole.  From:  Bona, E., Cantamessa, S., Pavan, M., Novello, G., Massa, N., Rocchetti, A., … & Gamalero, E. (2016). Sensitivity of Candida albicans to essential oils: are they an alternative to antifungal agents? Journal of Applied Microbiology.
• Oregano (Origanum syriacum), thyme (Thymbra spicata), lavender (Lavandula stoechas), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and laurel (Laurus nobilis), inhibited growth of tomatoe fungus.  From:  Soylu, E. M., Soylu, S., & Kurt, S. (2006). Antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of various plants against tomato late blight disease agent Phytophthora infestans. Mycopathologia, 161(2), 119-128.
• Lavender and tea tree showed antifungal activity against T. rubrum.  From:  Cassella, J. P., Cassella, S., Ashford, R., & Siddals, E. (2001). Antifungal activity of tea tree and lavender essential oils in the treatment of Trichophyton rubrum infection. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 6(1), 74-74.
• At high doses and undiluted, coriander, fennel, peppermint, dill, fir, juniper, rosemary, and lavender were active against E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida albicans.  From:   Şerban, E. S., Ionescu, M. I. H. A. E. L. A., Matinca, D. O. I. N. A., Maier, C. S., & Bojiţă, M. T. (2011). Screening of the antibacterial and antifungal activity of eight volatile essential oils. Farmacia, 59(3), 440-446.
• The following commercially bought oils showed antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogens:  patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), geranium (Geranium maculatum), sandalwood (Santalum album), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavendula officinalis).   From:  Maudsley, F., & Kerr, K. G. (1999). Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Supportive care in cancer, 7(2), 100-102
• Lemongrass, palmarosa, lavender and rose scented geranium showed in vitro activity against pathogenic vaginal microorganisms.  From:  Schwiertz, A., Duttke, C., Hild, J., & Mueller, H. J. (2006). In vitro activity of essential oils on microorganisms isolated from vaginal infections. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(3), 169-174.
• Lavender oil was antifungal against Candida albicans.  From:  D’auria, F. D., Tecca, M., Strippoli, V., Salvatore, G., Battinelli, L., & Mazzanti, G. (2005). Antifungal activity of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil against Candida albicans yeast and mycelial form. Medical mycology, 43(5), 391-396.
• Origanum minutiflorum (oregano), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula stoechas (lavender) and Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were effective against the following foodborne pathogens: Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. Constituents included carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, fenchone, and trans-anethole.  From:  Dadalioglu, I., & Evrendilek, G. A. (2004). Chemical compositions and antibacterial effects of essential oils of Turkish oregano (Origanum minutiflorum), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on common foodborne pathogens. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(26), 8255-8260.
• Origanum vulgare (oregano), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) , Mentha piperita (peppermint), and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) were tested against 32 erythromycin-resistant streptococci; oregano, thyme, and the carvacrol constituent showed the strongest antimicrobial activity.  From:  Magi, G., Marini, E., & Facinelli, B. (2015). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and carvacrol, and synergy of carvacrol and erythromycin, against clinical, erythromycin-resistant Group A Streptococci. Frontiers in microbiology, 6, 165.  Link:  http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.00165
• Citrus aurantium (bergamot), C. limon (lemon), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Mentha piperita (peppermint), M. spicata (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare(oregano), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), and Salvia officinalis (sage) along with their constituents were tested against human pathogenic bacteria.  The highest and broadest activity was shown by O. vulgare oil and carvacrol had the highest antibacterial activity among the tested constituents.  Other significant constituents included: camphor, 1,8-cineole, linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, menthol, a-pinene, b-pinene, and thymol.  From:  Soković, M., Glamočlija, J., Marin, P. D., Brkić, D., & van Griensven, L. J. (2010). Antibacterial effects of the essential oils of commonly consumed medicinal herbs using an in vitro model. Molecules, 15(11), 7532-7546.
• L. angustifolia combined with Cinnamomum zeylanicum or Citrus sinensis was effective against C. albicans and S. aureus.  From:de Rapper, S., Kamatou, G., Viljoen, A., & van Vuuren, S. (2013). The in vitro antimicrobial activity of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil in combination with other aroma-therapeutic oils. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.
• Rose, geranium, lavender and rosemary oils were the most potent QS inhibitors, destabilize bacterial communities studied.  From:  Szabó, M. Á., Varga, G. Z., Hohmann, J., Schelz, Z., Szegedi, E., Amaral, L., & Molnár, J. (2010). Inhibition of quorum‐sensing signals by essential oils. Phytotherapy research, 24(5), 782-786.
• Tea tree and lavender oil combined synergistically were effective against the following fungi:  Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale. From:  Cassella, S., Cassella, J. P., & Smith, I. (2002). Synergistic antifungal activity of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oils against dermatophyte infection. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 12(1), 2-15.
• Cedrus atlantica (cedarwood), Styrax tonkinensis (benzoin resinoid) , Juniperus communis (juniper) , Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) , Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Pogestemon patchouli (patchouli) and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) as well as the constituents geraniol and citronellol were analyzed for antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger and A. flavus. Most of the tested essential oils, except not C. atlantica, J. communis, and P. patchouli, showed significantly inhibited growth, and geraniol and citronellol, exhibited additive effects.  From:  Shin, S. (2003). Anti-Aspergillus activities of plant essential oils and their combination effects with ketoconazole or amphotericin B. Archives of pharmacal research, 26(5), 389-393.
• The following essential oils were tested and showed varying degrees of antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activities: Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha piperita, Mentha spicata, Lavandula officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum onites, O. vulgare, O. munitiflorum, O. majorana, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Satureja cuneifolia. From: Orhan, İlkay Erdoğan, et al. “Antimicrobial and antiviral effects of essential oils from selected Umbelliferae and Labiatae plants and individual essential oil components.” Turkish Journal of Biology 36.3 (2012): 239-246.

PRESERVATIVE

• Origanum minutiflorum (oregano), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula stoechas (lavender) and Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were effective against the following foodborne pathogens: Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. Constituents included carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, fenchone, and trans-anethole.  From:  Dadalioglu, I., & Evrendilek, G. A. (2004). Chemical compositions and antibacterial effects of essential oils of Turkish oregano (Origanum minutiflorum), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on common foodborne pathogens. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(26), 8255-8260.

HEADACHE

• Inhalation of lavender essential oil may reduce migraine headaches. From:  Sasannejad, P., Saeedi, M., Shoeibi, A., Gorji, A., Abbasi, M., & Foroughipour, M. (2012). Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial. European neurology, 67(5), 288-291.

ORAL HEALTH

• Hospice patients with terminal cancer had improved oral health with using a mixture including geranium, lavender, tea tree, and peppermint.  From:  Kang, H. Y., Na, S. S., & Kim, Y. K. (2010). Effects of Oral Care with Essential Oil on Improvement in Oral Health Status of Hospice Patients. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 40(4)

ANTIOXIDANT

• Lavender and rosemary inhalation protects the body from oxidative stress by enhancing free radical scavenging activity and decrease the stress hormone, cortisol.  From:  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.

IMPROVED MEMORY / IMPROVED COGNATIVE ABILITY / IMPROVED ATTENTION

• ​In studying improvement of memory and cognition, three Corydalis species were tested for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and Corydalis cava, Corydalis intermedia, Corydalis solida ssp. laxa and Corydalis solida exhibited significant inhibitory activity.  Extracts of Ruta graveolens (rue), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Petroselinum crispum (parsley) and Mentha spicata (spearmint) exhibited moderate inhibitory activity.  From:  Adsersen, A., Gauguin, B., Gudiksen, L., & Jäger, A. K. (2006). Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat memory dysfunction for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 104(3), 418-422.
• In a study of 49 nursing home residents, lemon balm and lavender had differing positive effects on agitation and dementia.  From:  Watson, K., Hatcher, D., & Good, A. (2018). A randomised controlled trial of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) essential oils for the treatment of agitated behaviour in older people with and without dementia. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.  Read more…
• Aromatherapy of rosemary and lemon essential oils in the morning, and lavender and orange in the evening improved cognition of Alzheimer’s patients.  From:  Jimbo, D., Kimura, Y., Taniguchi, M., Inoue, M., & Urakami, K. (2009). Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Psychogeriatrics, 9(4), 173-179.
• Lavender and eucalyptus increased reaction time and improved attention in humans.  Lavender helped to prolong attention and control vigilance, and thus reduced human error. From:  Shimizu, K., Gyokusen, M., Kitamura, S., Kawabe, T., Kozaki, T., Ishibashi, K., … & Kondo, R. (2008). Essential oil of lavender inhibited the decreased attention during a long-term task in humans. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 72(7), 1944-1947.  Read more…
• Lavender relaxed test takers, reduced test anxiety, and improved testing ability.  Rosemary stimulated test takers, reduced test anxiety, and made them faster but not more accurate when taking the test.  From:  Diego, M. A., Jones, N. A., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., … & Galamaga, R. (1998). Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations. International Journal of Neuroscience, 96(3-4), 217-224.
• Lavender aromatherapy may help with dementia symptoms in the elderly.  From;  Fujiil, M., Hatakeyamaz, R., Fukuokaz, Y., Yamamotol, T., Sasakil, R., Moriya, M., … & Sasaki, H. (2008). Lavender aromatherapy for behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int, 8, 136-138.
• Young adult male students (quantity = 36) who were exposed to lavender aroma during recess, then had better work performance results.  From:  Sakamoto, R., Minoura, K., Usui, A., Ishizuka, Y., & Kanba, S. (2005). Effectiveness of aroma on work efficiency: lavender aroma during recesses prevents deterioration of work performance. Chemical senses, 30(8), 683-691.  Read more…
• Olfactory stimulation of lavender in elderly nursing home residents may reduce falls and agitation. From:  Sakamoto, Y., Ebihara, S., Ebihara, T., Tomita, N., Toba, K., Freeman, S., … & Kohzuki, M. (2012). Fall prevention using olfactory stimulation with lavender odor in elderly nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(6), 1005-1011.
• Rosemary and lavender scents lowered fatigue while lavender also lowered tension (anxiety / confusion) in a study with 73 human participants.  From:  Burnett, K. M., Solterbeck, L. A., & Strapp, C. M. (2004). Scent and mood state following an anxiety-provoking task. Psychological reports, 95(2), 707-722.  Read more…
• In a study of 80 female students, both the aroma of lavender and the aroma of orange reduced test taking anxiety compared to the placebo.  From:  Bakhsha, F., Yousefi, Z., Aryaee, M., & Jafari, S. Y. (2016). Comparison effect of Lavender and Citrus aurantium aroma on anxiety in female students at Golestan University of Medical Sciences. Journal of Basic Research in Medical Sciences, 3(4), 4-11.

INSECTICIDAL

• Lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils and their oxygenated monoterpenoids presented insecticidal activity against A. obtectus.  From:  Papachristos, D. P., Karamanoli, K. I., Stamopoulos, D. C., & Menkissoglu‐Spiroudi, U. (2004). The relationship between the chemical composition of three essential oils and their insecticidal activity against Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say). Pest management science, 60(5), 514-520.
• Against larvae Spodoptera littoralis the following oils showed insecticidal activity: catnip, white cedar, clary sage, thyme, marjoram, patchouli, pennyroyal, lemon mint, Melissa, and lavender.  From: Pavela, R. (2005). Insecticidal activity of some essential oils against larvae of Spodoptera littoralis. Fitoterapia, 76(7), 691-696.
• Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis showed insecticidal activity against a mosquito species.  Conti, B., Canale, A., Bertoli, A., Gozzini, F., & Pistelli, L. (2010). Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 107(6), 1455-1461.
• Tea tree and lavender were effective against a wide range of mites, lemon was effective against some mites, but not lice. From:  Williamson, E. M., Priestley, C. M., & Burgess, I. F. (2007). An investigation and comparison of the bioactivity of selected essential oils on human lice and house dust mites. Fitoterapia, 78(7), 521-525.
• Lavender and black pepper powder is used to prevent carpet moths from eating rugs.  Al, A. I. L. Q. I. (2015). The killing، Attractive and Repellent Impact of Some Plant Powders on carpet moth (Tineola bisselliella) in Holy Kerbala (Al-Hussaini Holy Shrine). KARBALĀʾ HERITAGE Quarterly Authorized Journal Specialized in Karbalāʾ Heritage, 2(4), 201-221.

REPELLENT

• Eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, and mint showed varying degrees of repellency against the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus Stahl.  The knockdown time of nymphs in minutes by constituents was 117.2 (eucalyptol), 408.7 (linalool), 474.0 (menthone), and 484.2 (limonene). While the repellent effect was quite lesser than that of deet, eucalyptol was 3.5 times less toxic.  From:  Sfara, V., Zerba, E. N., & Alzogaray, R. A. (2009). Fumigant insecticidal activity and repellent effect of five essential oils and seven monoterpenes on first-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus. Journal of medical entomology, 46(3), 511-515.
• The constituent lavandulol has also been found in the pheromones of mealybugs (Planococcus kraunhiae) and can aid in mating disruption.  From:  Tabata, J., Teshiba, M., Shimizu, N., & Sugie, H. (2015). Mealybug mating disruption by a sex pheromone derived from lavender essential oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 27(3), 232-237.
• Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus.  From:  Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
• Lavendula stoechas (lavender), Helichrysum italicum and Laurus nobilis (bay) oils reduced attractivity of yellow fever mosquitoes with promising results from Calamintha nepeta (calamint), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary).  From:  Drapeau, J., Fröhler, C., Touraud, D., Kröckel, U., Geier, M., Rose, A., & Kunz, W. (2009). Repellent studies with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and human olfactory tests on 19 essential oils from Corsica, France. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 24(4), 160-169.
• Essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus, Lavender officinalis, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris showed repellent activities against the mosquito: Culex pipiens pallens.  Thyme was the strongest and constituents that were effective included alpha-terpinene, thymol, p-cymene, carvacrol, and linalool.  From:  Choi, W. S., Park, B. S., Ku, S. K., & Lee, S. E. (2002). Repellent activities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Culex pipiens pallens. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 18(4), 348-351.  Al, A. I. L. Q. I. (2015).

SKIN / WOUNDS / BURNS

• Patients had reduced inflammation level, ulcer size, healing time, and pain from recurrent aphthous ulcerations with lavender oil.  From:  Altaei, D. T. (2012). Topical lavender oil for the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration. American journal of dentistry, 25(1), 39-43.  Read more…
• This study included 120 women who had a vaginal delivery with an episiotomy.  Half received lavender oil and the other half received povidone-iodine to treat the wound.  The lavender group had significantly less redness and pain with no side effects.   From:  Vakilian, K., Atarha, M., Bekhradi, R., & Chaman, R. (2011). Healing advantages of lavender essential oil during episiotomy recovery: a clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 17(1), 50-53.  Read more…
• This paper reviews the wound healing potential of essential oils, including lavender, tea tree, and chamomile.  From:  Woollard, A. C., Tatham, K. C., & Barker, S. (2007). The influence of essential oils on the process of wound healing: a review of the current evidence. Journal of wound care, 16(6), 255-257.
• In vitro and in vivo studies show a dressing infused with lavender essential oil was anti-inflammatory and promoted burn wound healing.  From:  Hajiali, H., Summa, M., Russo, D., Armirotti, A., Brunetti, V., Bertorelli, R., … & Mele, E. (2016). Alginate–lavender nanofibers with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity to effectively promote burn healing. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 4(9), 1686-1695.
• In a study of 50 patients with wound ulcers, an herbal ointment was applied twice a day for 28 days. It contained Symphytum officinale, Plantago major, Calendula officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, Bellis perennis, Achillea millefolium, Salvia officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Olea europaea, Lavandula officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Cympobogon martini, Origanum vulgare, Eugenia caryophyllata, Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol, Cera alba, honey, and glycerol. Results showed significant healing of wounds. From: Oreščanin, V. (2016). Treatment of pressure ulcers with Bioapifit® wound healing herbal ointment-a preliminary study. IJRDO: J Biol Sci, 2(10), 1-15.
• In a study of 89 women who had received an episiotomy, olive oil and lavender oil added to a sitz bath improved healing. From: Behmanesh, F., Tofighi, M., Delavar, M. A., Zeinalzadeh, M., Moghadamnia, A. A., & Khafri, S. A. (2011). A Clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of Lavender essential oil and olive oil at healing postpartum mother’s perinea. Healthmed, 5(6), 1512-6. Read more…

ANXIOLITIC / ANTIDEPRESSANT / IMPROVED MOOD

• In a review of 16 studies that included 1092 postmenopausal women, lavender aroma helped reduce symptoms like anxiety and hot flashes, but more research is suggested. From: Salehi-Pourmehr, H., Ostadrahimi, A., Ebrahimpour-Mirzarezaei, M., & Farshbaf-Khalili, A. (2020). Does aromatherapy with lavender affect physical and psychological symptoms of menopausal women? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 39, 101150.In a study of 50 patients with acute leukemia, administration of aromatherapy of choice: lavender, peppermint, or chamomile, significantly improved perceived tiredness, lack of appetite, depression, and anxiety, compared to the placebo. From: Lisa Blackburn, M. S., Sara Achor, B. S. N., AD, B. A., Nicole Bauchmire, M. S., Danielle Dunnington, A. D., Klisovic, R. B., … & Tomlinson-Pinkham, K. (2017, July). The effect of aromatherapy on insomnia and other common symptoms among patients with acute leukemia. In Oncology nursing forum (Vol. 44, No. 4, p. E185). Oncology Nursing Society.
• Those patients who inhaled a blend of lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot had reduces psychological stress responses, serum cortisol levels, and blood pressure.  From:  Hwang, J. H. (2006). [The effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 36(7), 1123-1134.
• In a randomized clinical trial of 150 children ages 8-12, groups who received aromatherapy of lavender or sweet orange via a nebulizing diffuser or inhaler demonstrated less pain and anxiety associated with dental procedures.  From: Nirmala, K., & Kamatham, R. (2021). Effect of Aromatherapy on Dental Anxiety and Pain in Children Undergoing Local Anesthetic Administrations: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 10(3), 111.
• This provided a review of studies demonstrating an anxiolytic effect of lavender.  Generoso, M. B., Soares, A., Taiar, I. T., Cordeiro, Q., & Shiozawa, P. (2017). Lavender oil preparation (Silexan) for treating anxiety: an updated meta-analysis. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 37(1), 115-117.
• In a review of research, kava kava and lavender demonstrated results as a treatment for anxiety. From: Barić, H., Đorđević, V., Cerovečki, I., & Trkulja, V. (2018). Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for generalized anxiety disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Advances in therapy, 35(3), 261-288.
• Aromatherapy of lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and clary sage reduced stress in nursing students.  From:  Park, M. K., & Lee, E. S. (2004). [The effect of aroma inhalation method on stress responses of nursing students]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 34(2), 344-351.   
• In a study of 49 nursing home residents, lemon balm and lavender had differing positive effects on agitation and dementia.  From:  Watson, K., Hatcher, D., & Good, A. (2018). A randomised controlled trial of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) essential oils for the treatment of agitated behaviour in older people with and without dementia. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
• Aromatherapy with a diluted lavender and bergamot spray reduced pain, stress, depression and anxiety in a 4 week study of 84 older people with chronic pain.  From:  Tang, S. K., & Tse, M. Y. (2014). Aromatherapy: does it help to relieve pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in community-dwelling older persons?. BioMed research international, 2014.
• In a randomized study with 280 cancer patients, the group who received four weekly lavender aromatherapy massages self reported reduced anxiety / depression up to 2 weeks after the end of the intervention.  From:   Wilkinson, S. M., Love, S. B., Westcombe, A. M., Gambles, M. A., Burgess, C. C., Cargill, A., … & Ramirez, A. J. (2007). Effectiveness of aromatherapy massage in the management of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25(5), 532-539.
• In a small study with 13 pregnant women in their 28^th week of pregnancy, anxiety and anger were reduced, and parasympathetic measurements increased after 5 minutes of aromatherapy inhalation (compared to the control group).  Participants chose from three essential oils high in linalool and linalyl acetate: lavender, petitgrain, or bergamot.  From:  Igarashi, T. (2013). Physical and psychologic effects of aromatherapy inhalation on pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(10), 805-810.
• In a study of 105 women in their 35 – 37th week of pregnancy, the test group dropped 7 drops of lavender and 1 drop of rose water into a washcloth and took 10 deep breaths in before putting it next to their pillow for the night.  The control group did the same with sesame oil.  The study was conducted until 6 weeks post delivery. The aromatherapy group had significantly lower postpartum depression.  From:  Kianpour, M., Moshirenia, F., Kheirabadi, G., Asghari, G., Dehghani, A., & Dehghani-Tafti, A. (2018). The effects of inhalation aromatherapy with rose and lavender at week 38 and postpartum period on postpartum depression in high-risk women referred to selected health centers of Yazd, Iran in 2015. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 23(5), 395.  Read more…
• Lavender aroma reduced task related anxiety.  From:  Burnett, K. M., Solterbeck, L. A., & Strapp, C. M. (2004). Scent and mood state following an anxiety-provoking task. Psychological reports, 95(2), 707-722.
• A blend of lavender and bergamot essential oil applied topically to the abdomen of 40 participants resulted in decreased pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and participants indicated a calming effect.  From:  Hongratanaworakit, T. (2011). Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans. Natural product communications, 6(8), 1934578X1100600838.
• In a study of 30 patients, lavender aromatherapy significantly decreased stress levels before needle insertion. From:  Kim, S., Kim, H. J., Yeo, J. S., Hong, S. J., Lee, J. M., & Jeon, Y. (2011). The effect of lavender oil on stress, bispectral index values, and needle insertion pain in volunteers. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(9), 823-826.  Read more…
• Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint in an aromatherapy blend reduced depression and pain in those with arthritis.  From:  Kim, M. J., Nam, E. S., & Paik, S. I. (2005). [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(1), 186-194.
• In a small study of 24 mothers, the intervention was four weeks of an aromatherapy massage (40 minutes twice per week) with lavender and geranium essential oils diluted to 4% in a carrier oil.  Results based on EEG patterns, salivary cortisol and plasma BDNF levels, showed reduced stress compared to the control group.  From:  Wu, J. J., Cui, Y., Yang, Y. S., Kang, M. S., Jung, S. C., Park, H. K., … & Eun, S. Y. (2014). Modulatory effects of aromatherapy massage intervention on electroencephalogram, psychological assessments, salivary cortisol and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(3), 456-462.
• Lavender orally reduced anxiety disorder symptoms.  From:  Kasper, S., Gastpar, M., Müller, W. E., Volz, H. P., Möller, H. J., Dienel, A., & Schläfke, S. (2010). Efficacy and safety of silexan, a new, orally administered lavender oil preparation, in subthreshold anxiety disorder–evidence from clinical trials. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 160(21-22), 547-556.
• In a study of menopausal women, ingestion of bitter orange and lavender flower powders significantly reduced anxiety compared to the placebo.  From: Farshbaf-Khalili, A., Kamalifard, M., & Namadian, M. (2018). Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 31, 132-138.
• Depression and anxiety were reduced in hemodialysis patients with lavender aromatherapy.  From:  Itai, T., Amayasu, H., Kuribayashi, M., Kawamura, N., Okada, M., Momose, A., … & Kaneko, S. (2000). Psychological effects of aromatherapy on chronic hemodialysis patients. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 54(4), 393-397.
• An aromatherapy massage with lavender, cypress, and sweet marjoram reduced anxiety and boosted immunity markers in the blood in this small study with 11 participants.  From:  Kuriyama, H., Watanabe, S., Nakaya, T., Shigemori, I., Kita, M., Yoshida, N., … & Imanishi, J. (2005). Immunological and psychological benefits of aromatherapy massage. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2(2), 179-184.
• Intranasal application of a product containing lavender and fennel improved sleep quality in 30 volunteers increased melatonin and decreased cortisol levels, and relaxed brain waves, indicating reduced stress. From: Jardim, M., Amaral, F., de Souza Antunes, V. M., Rodrigues, F., de Souza, M. S. A., Siqueto, F. R. F. R., … & Oliveira, C. R. (2018). PinetoninaTM, an Intranasally Administered Essential Oil Preparation, Is Effective in Decrease of Cortisol Levels and on the Glutamate Release Modulation. Neuroscience and Medicine, 9(03), 135.
• Aromatherapy massage may reduce postpartum effects in women.  From:  Imura, M., Misao, H., & Ushijima, H. (2006). The Psychological Effects of Aromatherapy‐Massage in Healthy Postpartum Mothers. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 51(2), e21-e27.
• In a two week study with 80 women, a daily bath containing grapeseed oil and lavender essential oil improved psychological well being compared to just adding grapeseed without the lavender.  From:  Morris, N. (2002). The effects of lavender (Lavendula angustifolium) baths on psychological well-being: two exploratory randomised control trials. Complementary therapies in medicine, 10(4), 223-228.  Read more…
• Hospice patients inhaled lavender and showed a slight improvement in vital signs, depression, and sense of well-being.  From:  Louis, M., & Kowalski, S. D. (2002). Use of aromatherapy with hospice patients to decrease pain, anxiety, and depression and to promote an increased sense of well-being. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 19(6), 381-386.
• An aroma 4:2:1 blend of lavender, ylang ylang, and neroli reduced blood pressure and stress measurements in patients who were going to receive an angiography procedure.  From:  Song, E. J., & Lee, M. Y. (2018). Effects of Aromatherapy on Stress Responses, Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Blood Pressure in the Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 48(1), 1-11.
• Lavender aroma reduced pre-procedure stress.  From:  Muzzarelli, L., Force, M., & Sebold, M. (2006). Aromatherapy and reducing preprocedural anxiety: A controlled prospective study. Gastroenterology Nursing, 29(6), 466-471.
• Lavender odor reduced mental stress and increased arousal.  From:  Motomura, N., Sakurai, A., & Yotsuya, Y. (2001). Reduction of mental stress with lavender odorant. Perceptual and motor skills, 93(3), 713-718.
• In a study of 80 female students, both the aroma of lavender and the aroma of orange reduced test taking anxiety compared to the placebo.  From:  Bakhsha, F., Yousefi, Z., Aryaee, M., & Jafari, S. Y. (2016). Comparison effect of Lavender and Citrus aurantium aroma on anxiety in female students at Golestan University of Medical Sciences. Journal of Basic Research in Medical Sciences, 3(4), 4-11.
• Aromatherapy massage using lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and lemon reduced anxiety and improved self esteem.  From:  Rho, K. H., Han, S. H., Kim, K. S., & Lee, M. S. (2006). Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in korean elderly women: a pilot study. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116(12), 1447-1455.
• Those who took oral treatments of a product with lavender had reduced neurasthenia or PSD symptoms.  From:  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, 19(8), 665-671.
• Lavender tincture may be an effective adjuvant treatment for mild to moderate depression.  From:  Akhondzadeh, S., Kashani, L., Fotouhi, A., Jarvandi, S., Mobaseri, M., Moin, M., … & Taghizadeh, M. (2003). Comparison of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. tincture and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized trial. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 27(1), 123-127.
• A hand massage with bergamot, lavender, and frankincense reduced pain, anxiety, and depression in hospice patients.  From:  Chang, S. Y. (2008). Effects of aroma hand massage on pain, state anxiety and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 38(4), 493-502.
• Inhalation therapy of lavender and bergamot was very effective in balancing the autonomic nervous system in patients.  From:  Kim, M. W., Yoo, Y. S., Cho, O. H., & Jo, S. J. (2009). The effects of aroma inhalation therapy on anxiety and heart rate variability in the patients undergoing urodynamic study. Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science, 11(1), 32-41.
• Aromatherapy with a blend of lavender, roman chamomile, and neroli, reduced anxiety and improved sleep in a study with 56 ICU patients.  From:  Cho, M. Y., Min, E. S., Hur, M. H., & Lee, M. S. (2013). Effects of aromatherapy on the anxiety, vital signs, and sleep quality of percutaneous coronary intervention patients in intensive care units. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.
• Linalool is the major constituent involved in the anti-anxiety effect of lavender oil.  From:  Umezu, T., Nagano, K., Ito, H., Kosakai, K., Sakaniwa, M., & Morita, M. (2006). Anticonflict effects of lavender oil and identification of its active constituents. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 85(4), 713-721.
• Lavender odor may have an anxiolytic reaction in gerbils similar to diazepam.  From:  Bradley, B. F., Starkey, N. J., Brown, S. L., & Lea, R. W. (2007). Anxiolytic effects of Lavandula angustifolia odour on the Mongolian gerbil elevated plus maze. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 111(3), 517-525.
• Lavender oil does have anxiolytic effects in mice and can be sedative at higher doses.  From:  Shaw, D., Annett, J. M., Doherty, B., & Leslie, J. C. (2007). Anxiolytic effects of lavender oil inhalation on open-field behaviour in rats. Phytomedicine, 14(9), 613-620.
• Inhaling lavender oil has anxiolytic behavioural effects.  From:  Shaw, D., Norwood, K., & Leslie, J. C. (2011). Chlordiazepoxide and lavender oil alter unconditioned anxiety-induced c-fos expression in the rat brain. Behavioural brain research, 224(1), 1-7.
• Linalyl acetate works synergistically with linalool as an inhaled anti-anxiety treatment.  From:  Takahashi, M., Satou, T., Ohashi, M., Hayashi, S., Sadamoto, K., & Koike, K. (2011). Interspecies comparison of chemical composition and anxiolytic-like effects of lavender oils upon inhalation. Natural product communications, 6(11), 1769-1774.
• Aroma inhalation decreased test taking anxiety.  From:  Kutlu, A. K., Yılmaz, E., & Çeçen, D. (2008). Effects of aroma inhalation on examination anxiety. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 3(4), 125-130.
• In a study of 14 stroke patients, a footbath and massage with juniper, lavender, rosemary, patchouli, and orange reduced stress, improved mood, increased body temperature, and improved sleeping satisfaction compared to the placebo.  From:  Lee, J. H., Seo, E. K., Shim, J. S., & Chung, S. P. (2017). The effects of aroma massage and foot bath on psychophysiological response in stroke patients. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(8), 1292-1296.
• Inhaling lavender reduced stress load.  From:  Takahashi, M., Yoshino, A., Yamanaka, A., Asanuma, C., Satou, T., Hayashi, S., … & Koike, K. (2012). Effects of inhaled lavender essential oil on stress-loaded animals: changes in anxiety-related behavior and expression levels of selected mRNAs and proteins. Natural product communications, 7(11), 1539-1544.
• The serotonergic system is an important part of the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil.  From:  Chioca, L. R., Ferro, M. M., Baretta, I. P., Oliveira, S. M., Silva, C. R., Ferreira, J., … & Andreatini, R. (2013). Anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation in mice: Participation of serotonergic but not GABA A/benzodiazepine neurotransmission. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 147(2), 412-418.  Anosmia did not interfere with the anxiolytic effect of lavender essential oil inhalation.
• A hot lavender foot-bath created a small but significant change in autonomic nervous system activity.From:  Saeki, Y. (2000). The effect of foot-bath with or without the essential oil of lavender on the autonomic nervous system: a randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 8(1), 2-7.
• Lavender aromatherapy showed modest efficacy in reducing agitated behaviour in patients with severe dementia.  From:  Holmes, C., Hopkins, V., Hensford, C., MacLaughlin, V., Wilkinson, D., & Rosenvinge, H. (2002).
• Lavender oil as a treatment for agitated behaviour in severe dementia: a placebo-controlled study. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 17(4), 305-308.  Lavender inhalation may have modified mood to reduce the impression of pain.  From:  Gedney, J. J., Glover, T. L., & Fillingim, R. B. (2004). Sensory and affective pain discrimination after inhalation of essential oils. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66(4), 599-606.
• Those treated with lavender and massage had reduced anxiety in an intensive care unit.  From:  Dunn, C., Sleep, J., & Collett, D. (1995). Sensing an improvement: an experimental study to evaluate the use of aromatherapy, massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit. Journal of advanced nursing, 21(1), 34-40.
• Lavender aromatherapy induced relaxation as well as arousal level in young female subjects. From:  Duan, X., Tashiro, M., Wu, D. I., Yambe, T., Wang, Q., Sasaki, T., … & Itoh, M. (2007). Autonomic nervous function and localization of cerebral activity during lavender aromatic immersion. Technology and Health Care, 15(2), 69-78.
• Oral intake of a lozenge containing lavender oil had a calming effect.  From:  Dimpfel, W., Pischel, I., & Lehnfeld, R. (2004). Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity of volunteers. European journal of medical research, 9(9), 423-431.
• Anosmia does not impair the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation in mice. Life sciences, 92(20), 971-975.
• Serotonergic neurotransmission plays a role in lavender’s anxiolytic properties.  From:  Takahashi, M., Yamanaka, A., Asanuma, C., Asano, H., Satou, T., & Koike, K. (2014). Anxiolytic-like effect of inhalation of essential oil from Lavandula officinalis: investigation of changes in 5-HT turnover and involvement of olfactory stimulation. Natural product communications, 9(7), 1023-1026.
• Lavender aromatherapy improved anxiety and depression at a women’s clinic.  From:  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.
• Lavender had an effect on salivary endocrinological stress markers.  From:  Toda, M., & Morimoto, K. (2008). Effect of lavender aroma on salivary endocrinological stress markers. Archives of oral biology, 53(10), 964-968.
• The study suggests use for the oral application of lavender oil in patients suffering from anxiety.  From:  Schuwald, A. M., Nöldner, M., Wilmes, T., Klugbauer, N., Leuner, K., & Müller, W. E. (2013). Lavender oil-potent anxiolytic properties via modulating voltage dependent calcium channels. PloS one, 8(4), e59998.
• Orange and lavender aromatherapy reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients waiting for dental treatment.  From:  Lehrner, J., Marwinski, G., Lehr, S., Johren, P., & Deecke, L. (2005). Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Physiology & Behavior, 86(1), 92-95.
• Lavandula angustifolia and Salvia sclaria reduced stress of ICU nurses. From:  Pemberton, E., & Turpin, P. G. (2008). The Effect of Essential Oils on Work‐Related Stress in Intensive Care Unit Nurses. Holistic nursing practice, 22(2), 97-102.
• In a study with 60 healthy women, the inhalation of a blend of lemongrass, patchouli, and ylang ylang was more effective than inhaling lavender in reducing anxiety.  Both the lavender group and the blend group showed reduced anxiety compared to the placebo.  From:  Siahaan, R., Rahardjo, T. B., & Ranti, A. (2015). Effectiveness of Indonesian Essential Oil Mixture of Lemongrass, Cananga, and Patchouli in Relaxation through Inhalation: A Clinical Test on Healthy Woman with High Potential for Stress. Makara Journal of Health Research, 143-151.
• Oral intake of a product called Silexan was an effective and well tolerated alternative to benzodiazepines for reducing anxiety.  From: Woelk, H., & Schläfke, S. (2010). A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine, 17(2), 94-99.
• Lavender and rosemary essential oil sachets reduced test-taking stress in graduate nursing students.  From:  McCaffrey, R., Thomas, D. J., & Kinzelman, A. O. (2009). The Effects of Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils on Test‐Taking Anxiety Among Graduate Nursing Students. Holistic nursing practice, 23(2), 88-93.
• Lavender administered orally reduced anxiety in humans watching film clips.  From:  Bradley, B. F., Brown, S. L., Chu, S., & Lea, R. W. (2009). Effects of orally administered lavender essential oil on responses to anxiety‐provoking film clips. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 24(4), 319-330.
• Lavender reduced anxiety in patients undergoing gastroscopy.  From:  Hoya, Y., Matsumura, I., Fujita, T., & Yanaga, K. (2008). The use of nonpharmacological interventions to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing gastroscopy in a setting with an optimal soothing environment. Gastroenterology Nursing, 31(6), 395-399.
• Lavender scent reduced anxiety in dental patients.  From:  Kritsidima, M., Newton, T., & Asimakopoulou, K. (2010). The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety levels: a cluster randomised‐controlled trial. Community dentistry and oral epidemiology, 38(1), 83-87.
• Lavender and the oil dripping treatment called Shirodhara reduced anxiety. From:  Xu, F., Uebaba, K., Ogawa, H., Tatsuse, T., Wang, B. H., Hisajima, T., & Venkatraman, S. (2008). Pharmaco-physio-psychologic effect of Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment using an essential oil from Lavendula angustifolia. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(8), 947-956.
• Both mothers and infants were more relaxed after giving baby a bath with scented lavender.  From:  Field, T., Field, T., Cullen, C., Largie, S., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2008). Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infants. Early human development, 84(6), 399-401.  L
• Lavender and Melissa had neuronal depressant and anti-agitation activities. From:  Huang, L., Abuhamdah, S., Howes, M. J. R., Dixon, C. L., Elliot, M. S., Ballard, C., … & Lees, G. (2008). Pharmacological profile of essential oils derived from Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis with anti‐agitation properties: focus on ligand‐gated channels. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 60(11), 1515-1522.
• Lavender is effective adjunctive therapy in alleviating agitated behaviors in Chinese patients with dementia. From:  Lin, P. W. K., Chan, W. C., Ng, B. F. L., & Lam, L. C. W. (2007). Efficacy of aromatherapy (Lavandula angustifolia) as an intervention for agitated behaviours in Chinese older persons with dementia: a cross‐over randomized trial. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 22(5), 405-410.
• Lavender’s linalool constituent reduced social anxiety in mice.  From:  Caputo, L., Reguilon, M., Mińarro, J., De Feo, V., & Rodriguez-Arias, M. (2018). Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil and Linalool Counteract Social Aversion Induced by Social Defeat. Molecules, 23(10), 2694.
• Essential oils / herbs and their effect on human behavior was reviewed. St. John’s wort has shown to have an anxiolytic effect. Lavender has shown to decrease anxiety while improving sleep quality. Cannabis has a sedative effect and reduces anxiety. Bergamot has shown to improve relaxation. Olive oil has shown an anxiolytic effect. Black cummin has been both anxiolytic and anti-depressive. Valerian has shown to be a sedative that helps induce sleep. From: Castillo, M. A., Carrero, Y., Urdaneta, K. E., Renouf, M., Lubin, C., Nola, M., & Semprún-Hernández, N. (2018). ESSENTIAL OILS AS MODIFIERS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 21(1).

SEDATIVE

• In a small study with 13 pregnant women in their 28^th week of pregnancy, anxiety and anger were reduced, and parasympathetic measurements increased after 5 minutes of aromatherapy inhalation (compared to the control group).  Participants chose from three essential oils high in linalool and linalyl acetate: lavender, petitgrain, or bergamot.  From:  Igarashi, T. (2013). Physical and psychologic effects of aromatherapy inhalation on pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(10), 805-810.
• In a review of 16 studies that included 1092 postmenopausal women, lavender aroma helped reduce symptoms like anxiety and hot flashes, but more research is suggested. From: Salehi-Pourmehr, H., Ostadrahimi, A., Ebrahimpour-Mirzarezaei, M., & Farshbaf-Khalili, A. (2020). Does aromatherapy with lavender affect physical and psychological symptoms of menopausal women? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 39, 101150.
• Those patients who inhaled a blend of lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot had reduced psychological stress responses, serum cortisol levels, and blood pressure.  From:  Hwang, J. H. (2006). [The effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 36(7), 1123-1134.
• Both adults and infants showed a reduced depressed affect in their EEG with inhalation of rosemary and lavender.  From:  Sanders, C., Diego, M., Fernandez, M., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., & Roca, A. (2002). EEG asymmetry responses to lavender and rosemary aromas in adults and infants. International Journal of Neuroscience, 112(11), 1305-1320.
• Linalool applied to the skin with a mask covering the nose to prevent smelling had a sedative effect in humans.  From:  Heuberger, E., Redhammer, S., & Buchbauer, G. (2004). Transdermal Absorption of ()-Linalool Induces Autonomic Deactivation but has No Impact on Ratings of Well-Being in Humans. Neuropsychopharmacology, 29(10).
• Lavender eased anxiety of subjects undergoing medical procedures by showing a significant increase in parasympathetic activity. From:  Grunebaum, L. D., Murdock, J., Castanedo‐Tardan, M. P., & Baumann, L. S. (2011). Effects of lavender olfactory input on cosmetic procedures. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 10(2), 89-93.
• Aromatherapy with a blend of lemon, lavender, and ylang ylang was effective in lowering systolic blood pressure and the sympathetic nervous system.  From: Cha, J. H., Lee, S. H., & Yoo, Y. S. (2010). Effects of Aromatherapy on Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System, Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity and Aortic Augmentation Index in Patients with Essential Hypertension. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 40(5).
• A blend of lavender and bergamot essential oil applied topically to the abdomen of 40 participants resulted in decreased pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and participants indicated a calming effect.  From:  Hongratanaworakit, T. (2011). Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans. Natural product communications, 6(8), 1934578X1100600838.
• Inhalation of an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli had a relaxing effect and reduced blood pressure in humans.  From:  Kim, I. H., Kim, C., Seong, K., Hur, M. H., Lim, H. M., & Lee, M. S. (2012). Essential oil inhalation on blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.
• Lavender inhalation had a relaxing effect, causing a significant decrease of blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature. From:  MPham, W. S., & Siripornpanich, V. (2012). The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. J Med Assoc Thai, 95(4), 598-606.
• Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure.  From:  Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
• A blend of lavender and bergamot essential oils had a relaxing effect in humans. From:  Hongratanaworakit, T. (2011). Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans. Natural product communications, 6(8), 1199-1204.
• There was a sedative effect in mice from lavender and linalool.  From:  Buchbauer, G., Jirovetz, L., & Jäger, W. (1991). Aromatherapy: evidence for sedative effects of the essential oil of lavender after inhalation. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C, 46(11-12), 1067-1072
• Inhalation therapy of lavender and bergamot was very effective in balancing the autonomic nervous system in patients.  From:  Kim, M. W., Yoo, Y. S., Cho, O. H., & Jo, S. J. (2009). The effects of aroma inhalation therapy on anxiety and heart rate variability in the patients undergoing urodynamic study. Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science, 11(1), 32-41.
• An aroma 4:2:1 blend of lavender, ylang ylang, and neroli reduced blood pressure and stress measurements in patients who were going to receive an angiography procedure.  From:  Song, E. J., & Lee, M. Y. (2018). Effects of Aromatherapy on Stress Responses, Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Blood Pressure in the Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 48(1), 1-11.
• Linalool has a sedative effect on the Central Nervous System, including hypnotic, anticonvulsant and hypothermic properties, due to an inhibitory effect on glutamate binding in the (rat) cortex.  From:  Elisabetsky, E., Marschner, J., & Souza, D. O. (1995). Effects of linalool on glutamatergic system in the rat cerebral cortex. Neurochemical research, 20(4), 461-465.
• Lavender oil does have anxiolytic effects in mice and can be sedative at higher doses.  From:  Shaw, D., Annett, J. M., Doherty, B., & Leslie, J. C. (2007). Anxiolytic effects of lavender oil inhalation on open-field behaviour in rats. Phytomedicine, 14(9), 613-620.
• A hot lavender foot bath created a small but significant change in autonomic nervous system activity.From:  Saeki, Y. (2000). The effect of foot bath with or without the essential oil of lavender on the autonomic nervous system: a randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 8(1), 2-7.
• Linalool has a sedative effect on the Central Nervous System, including hypnotic, anticonvulsant and hypothermic properties, due to an inhibitory effect on glutamate binding in the (rat) cortex.  From:  Elisabetsky, E., Marschner, J., & Souza, D. O. (1995). Effects of linalool on glutamatergic system in the rat cerebral cortex. Neurochemical research, 20(4), 461-465.
• Inhalation of lavender and hyssop oil decreased mobility in mice that were treated with caffeine. Inhalation of ginger, thyme, peppermint, and cypress oil increased mobility.  From:  Lim, W. C., Seo, J. M., Lee, C. I., Pyo, H. B., & Lee, B. C. (2005). Stimulative and sedative effects of essential oils upon inhalation in mice. Archives of pharmacal research, 28(7), 770-774.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AID

• A total of 184 patients were randomized into 4 groups: Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil, rose essential, ginger essential oil, or with jsut water.  The lavender and ginger groups had the greatest reduction in postoperative nausea.  The rose group had a slightly better reduction in post operative naseau that the water group.  From:  Karaman, S., Karaman, T., Tapar, H., Dogru, S., & Suren, M. (2019). A randomized placebo-controlled study of aromatherapy for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Complementary therapies in medicine, 42, 417-421.
• In a randomized study with 121 patients having postoperative nausea, a blend of lavender, ginger, peppermint, and spearmint in a portable inhaler was effective and well received by patients. From: Hodge, N. S., McCarthy, M. S., & Pierce, R. M. (2014). A prospective randomized study of the effectiveness of aromatherapy for relief of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 29(1), 5-11.
• Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.  Botanical extracts that were most effective against H. pylori included:  Carum carvi, Elettaria cardamomum, Gentiana lutea, Juniper communis, Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Pimpinella anisum, Matricaria recutita, and Ginkgo biloba.  From:  Mahady, G. B., Pendland, S. L., Stoia, A., Hamill, F. A., Fabricant, D., Dietz, B. M., & Chadwick, L. R. (2005). In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Phytotherapy research, 19(11), 988-991.
• The essential oils that inhibited intestinal dysbiosis pathogens the strongest were Carum carvi (caraway), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender). Trachyspermum copiicum (ajowan),  and Citrus aurantium (bitter orange).  From:  Myers, S. R., Hawrelak, J. A., & Cattley, T. (2009). Essential oils in the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis: a preliminary in vitro study. Alternative Medicine Review, 14(4), 380-384.

IMPROVED SLEEP

• In a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with 37 patients having type II diabetes, inhalation of lavender essential oil improved sleep quality.  From: Lari, Z. N., Hajimonfarednejad, M., Riasatian, M., Abolhassanzadeh, Z., Iraji, A., Vojoud, M., … & Shams, M. (2020). Efficacy of inhaled Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential oil on sleep quality, quality of life and metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type II and insomnia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 251, 112560.
• In a 29-day double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 33 menopausal women, inhaling lavender aroma prior to sleep improved sleep quality significantly.  From:  Lucena, L. R., Santos-Junior, J. G., Tufik, S., & Hachul, H. (2020). 0498 Effect of Lavender Essential Oil on Sleep in Postmenopausal Women with Insomnia: Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Sleep, 43(Supplement 1), A190-A191.
• In a three month double blind randomized trial of 45 patients, a daily intranasal administration of diluted lavender and fennel essential oil reduced stress and insomnia.  From:  Polonini, H., Mesquita, D., Lanine, J., Dijkers, E., Gkinis, S., Raposo, N. R. B., … & de Oliveira Ferreira, A. (2020). Intranasal use of lavender and fennel decreases salivary cortisol levels and improves quality of sleep: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 34, 101015.
• After 12 weeks of 20 minutes of lavender aromatherapy twice a week, midlife women with insomnia had improved quality of sleep.  This was a placebo controlled study with 67 women.  From:  Chien, L. W., Cheng, S. L., & Liu, C. F. (2011). The effect of lavender aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system in midlife women with insomnia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.  Read more…
• Participants inhaled lavender, vanillin, and vetiver or an unpleasant ammonium sulfide while sleeping; the authors concluded the olfactory system may provide a path to manipulate respiration in sleep. From:  Arzi, A., Sela, L., Green, A., Givaty, G., Dagan, Y., & Sobel, N. (2010). The influence of odorants on respiratory patterns in sleep. Chemical senses, 35(1), 31-40.
• In a review of 16 studies that included 1092 postmenopausal women, lavender aroma helped reduce symptoms like anxiety and hot flashes, but more research is suggested. From: Salehi-Pourmehr, H., Ostadrahimi, A., Ebrahimpour-Mirzarezaei, M., & Farshbaf-Khalili, A. (2020). Does aromatherapy with lavender affect physical and psychological symptoms of menopausal women? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 39, 101150.
• Nighttime exposure to lavender aroma relieves sleepiness at awakening in Japanese students.   From:  Hirokawa, K., Nishimoto, T., & Taniguchi, T. (2012). Effects of lavender aroma on sleep quality in healthy Japanese students. Perceptual and motor skills, 114(1), 111-122.
• Aromatherapy with a blend of lavender, roman chamomile, and neroli, reduced anxiety and improved sleep in a study with 56 ICU patients.  From:  Cho, M. Y., Min, E. S., Hur, M. H., & Lee, M. S. (2013). Effects of aromatherapy on the anxiety, vital signs, and sleep quality of percutaneous coronary intervention patients in intensive care units. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.
• Insomnia was reduced in 150 elderly participants with aromatherapy nightly for a month of a blend of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), marjoram (Origantum majorana), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and basil (Ocimum basilicum).  From:  Jezdic, Z., Vulinac, S. O., Racz, A., Kovacevic, I., Sedic, B., & Jadranka, P. (2018). Influence of Aromatherapy on Alleviation of Insomnia Symptoms. Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Open Access, 2018(02), 1-5.
• Sleeping and other sedative effects increased with mice who ingested lavender in olive oil.  From:  Guillemain, J., Rousseau, A., & Delaveau, P. (1989). Neurodepressive effects of the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. In Annales pharmaceutiques françaises (Vol. 47, No. 6, p. 337).
• Aromatherapy (of lavender) reduced insomnia.  From:  Hardy, M., Kirk-Smith, M., & Stretch, D. (1995). Replacement of drug treatment for insomnia by ambient odour. The Lancet, 346(8976), 701.
• A study with 42 college nursing students who had insomnia showed lavender inhalation reduced symptoms of insomnia and depression.  From:  Lee, I. S., & Lee, G. J. (2006). Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 36(1), 136-143.  Read more…
• Insomnia was reduced with lavender inhalation in this randomized study of ten volunteers over four weeks.  From:  Lewith, G. T., Godfrey, A. D., & Prescott, P. (2005). A single-blinded, randomized pilot study evaluating the aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a treatment for mild insomnia. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 11(4), 631-637.  Read more…
• In 31 young adults, lavender aroma served as a mild sedative in promoting deep sleep.  From:  Goel, N., Kim, H., & Lao, R. P. (2005). An olfactory stimulus modifies nighttime sleep in young men and women. Chronobiology international, 22(5), 889-904.
• In a study of 14 stroke patients, a footbath and massage with juniper, lavender, rosemary, patchouli, and orange reduced stress, improved mood, increased body temperature, and improved sleeping satisfaction compared to the placebo.  From:  Lee, J. H., Seo, E. K., Shim, J. S., & Chung, S. P. (2017). The effects of aroma massage and foot bath on psychophysiological response in stroke patients. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(8), 1292-1296.
• In a study of 50 patients with acute leukemia, administration of aromatherapy of choice: lavender, peppermint, or chamomile, significantly improved perceived tiredness, lack of appetite, depression, and anxiety, compared to the placebo. From: Lisa Blackburn, M. S., Sara Achor, B. S. N., AD, B. A., Nicole Bauchmire, M. S., Danielle Dunnington, A. D., Klisovic, R. B., … & Tomlinson-Pinkham, K. (2017, July). The effect of aromatherapy on insomnia and other common symptoms among patients with acute leukemia. In Oncology nursing forum (Vol. 44, No. 4, p. E185). Oncology Nursing Society.
• This single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with 100 retired adults showed that taking 2 drops of with lavender essential oil with water for seven days improved sleep.  From:  Izadi-Avanji, F. S., Miranzadeh, S., Akbari, H., Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N., & Ahmadi, D. (2019). Effects of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on sleep quality among retired older adults. Journal of Research and Health, 9(5), 437-442.

FEMALE HEALTH

• In a review of 16 studies that included 1092 postmenopausal women, lavender aroma helped reduce symptoms like anxiety and hot flashes, but more research is suggested. From: Salehi-Pourmehr, H., Ostadrahimi, A., Ebrahimpour-Mirzarezaei, M., & Farshbaf-Khalili, A. (2020). Does aromatherapy with lavender affect physical and psychological symptoms of menopausal women? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 39, 101150.
• In a study of 30 different vaginal isolated strains of C. albicans to twelve essential oils, compared to the three of the mainly used drugs (clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole), mint, basil, lavender, tea tree oil, winter savory and oregano essential oils inhibited both the growth and the activity of C. albicans more efficiently than clotrimazole.  From:  Bona, E., Cantamessa, S., Pavan, M., Novello, G., Massa, N., Rocchetti, A., … & Gamalero, E. (2016). Sensitivity of Candida albicans to essential oils: are they an alternative to antifungal agents?. Journal of Applied Microbiology.
• Lemongrass, palmarosa, lavender and rose scented geranium showed in vitro activity against pathogenic vaginal microorganisms.  From:  Schwiertz, A., Duttke, C., Hild, J., & Mueller, H. J. (2006). In vitro activity of essential oils on microorganisms isolated from vaginal infections. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(3), 169-174.
• Aromatherapy massage may reduce postpartum effects in women.  From:  Imura, M., Misao, H., & Ushijima, H. (2006). The Psychological Effects of Aromatherapy‐Massage in Healthy Postpartum Mothers. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 51(2), e21-e27.
• This study of 120 women in labor demonstrated that the group that received aromatherapy with essential oils of either rose and/or lavender had reduced pain compared to the control group.  From:  Chughtai, A., Navaee, M., Alijanvand, M. H., & Yaghoubinia, F. (2018). Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy With Essential Oils of Rosa damascena and Lavender Alone and in Combination on Severity of Pain in the First Phase of Labor in Primiparous Women. Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences, 5(4), 312-319.
• In a study of 105 women in their 35 – 37th week of pregnancy, the test group dropped 7 drops of lavender and 1 drop of rose water into a washcloth and took 10 deep breaths in before putting it next to their pillow for the night.  The control group did the same with sesame oil.  The study was conducted until 6 weeks post delivery. The aromatherapy group had significantly lower postpartum depression.  From:  Kianpour, M., Moshirenia, F., Kheirabadi, G., Asghari, G., Dehghani, A., & Dehghani-Tafti, A. (2018). The effects of inhalation aromatherapy with rose and lavender at week 38 and postpartum period on postpartum depression in high-risk women referred to selected health centers of Yazd, Iran in 2015. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 23(5), 395.  Read more…
• This study included 120 women who had a vaginal delivery with an episiotomy.  Half received lavender oil and the other half received povidone-iodine to treat the wound.  The lavender group had significantly less redness and pain with no side effects.   From:  Vakilian, K., Atarha, M., Bekhradi, R., & Chaman, R. (2011). Healing advantages of lavender essential oil during episiotomy recovery: a clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 17(1), 50-53.  Read more…
• In a study of 89 women who had received an episiotomy, olive oil and lavender oil added to a sitz bath improved healing. From: Behmanesh, F., Tofighi, M., Delavar, M. A., Zeinalzadeh, M., Moghadamnia, A. A., & Khafri, S. A. (2011). A Clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of Lavender essential oil and olive oil at healing postpartum mother’s perinea. Healthmed, 5(6), 1512-6. Read more…

MENOPAUSE

• In a study of 87 menopausal women, 30-minute aromatherapy sessions twice a week for 4 weeks resulted in reduced phsychological symptoms.  Aromatherapy included lavender, geranium, rose, and rosemary essential oils at a ratio of 4:2:1:1 that were diluted to 3% in a blend of 90% almond and 10% primrose carrier oils.  From:  Taavoni, S., Darsareh, F., Joolaee, S., & Haghani, H. (2013). The effect of aromatherapy massage on the psychological symptoms of postmenopausal Iranian women. Complementary therapies in medicine, 21(3), 158-163.
• In a study of menopausal women, ingestion of bitter orange and lavender flower powders significantly reduced anxiety compared to the placebo.  From: Farshbaf-Khalili, A., Kamalifard, M., & Namadian, M. (2018). Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 31, 132-138.
• The group of menopausal women who received an aromatherapy massage on the abdomen, back and arms with lavender, rose geranium, rose and jasmine in almond and primrose oils once a week for 8 weeks had reduced symptoms compared to the nontreated group.  From:  Hur, M. H., Yang, Y. S., & Lee, M. S. (2008). Aromatherapy massage affects menopausal symptoms in Korean climacteric women: a pilot-controlled clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(3), 325-328.
• In a study of 100 menopausal women, lavender aroma smelled for 20 minutes, twice daily, for a 12 week period resulted in decreased menopausal symptoms compared to the control group.  From:  Nikjou, R., Kazemzadeh, R., Asadzadeh, F., Fathi, R., & Mostafazadeh, F. (2018). The effect of lavender aromatherapy on the symptoms of menopause. journal of the national medical association, 110(3), 265-269.
• In a study of 180 postmenopausal women ages 45-55, taking 40 mg of a Ginkgo biloba tablet and 2-3 drops of aroma of geranium, rose, fennel, and lavender 3 times a day for 6 weeks reduced sexual disfunction compared to the placebo, gingko only, and aromatherapy only groups.  From:  Malakouti, J., Jabbari, F., Jafarabadi, M. A., Javadzadeh, Y., & Khalili, A. F. (2017). The impact of ginkgo biloba tablet and aromatherapy inhaler combination on sexual function in females during postmenopausal period: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci, 5, 129-136.

REDUCED DYSMENORRHEA

• An abdominal massage using Lavandula officinalis, Salvia sclarea, and Rosa centifolia almond oil reduced the severity of menstrual cramps.  From:  Han, S. H., Hur, M. H., Buckle, J., Choi, J., & Lee, M. S. (2006). Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 12(6), 535-541.
• Lavender serves as a mild sedative in promoting deep sleep.  From:  Goel, N., Kim, H., & Lao, R. P. (2005). An olfactory stimulus modifies nighttime sleep in young men and women. Chronobiology international, 22(5), 889-904.
• In a study of 150 women with dysmenorrhea, lavender aromatherapy massage reduced menstrual pain compared to the placebo.  From:  Apay, S. E., Arslan, S., Akpinar, R. B., & Celebioglu, A. (2012). Effect of aromatherapy massage on dysmenorrhea in Turkish students. Pain management nursing, 13(4), 236-240.
• A blend of lavender (Lavandula officinalis), clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) in a carrier cream, massaged on the lower abdomen reduced menstrual pain.  From:  Ou, M. C., Hsu, T. F., Lai, A. C., Lin, Y. T., & Lin, C. C. (2012). Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial. Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, 38(5), 817-822.

JOINT PAIN

• Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint in an aromatherapy blend reduced depression and pain in those with arthritis.  From:  Kim, M. J., Nam, E. S., & Paik, S. I. (2005). [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(1), 186-194.

CARDIAC HEALTH

• Inhalation of lavender reduced endothelial dysfunction in night shift workers.  From:  Shimada, K., Fukuda, S., Maeda, K., Kawasaki, T., Kono, Y., Jissho, S., … & Yoshikawa, J. (2011). Aromatherapy alleviates endothelial dysfunction of medical staff after night-shift work: preliminary observations. Hypertension Research, 34(2), 264-267.

ALOPECIA

• The active group who massaged a blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood in carrier oils on their scalp daily, had reduced hair loss.  From:  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.
• In a study of 40 patients with alopecia, the essential oil treatment in a carrier oil (with thyme, rosemary, lavender, evening primrose oil and cedarwood) was significantly more effective than the placebo.  From:  ÖZMEN, İ., ÇALIŞKAN, E., Ercan, A. R. C. A., AÇIKGÖZ, G., & Erol, K. O. Ç. (2015). Efficacy of aromatherapy in the treatment of localized alopecia areata: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Gulhane Medical Journal, 57(3).

CHILDREN’S HEALTH

• Naturopathic ear drops containing allium sativum, verbascum thapsus, calendula flores, hypericum perfoliatum, lavender, and vitamin E in olive oil reduced ear pain in a double-blind study of children.  From:  Sarrell, E. M., Cohen, H. A., & Kahan, E. (2003). Naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children. Pediatrics, 111(5), e574-e579.
• Aromatherapy massage with lavender reduced colic in babies.  From:  Çetinkaya, B., & Başbakkal, Z. (2012). The effectiveness of aromatherapy massage using lavender oil as a treatment for infantile colic. International journal of nursing practice, 18(2), 164-169.
• Lavender and tea tree reduced head lice.  From:  Barker, S. C., & Altman, P. M. (2010). A randomised, assessor blind, parallel group comparative efficacy trial of three products for the treatment of head lice in children-melaleuca oil and lavender oil, pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, and a. BMC dermatology, 10(1), 6.
• In this 7 day double blind randomized clinical trial with 66 infants, inhalation of 1% lavender for 15 minutes reduced crying in colicy babies. From:   Vaziri, F., Sahebkaram, Z., Bahrami, R., Pourahmad, S., & Azima, S. (2018). Lavender Oil Aromatherapy on Infantile Colic and Maternal Mood: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 24(1), 38-43.

ANTI-CONVULSIVE

• Lavender oil vapour had an anticonvulsive effect on convulsion induced mice.  From:  Kenji YAMADA, Yoshihiro MIMAKI, and Yutaka SASHIDA. (1994). Anticonvulsive effects of inhaling lavender oil vapour. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 17(2), 359-360.

GREEN GARDENING

• Lavender, lavendin and laurel essential oils showed activity against mites that kill honeybees without killing the honeybees.  From:  Damiani, N., Gende, L. B., Bailac, P., Marcangeli, J. A., & Eguaras, M. J. (2009). Acaricidal and insecticidal activity of essential oils on Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) and Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Parasitology research, 106(1), 145-152.

DRUG ADDICTION

• In a study of 34 male participants addicted to inhalants, they inhaled lavender aroma instead.  It was seen as an effective substitute treatment that could be part of a treatment program to reduce inhalation cravings.  From:  Kalayasiri, R., Maneesang, W., & Maes, M. (2018). A novel approach of substitution therapy with inhalation of essential oil for the reduction of inhalant craving: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry research, 261, 61-67.

IMMUNITY

• An aromatherapy massage with lavender, cypress, and sweet marjoram reduced anxiety and boosted immunity markers in the blood in this small study with 11 participants.  From:  Kuriyama, H., Watanabe, S., Nakaya, T., Shigemori, I., Kita, M., Yoshida, N., … & Imanishi, J. (2005). Immunological and psychological benefits of aromatherapy massage. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2(2), 179-184.

COUGH

• Listed are herbs commonly used for cough suppression.  These herbs include Acacia catechu, Acorus calamus, Adhatoda vasica, Allium sativum, Angelica archangelica, Astragalus membranaceus, Carum copticum, Lavandula angustifolia, Lobelia inflata, Salvia officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Tussilago farfara, Valeriana officinalis, Verbascum thapsus, and Zingiber officinale.  From:  Sultana, S., Khan, A., & Alhazmi, M. M. S. H. A. (2016). Cough Suppressant Herbal Drugs: A Review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention, 5(5), 15-28.

ANTI-ULCER

• Patients had reduced inflammation level, ulcer size, healing time, and pain from recurrent aphthous ulcerations with lavender oil.  From:  Altaei, D. T. (2012). Topical lavender oil for the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration. American journal of dentistry, 25(1), 39-43.  Read more…
• Research was reviewed on the following plants for treating recurrent apthous (mouth) ulcers: Satureja khuzistanica, Aloe vera, Myrrh, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Alchemilla vulgaris, Myrtus communis, Melissa officinalis, Rhizophora mangle, Chamomile, Rosa damascena, Nicotiana tabacum, Punica granatum, Ageratina pichinchensis, Norwegian LongoVital, Lavendula angustifolia oil, and Perilla frutescens oil. From: Heydarpour, F., Abasabadi, M., Shahpiri, Z., Vaziri, S., Nazari, H. A., Najafi, F., … & Farzaei, M. H. (2018). Medicinal plant and their bioactive phytochemicals in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: A review of clinical trials. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(23), 27.

APHRODISIAC

• In a study of 180 postmenopausal women ages 45-55, taking 40 mg of a Ginkgo biloba tablet and 2-3 drops of aroma of geranium, rose, fennel, and lavender 3 times a day for 6 weeks reduced sexual disfunction compared to the placebo, gingko only, and aromatherapy only groups.  From:  Malakouti, J., Jabbari, F., Jafarabadi, M. A., Javadzadeh, Y., & Khalili, A. F. (2017). The impact of ginkgo biloba tablet and aromatherapy inhaler combination on sexual function in females during postmenopausal period: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci, 5, 129-136.

ANTI-PARASITIC

• Essential oils of lime, Roman chamomile, and lavender were anti-parasitic in vitro against Haemonchus contortus. From: Ferreira, L. E., Benincasa, B. I., Fachin, A. L., Contini, S. H. T., França, S. C., Chagas, A. C. S., & Beleboni, R. O. (2018). Essential oils of Citrus aurantifolia, Anthemis nobile and Lavandula officinalis: in vitro anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus. Parasites & vectors, 11(1), 269.

ATHLETE’S FOOT

• The following essential oils and blends showed antifungal action against Trichophyton interdigitale when applied to cotton: oregano, cinnamon, and the combination of origanum/clove/orange and clove/lavender/cinnamon. This may be useful in making footwear to prevent foot fungus. From:   Berechet, M. D., Chirilă, C., & Deselnicu, V. (2016). Antifungal Activity of Some Essential Oils on Cotton Fabrics. In International Conference on Advanced Materials and Systems (ICAMS) (pp. 197-202). The National Research & Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP.
• Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water.  From:  Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 12/21/22