Lavender

A principal constituent of true lavender oil. Linalool is anxiolytic and mildly sedative in animal models, modulating glutamatergic and serotonergic signalling rather than binding the benzodiazepine site; it also contributes to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity and is a recognised fragrance allergen when oxidised.

The characteristic sweet, fruity ester of high-quality L. angustifolia oil and, with linalool, the marker used to distinguish true lavender from lavandin. It contributes spasmolytic and calming effects and is partly hydrolysed to linalool in the body.

A camphoraceous oxide with expectorant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Elevated cineole and camphor levels indicate adulteration with L. latifolia or L. x intermedia and reduce the calming quality of the oil.

A dietary cannabinoid that is a selective agonist of the CB2 receptor, contributing anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to lavender preparations.

Minor terpenes that are largely unique to Lavandula and used as authenticity markers; they add to the floral odour profile and to mild spasmolytic activity.

Present only in trace amounts in genuine L. angustifolia. Low camphor is a quality criterion; high camphor signals hybrid or spike-lavender oil and increases the risk of neurotoxicity, especially in children.

A monoterpenol with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity that also contributes to the oil's overall broad-spectrum antiseptic action.

Steep 1-2 teaspoons (about 0.8-1.5 g) of dried flowers in a covered cup of just-boiled water for 5-10 minutes; drink up to three times daily for restlessness, mild anxiety or to aid sleep. Covering the cup conserves the volatile oils.

An oral soft-gel of 80 mg standardised lavender oil taken once daily is the form used in anxiety and depression trials. Use a proprietary standardised product; do not swallow ordinary aromatherapy essential oil, which is not intended for internal use.

Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser, or 2-3 drops to a tissue or pillow, for calming and sleep support. Keep essential oil away from the eyes and out of reach of children.

Dilute to roughly 1-3% (about 6-18 drops per 30 ml carrier oil) for massage or application to minor burns, insect bites and tense muscles. WARNING: undiluted essential oil can cause skin irritation and sensitisation; repeated topical use of lavender (and tea tree) oils has been linked in case reports to reversible prepubertal gynecomastia, so avoid regular use on young children. Do not ingest the neat essential oil.

In adults with generalized anxiety disorder, 160 mg and 80 mg once-daily oral lavender oil (Silexan) reduced HAM-A anxiety scores significantly more than placebo over 10 weeks and performed comparably to 20 mg paroxetine, with good tolerability and no withdrawal syndrome.

Oral lavender oil (Silexan) significantly improved depressive symptoms compared with placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder, supporting a mood-related indication beyond anxiety.

Inhaled lavender essential oil improved sleep quality and quality of life versus placebo over 4-week treatment periods in patients with type II diabetes and insomnia, without adverse effects on glycaemic control.

Describes 'stoechas' (a lavender, Lavandula stoechas) as a warming remedy for chest complaints; lavenders were valued in Graeco-Roman medicine as aromatic and cleansing herbs, the name deriving from Latin lavare, 'to wash'.

Recommends lavender ('Lavendula') for its strong scent to drive away lice and to clear the eyes and mind, an early German monastic endorsement of the herb.

Attributes lavender to Mercury, recommending it for 'the tremblings and passions of the heart, and faintings and swoonings', and for headaches and disorders of the brain and nerves.