Plant Comparison
Bay-leaf willowherb vs Lavender
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Bay-leaf willowherb and Lavender: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), infection (general), …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Bay-leaf willowherb | Lavender | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lavender |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lavender |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lavender |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lavender |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lavender |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Characteristic Epilobium polyphenols underlying the anti-inflammatory and prostate activity; a genus review identifies oenothein B as the dominant constituent and likely driver of the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antioxidant effects.
Antioxidant constituents.
Sterols associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia support.
Flower essential oil dominated by linalool and linalyl acetate, the principal compounds behind the calming, anxiolytic and antimicrobial activity.
Antioxidant constituents of the flower.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Antibacterial, including against Escherichia coli (urinary support); Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Lower urinary tract / prostate symptoms must be medically assessed first to exclude prostate cancer; willowherb is a supportive measure, not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment.
Well tolerated over three months in clinical use; longer-term safety data are limited.
Generally very safe. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts. Rarely, contact dermatitis may occur. May potentiate the effect of sedative medications. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates lavender as ++ and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for carminative activity, consistent with Commission E approval for nervous stomach disorders and functional abdominal complaints. Additional experimental activities include anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and antiseptic effects. The essential oil demonstrates COX-2 inhibitory and Alzheimer's-relevant properties at the experimental level. Dose: 1–2 teaspoons (4–8 g) dried flowers as tea; 1–3 drops essential oil in a carrier for topical or aromatherapy use. Duke notes that oral lavender oil (Silexan) has clinical evidence for generalized anxiety disorder (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Slender, softly hairy perennial herb with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and small, four-petalled, pale pink to lilac flowers with a notched tip, borne singly in the upper leaf axils. After flowering, long, narrow seed pods split to release cottony-tufted seeds, typical of the willowherb genus.[13]
Aromatic, evergreen, woody-based perennial subshrub with narrow, grey-green, felted leaves. Slender flowering spikes carrying whorls of small, tubular, two-lipped violet-blue flowers rise well above the foliage on long, unbranched stalks.[4]
Habitat
Grows in damp meadows, ditches, streamsides and waste ground on moist soils; native to Europe and temperate Asia.[13]
Native to the mountains of the western Mediterranean (southern France, Spain, Italy); widely cultivated in sunny, well-drained, often calcareous sites across temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide.[4]
Harvesting
The flowering aerial parts are cut in summer while in flower, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[13]
The flower spikes are cut as the flowers open, in mid- to late summer, when essential oil content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place or distilled fresh for essential oil.[4]
Traditional Uses
Small-flowered willowherb, along with related Epilobium species, has a Central European folk tradition as a supportive remedy for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, and as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb for minor infections; the traditional prostate-support use is attributed mainly to its oenothein B content, though robust clinical evidence remains limited.[13]
Lavender flower has a long Mediterranean and European tradition as a calming, sedative herb for nervous tension, anxiety and insomnia, and as a mild digestive carminative and antiseptic for minor wounds and skin irritation; the essential oil in particular has an extensive modern clinical evidence base for anxiety and sleep support.[4]
Preparations
Dried flowering herb infused in hot water as a traditional urinary and prostate-support tea.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-2.0 g of the comminuted herb in 250 mL of boiling water as an infusion, twice daily, in adults and elderly; long-term use is possible. Lower urinary tract or prostate symptoms should always be medically assessed first, and the monograph directs that a doctor be consulted if fever, spasms, blood in the urine, painful urination or urinary retention occur. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, three times daily, in adolescents, adults and elderly; a tincture at 2-4 mL three times daily is also listed. The monograph notes that lavender may impair the ability to drive or use machines. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Lavender and valerian are both calming herbs used to aid relaxation and sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 23]
Lavender and lemon balm are both calming herbs used to ease anxiety and aid sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 24]
Lavender and chamomile are both calming herbs used to ease anxiety and aid sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 25]
References & Sources
- Vitalone, A. and Allkanjari, O (2018) 'Epilobium spp: Pharmacology and Phytochemistry', Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), pp. 1229-1240. doi:10.1002/ptr.6072 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6072 - Cicero, A.F.G., Allkanjari, O., Busetto, G.M., Cai, T. et al (2019) 'Nutraceutical treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer', Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia, 91(3), pp. 139-152. doi:10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139 - Vlase, A.M., Toiu, A., Gligor, O., Muntean, D. et al (2024) 'Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract's Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential', Plants (Basel), 13(2), pp. 198. doi:10.3390/plants13020198 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020198 - Granica, S., Piwowarski, J.P., Czerwinska, M.E. and Kiss, A.K (2014) 'Phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional uses of different Epilobium species (Onagraceae): a review', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 316--346. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.036 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.036 - Ramstead, A.G., Schepetkin, I.A., Quinn, M.T. and Jutila, M.A (2012) 'Oenothein B, a cyclic dimeric ellagitannin isolated from Epilobium angustifolium, enhances IFN-gamma production by lymphocytes', PLoS One, 7(11), pp. e50546. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0050546 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0050546 - Kiss, A.K., Bazylko, A., Filipek, A., Granica, S., Jaszewska, E., Kiarszys, U., Kosmider, A. and Piwowarski, J (2011) 'Oenothein B's contribution to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Epilobium sp', Phytomedicine, 18(7), pp. 557-560. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.10.016 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.10.016 - Schepetkin, I.A., Kirpotina, L.N., Jakiw, L., Khlebnikov, A.I., Blaskovich, C.L., Jutila, M.A. and Quinn, M.T (2009) 'Immunomodulatory activity of oenothein B isolated from Epilobium angustifolium', Journal of Immunology, 183(10), pp. 6754-6766. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.0901827 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.0901827 - Ducrey, B., Marston, A., Gohring, S., Hartmann, R.W. and Hostettmann, K (1997) 'Inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase by the ellagitannins oenothein A and oenothein B from Epilobium species', Planta Medica, 63(2), pp. 111-114. doi:10.1055/s-2006-957624 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957624 - Schepetkin, I.A., Ramstead, A.G., Kirpotina, L.N., Voyich, J.M., Jutila, M.A. and Quinn, M.T (2016) 'Therapeutic potential of polyphenols from Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed)', Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), pp. 1287-1297. doi:10.1002/ptr.5648 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5648 - Merighi, S., Travagli, A., Tedeschi, P., Marchetti, N. and Gessi, S (2021) 'Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Epilobium parviflorum, Melilotus officinalis and Cardiospermum halicacabum plant extracts in macrophage and microglial cells', Cells, 10(10), pp. 2691. doi:10.3390/cells10102691 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10102691 - Hevesi Toth, B., Blazics, B. and Kery, A (2009) 'Polyphenol composition and antioxidant capacity of Epilobium species', Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 49(1), pp. 26-31. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2008.09.047 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2008.09.047 - Vitalone, A., McColl, J., Thome, D., Costa, L.G. and Tita, B (2003) 'Characterization of the effect of Epilobium extracts on human cell proliferation', Pharmacology, 69(2), pp. 79-87. doi:10.1159/000072360 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1159/000072360 - Steenkamp, V., Gouws, M.C., Gulumian, M., Elgorashi, E.E. and van Staden, J (2005) 'Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2005. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Epilobium angustifolium L. and/or Epilobium parviflorum Schreb., herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-epilobium-angustifolium-l-andor-epilobium-parviflorum-schreb-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-epilobium-angustifolium-l-andor-epilobium-parviflorum-schreb-herba_en.pdf - Coulson, S., Rao, A., Beck, S.L., Steels, E., Gramotnev, H. and Vitetta, L (2013) 'A phase II randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ProstateEZE Max: a herbal medicine preparation (containing Epilobium parviflorum) for the management of symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy', Complementary Therapies in Medicine. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.007 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.007
- Tan, L., Liao, F.F., Long, L.Z., Ma, X.C. et al (2023) 'Essential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis', Frontiers in Public Health, 11, pp. 1144404. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404 - Dos Reis Lucena, L., Dos Santos-Junior, J.G., Tufik, S. and Hachul, H (2021) 'Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 59, pp. 102726. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726 - Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K. and Duckett, P (2003) 'Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults', International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), pp. 15-38. doi:10.1080/00207450390161903 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903 - Denner, S.S (2009) 'Lavandula angustifolia Miller: English lavender', Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(1), pp. 57-64. doi:10.1097/01.HNP.0000343210.56710.fc Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.HNP.0000343210.56710.fc - Basch, E., Foppa, I., Liebowitz, R., Nelson, J., Smith, M., Sollars, D. and Ulbricht, C (2004) 'Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller)', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 4(2), pp. 63-78. doi:10.1080/j157v04n02_07 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/j157v04n02_07 - Betlej, I., Andres, B., Cebulak, T., Kapusta, I., Balawejder, M., Zurek, N., Jaworski, S., Lange, A., Kutwin, M., Pisulewska, E., Kidacka, A., Krochmal-Marczak, B., Boruszewski, P. and Borysiuk, P (2024) 'Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of new Lavandula angustifolia ecotypes', Molecules, 29(8), pp. 1740. doi:10.3390/molecules29081740 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081740 - Rahimian, Z., Sadrian, S., Shahisavandi, M., Aligholi, H., Zarshenas, M.M., Abyar, A., Zeraatpisheh, Z. and Asadi-Pooya, A.A (2023) 'Antiseizure effects of Lavandula angustifolia L', BioMed Research International, 2023, pp. 4121998. doi:10.1155/2023/4121998 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4121998 - de Melo Alves Silva, L.C., de Oliveira Mendes, F.D.C., de Castro Teixeira, F., de Lima Fernandes, T.E., Barros Ribeiro, K.R., da Silva Leal, K.C., Dantas, D.V. and Neves Dantas, R.A (2023) 'Use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a complementary therapy in adult health care: a scoping review', Heliyon, 9(5), pp. e15446. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446 - Lejeune, V.B.P., Lopes, R.V., Baggio, D.F., Koren, L.D.O., Zanoveli, J.M. and Chichorro, J.G (2023) 'Antinociceptive and anxiolytic-like effects of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil on rat models of orofacial pain', Journal of Applied Oral Science, 30, pp. e20220304. doi:10.1590/1678-7757-2002-0304 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2002-0304 - Mykhailenko, O., Hurina, V., Ivanauskas, L., Marksa, M., Skybitska, M., Kovalenko, O., Lytkin, D., Vladymyrova, I. and Georgiyants, V (2024) 'Lavandula angustifolia herb from Ukraine: comparative chemical profile and in vitro antioxidant activity', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 21(9), pp. e202400640. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202400640 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202400640 - Shamabadi, A. and Akhondzadeh, S (2021) 'Efficacy and tolerability of Lavandula angustifolia in treating patients with the diagnosis of depression: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials', Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, 20(1), pp. 81-91. doi:10.1515/jcim-2020-0498 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2020-0498 - Cardia, G.F.E., Silva-Filho, S.E., Silva, E.L., Uchida, N.S., Cavalcante, H.A.O., Cassarotti, L.L., Salvadego, V.E.C., Spironello, R.A., Bersani-Amado, C.A. and Cuman, R.K.N (2018) 'Effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil on acute inflammatory response', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, pp. 1413940. doi:10.1155/2018/1413940 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1413940 - Aboalhaija, N.H., Syaj, H., Afifi, F., Sunoqrot, S., Al-Shalabi, E. and Talib, W (2022) 'Chemical evaluation, in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of Lavandula angustifolia grown in Jordan', Molecules, 27(18), pp. 5910. doi:10.3390/molecules27185910 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185910 - Caputo, L., Reguilon, M.D., Minarro, J., De Feo, V. and Rodriguez-Arias, M (2018) 'Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and linalool counteract social aversion induced by social defeat', Molecules, 23(10), pp. 2694. doi:10.3390/molecules23102694 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102694 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2012) 'Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, flos'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-lavandula-angustifolia-p-mill-flos_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-lavandula-angustifolia-p-mill-flos_en.pdf - Cavanagh, H.M.A. and Wilkinson, J.M (2002) 'Biological activities of lavender essential oil', 16(4), pp. 301--308. doi:10.1002/ptr.1103 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1103 - Lis-Balchin, M (2002) 'Lavender: The Genus Lavandula'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Lavender%3A%20The%20Genus%20Lavandula - Schuwald, A.M. et al (2013) 'Lavender oil-potent anxiolytic properties via modulating voltage dependent calcium channels', 8(4). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059998 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059998 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Dold, M., Bartova, L., Volz, H.P., Seifritz, E., Moller, H.J., Schlafke, S. and Kasper, S (2023) 'Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials', European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 273(7), pp. 1615-1628. doi:10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Haybar, H., Javid, A.Z., Haghighizadeh, M.H., Valizadeh, E., Mohaghegh, S.M. and Mohammadzadeh, A (2018) 'The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina', Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 26, pp. 47-52. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J.J. and Shults, J (2009) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder', Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 378-382. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.