Plant Profile

Lavender

Compiled by the Omnia Sana editorial team from the plant database ·Last updated August 15, 2026

Lavandula angustifolia

Family: Lamiaceae · Parts used: Flower · Also known as: English lavender, true lavender

The complete database record: 2 documented constituents, 7 pharmacological actions, 10 traditional / indicated uses, with 26 cited sources.

Botanical Description

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]

Height: 30-60 cm

Habit: Aromatic, evergreen, woody-based perennial subshrub

Leaves: Narrow, grey-green, felted

Flowers: Small, tubular, two-lipped, violet-blue, in whorled spikes on long stalks

Stem: Woody at the base, with slender unbranched flowering stalks

Root: Woody rootstock

Fruit: Small nutlet (typical of Lamiaceae)

Flowering Period: June-August

Habitat & Distribution

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 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]

Parts: Flower

Season: Mid- to late summer, at flowering

Key Constituents

Essential oil (linalool, linalyl acetate)^[4]

Flower essential oil dominated by linalool and linalyl acetate, the principal compounds behind the calming, anxiolytic and antimicrobial activity.

Essential (volatile) oilLinalool

Flavonoids and phenolic acids

Antioxidant constituents of the flower.

FlavonoidsPhenolic acids

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[4, 12, 17, 18, 19]}

Anticancer (preclinical)^[13]

Antimicrobial^{[6, 17, 18, 19]}

Antioxidant^{[10, 17, 18, 19]}

Antispasmodic^{[17, 18, 19]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Emollient / skin-soothing^{[17, 18, 19]}

Sedative / sleep support^{[5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19]}

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →

Cancer (anticancer research)^[13]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2

Label: Cancer (anticancer research)

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Eczema^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from emollient action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Eczema

more plants for eczema →detailed sources →

Infection (general)^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Infection (general)

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Inflammation (general)^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Inflammation (general)

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Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[17, 18, 19]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from sedative action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-2208, REF-2210, REF-2212, REF-2215

Evidence: 5

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

more plants for insomnia / sleeplessness →detailed sources →

Menstrual cramps^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Menstrual cramps

more plants for menstrual cramps →detailed sources →

Muscle spasm^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Muscle spasm

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Skin irritation^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Wounds^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Wounds

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Traditional Use & History

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

Infusion^[4]

Dried flowers infused in hot water as a traditional calming, digestive tea.

Essential oil (aromatherapy/topical)^[4]

Steam-distilled from the flowers; used diluted topically or by inhalation for relaxation and skin care.

Dosage

Infusion^[16]

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.

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[17, 18, 19]}Caution

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.

Safety note^{[17, 18, 19, 20]}Info

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).

Herb-Drug Interactions

Sedatives Cns Depressants^{[21, 22, 23]}Caution

Mechanism: Lavender has calming, sedative effects (its anxiolytic effect is supported by a meta-analysis of randomised trials of the oral oil preparation Silexan); taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants (including alcohol) it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Herb-Herb Pairings

Valerian^{[23, 24]}

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.

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Lemon balm^{[23, 25]}

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.

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Chamomile^{[23, 26]}

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.

Type: synergy

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Harvest Readiness

^[15]

Part: flower

Signals: Cut the flower spikes in mid-to-late summer, when the flowers are in full bloom (for the essential oil, cut as the flowers just begin to fade).

Basis: traditional

Source Quote: Lavender is typically harvested in mid to late summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

Species Confirmed: 1

Notes: PFAF (REF-3283); the flower spikes are cut at full bloom in mid-to-late summer (in flower July-September). For essential-oil yield PFAF notes harvesting 'as soon as the flowers have faded'. Single lineage -> provisional.

External Identifiers

GBIF ›Wikidata ›

References & Sources

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', 113(1), pp. 15--38. doi:10.1080/00207450390161903 Clinical study
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
Plants For A Future 'Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender, English Lavender)'. Available at: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lavandula+angustifolia Traditional / reference
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lavandula+angustifolia
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', 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. and others (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

Selected studies & references

ReviewTherapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review source↗ (2024)

ReviewEfficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials source↗ (2023)

ReviewEssential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis source↗ (2023)

ReviewUse of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a complementary therapy in adult health care: a scoping review source↗ (2023)

ReviewEfficacy and tolerability of Lavandula angustifolia in treating patients with the diagnosis of depression: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials source↗ (2021)

ReviewLavandula angustifolia Miller: English lavender source↗ (2009)

ReviewValerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis source↗ (2006)

ReviewLavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller) source↗ (2004)

All 24 studies in the Knowledge Finder →

Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions - always check before use.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.

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