The benefits of lavender

Written By The HealthMeth Team - Updated On Monday, February 15, 2021 1:00 PM

Lavender

Lavender or lavender is one of the most famous types of aromatic plants, as there are more than 20 different types of it, and they are spread in several regions, and they differ according to the appropriate climatic and agricultural conditions for each of these types, and lavender has been used since ancient times In the manufacture of perfumes, oils, personal care products, and others, [1] lavender leaves and flowers are also used to flavor salad dishes, desserts , jellies, and sauces. [2]


Lavender benefits

Lavender benefits according to the degree of effectiveness

Possibly Effective

  • Reducing anxiety symptoms: A study published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology in 2014 indicated that it is possible for lavender oil to affect the relief of anxiety symptoms, as its consumption led to a decrease in the degree of anxiety, and it was also shown that the extract of lavender oil can improve Mental health, and therefore it may positively affect the quality of a healthy life in general. [3]
  • Reducing symptoms of depression: Where a study published in the journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry in 2003 indicated that lavender extract may contribute to alleviating mild and moderate depression by consuming it along with medications designated for depression. [4]


There is insufficient evidence of efficacy (Insufficient Evidence).

  • Contribute to reducing the risk of developing cancerous tumors: A study published in the Iranian Journal of Cancer Prevention in 2013 indicated that lavender can inhibit the proliferation of Hodgkin's lymphoma cells, and lavender extract led to programmed death , so it is possible for lavender and its extract to reduce the risk of developing cancerous tumors, but more research is still needed to confirm its effectiveness. [5]
  • Other benefits: The lavender plant is used in some other cases, but its effect has not yet been proven to reduce the risk of developing these conditions, or mitigate them, and among these cases the following: [6]
    • Menopause .
    • Gas, flatulence.
    • Dyspepsia
    • Anorexia.
    • Vomiting, nausea.
    • Nerve pain.


Damage to lavender

Lavender safety degree

Lavender is often considered safe for most adults to consume moderate amounts in food, and it is possible to take it in medicinal doses. The following is an explanation of how safe it is for some cases: [6]

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is insufficient information about whether lavender is safe to consume during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid using it by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • Children: It is possible for lavender oil to have hormonal effects that may lead to an imbalance in the natural hormones in male children, and in some cases this hormonal imbalance may lead to an abnormal growth in their breasts, or as it is known as gynecomastia. The safety of lavender and lavender products used by girls is not known.


Precautions for using lavender

Lavender consumption can cause some side effects, such as: constipation, headache, and increased appetite , [7] and lavender oil may be toxic when taken orally, and lavender extract may cause joint pain, stomach upset, [8] . People who are scheduled to undergo surgery, are advised not to use lavender oil, or to stop using it at least two weeks before the surgery, as it is possible for lavender to slow down the central nervous system if it is used in conjunction with the use of anesthesia, or with drugs that It is given to the patient during and after the surgery. [9]


Pharmacological interaction with lavender

Lavender plant can interact with some drugs, including the following: [10]

  • Chloral hydrate: This medicine causes drowsiness, and taking lavender may increase the effectiveness of this medicine, which may cause an increase in the feeling of severe drowsiness, so care should be taken when consuming them together.
  • Antihypertensive drugs: Lavender may reduce blood pressure in some people, so taking it with antihypertensive drugs may cause a severe and unwanted decrease in blood pressure , so you should consult your doctor before consuming lavender with this type of medicine, including Medicines: captopril , enalapril , losartan , and valsartan , and others.
  • Sedative medications : Since lavender or lavender may cause drowsiness, taking it with sedative medications that cause drowsiness leads to feeling very sleepy, so you should be careful and consult a doctor when taking them together, and among these drugs: pentobarbital , phenobarbital , and secobarbital , among others.


Lavender oil

What is lavender oil

Lavender oil is known to be one of the most common and used essential oils, and it is extracted from the lavender plant , [11] but there is no information about the benefits of eating it, and it is worth noting - as mentioned previously - that this oil may be toxic when Eat it. [8]


Lavender oil benefits for slimming

There is no information available about the benefits of lavender oil for slimming, and as previously mentioned; It is better to avoid eating it, as it may be toxic, and it should be noted that the success of the weight-loss process depends on a healthy diet , by controlling the intake of calories, with increased physical activity and exercise. [12]


References

  1. Matt Ernst (4-2017), "Lavender" , www.uky.edu , Retrieved 13-4-2020. Edited.
  2. "LAVENDER" , Www.hort.purdue.edu , 6-12-1997, Retrieved 13-4-2020. Edited.
  3. Siegfried Kasper, Markus Gastpar, Walter E Müller and others (1-6-2014), "Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder - a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine" , International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology , Issue 6, Folder 17, Page 869--859. Edited.
  4. Shahin Akhondzadeh, Ladan Kashani, Akbar FotouhI and others (2-2003), “Comparison of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Tincture and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized trial” , sciencedirect , Issue 1, Folder 27, Page 123-127. Edited.
  5. Sona Dalilan, Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani, Mohammad Nabiuni and others (2013), “Aqueous Extract of Lavender Angustifolia Inhibits Lymphocytes Proliferation of Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patients” , Iranian Journal of Cancer Prevention , Issue 4, Folder 6, Page 201-208. Edited.
  6. ^ A b "LAVENDER" , the www.webmd.com , Retrieved 14-4-2020. Edited.
  7. Cerner Multum (24-7-2019), "Lavender" , www.everydayhealth.com , Retrieved 4-4-2020. Edited.
  8. ^ A b " the Lavender" , Www.nccih.nih.gov , 9-2016, Retrieved 14-4-2020. Edited.
  9. "Lavender" , www.medicinenet.com , Retrieved 4-4-2020. Edited.
  10. "LAVENDER" , www.rxlist.com , Retrieved 14-4-2020. Edited.
  11. Cathy Wong (2-3-2020), "The Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil" , www.verywellmind.com , Retrieved 4-14-2020. Edited.
  12. "Weight loss" , www.mayoclinic.org , 18-12-2019, Retrieved 14-4-2020. Edited.