Phytotherapy · Anxiety & Sleep Support · Lamiaceae

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia (Lamiaceae) — the fragrant Mediterranean subshrub whose flowers and essential oil are among the most studied in aromatic phytotherapy. Rich in linalyl acetate and linalool, lavender oil is best supported for anxiety, with an extensive clinical literature on sleep, mood, menstrual pain, and topical use.

107 Primary Refs
12 Properties
Flowers Parts Used
✦ Researched
Last Updated October 23, 2026
Primary Source Wikiphyto · NCBI PubMed · EMA Assessment Report
Family Lamiaceae
Perennial Subshrub · Mediterranean

Botanical Overview

True lavender is a perennial subshrub of Mediterranean regions, with upright, unbranched stems, narrow opposite leaves, and dense whorls of fragrant flowers forming a false spike. It grows wild and is cultivated in several areas of southeastern France; wild plants can reach 2,000 m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

HabitPerennial subshrub
Wild AltitudeUp to 2,000 m
Essential Oil Yield1–3%
Oil AOCSince 1981
Taxonomic Classification

Taxonomy & Identification

Latin Name
Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (= L. officinalis Chaix), cultivated; L. vera DC, wild 1
Family
Lamiaceae
Common Names
Lavender, True Lavender, English Lavender, Lavande fine, Garde-robe 51
Parts Used
Flowers and flowering tops; essential oil of the flowers
Related Species
L. latifolia (spike lavender): broader, hairier leaves
Hybrid
Lavandin (L. × intermedia): about 6–8% camphor
Ethnobotany & Traditional Use

History & Tradition

The French name garde-robe comes from sachets of lavender flowers placed in wardrobes to repel insects and scent linen. The essential oil of true lavender has held an AOC (appellation) since 1981, and wild populations are considered the best source, while clonal cultivars, propagated by cuttings, are more uniform, resistant and productive.

René-Maurice Gattefossé, who coined the term aromathérapie, is reported to have healed a burn-related infection with repeated applications of lavender oil on greasy tulle.

Modern research has centered on orally administered lavender oil (Silexan) in anxiety disorders and on its sedative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. 25262

⚠ Lavender vs. Lavandin

Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia), a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender, contains about 6–8% camphor and is grown intensively on the Valensole plateau. Its oil is not identical to true lavender oil, so clinical findings on L. angustifolia should not be assumed to apply to it.

Timeline

Wardrobe Sachets

Traditional

Flowers placed in wardrobes to repel insects and scent linen, giving the name garde-robe.

Gattefossé & Aromatherapy

Early 20th Century

Gattefossé, who coined aromathérapie, reportedly treated a burn-related infection with lavender oil.

AOC Recognition

1981

True lavender essential oil obtains an appellation of origin.

Silexan Anxiety Trials

2010 Onward

Randomized trials of oral lavender oil in subthreshold and generalized anxiety, followed by meta-analyses. 2765

The Key Compounds

Linalool & Linalyl Acetate — Deep Dive

The two dominant constituents of lavender essential oil, behind its anxiolytic, sedative and anti-inflammatory research.

🧪

Linalool (20–35% of the Oil)

A monoterpene alcohol acting on muscarinic, opioid and dopaminergic receptors, and affecting acetylcholine release, Na+/Ca2+ channels and glutamate transport. 100484950

🧬

Linalyl Acetate (30–55% of the Oil)

The principal ester of lavender oil, described as synergistic with linalool; the combination is considered essential for anxiolytic activity. 36

🔥

Anti-Inflammatory Constituents

Linalool and linalyl acetate both show anti-inflammatory activity. 52

🧠

Central Nervous System Targets

Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects are linked to NMDA receptors and serotonin transporters. 1002834

Pharmaceutical Preparations

Parts Used & Available Forms

The flowers and flowering tops are used, along with the essential oil distilled from the flowers, in three documented forms.

Herbal Infusion

Infusion (tisane) of the flowering tops.

Flowering Tops

Mother Tincture

Teinture-mère prepared from the flowering tops.

Liquid Extract

Essential Oil

Distilled from the flowers; used orally in capsules, topically, and by inhalation.

Essential Oil

Clinical Dosimetry

Dosages

Doses below come from clinical studies and traditional formulations documented for lavender.

Form Dose Frequency Context Notes
Essential Oil (oral capsules) 80 mg 1–2 capsules per day Anxiety The dose supported by meta-analyses. 25262765
Essential Oil (oral) 200 µl Not specified Low-intensity anxiety Dose cited in a study of responses to anxiety-provoking film clips. 24
Flower Powder + Bitter Orange 500 mg capsules Twice daily Anxiety in postmenopausal women Combination with bitter orange flower. 62
Eczema Cream 1 g lavender EO + 0.5 g geranium EO per 100 g base Twice daily Eczema Patch test first in the elbow fold. 101
Ear Lotion 3 drops in the ear Several times daily External otitis 1 g lavender EO, 5 ml calendula tincture, glycerin to 30 ml. 101
Lice Lotion 0.5 g lavender EO + 0.25 g geranium EO in 60 ml jojoba oil Leave on 1 hour; repeat 4 consecutive days Head lice, children 3–8 Add 0.25 g tea tree EO after age 8; avoid under age 3. 99
Phytochemistry

Composition

Whole-plant constituents and the essential-oil profile; no gemmotherapy (bud) fraction is documented for lavender.

Whole Plant — Primary Constituents

Essential OilMainly monoterpenes; 1–3% of the plant (minimum 0.8%) 23
Present
Tannins5–10%
Present
Coumarin DerivativesUmbelliferone and herniarin 3
Present
FlavonoidsTotal flavonoids with documented bioactivity 8
Present
Phenolic AcidsRosmarinic, ferulic, p-coumaric and caffeic acids, among others
Present
Triterpenes & PhytosterolsIncluding ursolic acid
Present

Essential Oil — Principal Components

Linalyl AcetateEster; 30–55% of the oil
Major
LinaloolMonoterpene alcohol; 20–35% of the oil
Major
Other Esters & AlcoholsTerpenyl acetate and lavandulyl acetate (>0.2%); terpinen-4-ol and lavandulol
Present
Monoterpenescis- and trans-β-ocimene, and limonene
Present
Oxides & Ketones1,8-Cineole and camphor
Present
Sesquiterpenes & CoumarinsIncluding caryophyllene oxide; coumarin and herniarin 3
Present

Plant Properties — Pharmacodynamics

Twelve pharmacodynamic properties are documented for lavender and its essential oil, described on Wikiphyto as a broad-spectrum aromatic remedy.

12 Properties Anxiolytic Antimicrobial Clinical + Preclinical
😌

Anxiolytic & Sedative

Documented anxiolytic, sedative and sleep-inducing activity, including by inhalation and in rodent anxiety models. 52330313335377463

🌤️

Antidepressant & Stress-Reducing

Antidepressant and stress-reducing effects, with behavioral studies in rodents. 42767

🔥

Anti-Inflammatory & Antiallergic

Reduces LPS-stimulated inflammation and immediate-type allergic reactions in animals. 165255

💊

Analgesic & Local Anesthetic

Analgesic activity in animal studies and local anesthetic activity of the essential oil. 4656

🦠

Antibacterial

Active against bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and against Campylobacter biofilms. 141215181917

🍄

Antifungal

Antifungal activity against dermatophytes, including synergy with tea tree oil. 2021

🪲

Antiparasitic & Insecticidal

Efficacy against head lice, and anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity reported in a systematic review. 2213

🧠

Neuroprotective & Antimutagenic

Neuroprotective activity, protection against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in cell culture, and antimutagenic activity in a bacterial assay. 91011

🌿

Digestive & Spasmolytic

Whole-plant properties include choleretic, spasmolytic, carminative, stomachic, diuretic and febrifuge activity.

🛡️

Immune & Neuroendocrine Modulation

Modulates immune and neuroendocrine markers, including indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity in human cells. 43444547

❤️

Sympatholytic & Blood-Pressure Lowering

The essential oil is described as sympatholytic, with blood-pressure-lowering effects. 465354

⚠️

Estrogen-Like & Antiandrogen-Like

Estrogen-like and antiandrogen-like activity in vitro, with effects on puberty reported in rats. 102596061

Clinical Applications

Clinical Indications

Lavender's strongest evidence is for anxiety, with a broad clinical literature on sleep, mood, women's health and topical use.

😌
Anxiety
Primary Indication
  • Oral Essential Oil Capsules: the best-supported use; meta-analyses support the 80 mg capsule dose. 646569666768
  • Massage: evidence is of lower quality. 71
  • Inhalation: evidence is considered insufficient, though dental-office studies have examined it. 702938
🌙
Sleep & Insomnia
Documented Indication
  • Insomnia: studied with lavender aroma, including in midlife women. 727340
  • Cancer-Related Sleep Problems: studied with aromatherapy. 8182
  • Burns & Supplements: sleep quality has also been examined with massage and an herbal supplement containing lavender oil. 4139
🌤️
Stress, Mood & Agitation
Documented Indication
  • Stress, Depression & Agitation: reported benefits in several populations, including social phobia and older adults. 757679
  • Postpartum & Pre-Surgical Anxiety: studied in postpartum women and before breast surgery. 778078
  • Menopausal Anxiety: one study found reduced anxiety with capsules of lavender and bitter orange flower powder. 62
🌸
Women's Health
Documented Indication
  • Primary Dysmenorrhea: massage or inhalation, supported by several trials and meta-analyses. 8687909192938889
  • Menopausal Hot Flashes: studied with aromatherapy. 945758
  • Premenstrual Emotional Symptoms & Episiotomy Healing: reported better than povidone-iodine for episiotomy healing. 9597
💪
Pain, Cramps & Other Clinical Uses
Documented & Traditional
  • Restless Legs in Hemodialysis: foot or leg massage with lavender oil. 838485
  • Cannulation Pain & Fall Prevention: pain during arteriovenous fistula cannulation, and olfactory stimulation in elderly nursing-home residents. 9632
  • Topical Pain Uses: muscle cramps, spasms and rheumatic pain (no references cited).
  • Traditional Uses Without Cited Evidence: nervousness, fatigue, hypertension, asthma, migraine, digestive spasms and nausea.
🧴
Skin, Infection & Parasites
Documented Indication
  • Skin Conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, ulcers and pressure sores; external wound treatment by alcoholate friction. 101
  • Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: topical lavender oil. 98
  • Head Lice: lotions of lavender and geranium oil. 99
  • Infections & Intestinal Dysbiosis: indicated for the essential oil. 17
Pharmacodynamics

Mode of Action

Lavender's central effects arise from linalool's receptor and channel activity, reinforced by linalyl acetate.

🧪

Linalool: Receptors, Channels and Glutamate

Linalool acts on muscarinic, opioid and dopaminergic receptors, reduces acetylcholine release, affects Na+/Ca2+ channels, and modulates glutamate transport. 10028484950

🧠

NMDA Receptors & Serotonin Transporter

Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects are linked to NMDA receptors and serotonin transporters. In mice, the anxiolytic effect of inhaled oil involved serotonergic, but not GABA-A/benzodiazepine, neurotransmission. 10035

🤝

Linalool–Linalyl Acetate Synergy

Linalyl acetate is synergistic with linalool, and the combination is considered essential for anxiolytic activity. 36

🫀

Sympatholytic Action

The essential oil is described as sympatholytic, in line with blood-pressure-lowering effects reported for linalyl acetate. 4653

⚗️

Hormone-Receptor Activity In Vitro

Lavender oil constituents show estrogen-like and antiandrogen-like activity in vitro, the mechanism proposed in discussions of prepubertal gynecomastia. 103102

Clinical Safety

Safety & Interactions

Lavender is described as very well tolerated, with specific cautions for pregnancy, young children and prolonged use.

⚠️

Adverse Effects & Precautions

  • Generally Well Tolerated: lavender is described as very well tolerated; avoid prolonged use.
  • Prepubertal Gynecomastia (Disputed): case reports link lavender and tea tree products to breast development in children. 6061103104
  • Evidence Is Contested: a letter to the editor critiqued the case reports, a 2022 cross-sectional study found no excess endocrine disorders, and a 2023 review concluded the link is not established. 105106107
  • Patch Test: test before topical use, as described for the eczema cream. 101
🚫

Contraindications & Regulation

  • Pregnancy: avoid during the first trimester.
  • Children: respect dosing in children, and avoid repeated use in prepubertal children. The EMA states that medicines containing lavender essential oil should only be used in adults and children over 12. 2
  • Drug Interactions: none are listed in the source literature.
  • Regulatory Status: listed in the French Pharmacopoeia, list A (flower and flowering top), and recognized by Germany's Commission E.
Clinical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using lavender oil internally, during pregnancy, or in children.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lavender used for?
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is used for nervousness, fatigue and sleep disorders, and its essential oil is used for anxiety, stress, insomnia, painful periods, minor skin conditions and head lice. Anxiety is the best-supported use, with meta-analyses of oral lavender oil capsules.
Does lavender help with anxiety?
Lavender essential oil taken orally as 80 mg capsules is the best-supported use: meta-analyses of randomized trials support its anxiolytic effect. Evidence for massage is of lower quality, and evidence for inhalation is considered insufficient.
What is the usual lavender oil dosage for anxiety?
The dose studied in anxiety trials is 80 mg of lavender essential oil per day, taken as 1 to 2 capsules. Flower powder has also been tested at 500 mg capsules twice daily, combined with bitter orange, in postmenopausal anxiety.
Does lavender help with sleep?
Lavender is traditionally used for sleep disorders, and clinical studies and reviews have examined it for insomnia, including sleep problems in cancer patients. Study designs and routes (inhalation, massage, oral) vary, so results should be read with that in mind.
How does lavender work?
Linalool, a main constituent of the essential oil, acts on muscarinic, opioid and dopaminergic receptors, reduces acetylcholine release, and affects sodium and calcium channels and glutamate transport. Linalyl acetate acts synergistically with linalool, and the combination is considered essential for the anxiolytic effect.
Is lavender safe?
Lavender is described as very well tolerated. It should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy and not used for prolonged periods, and the European Medicines Agency states that medicines containing lavender essential oil should only be used in adults and children over 12. A patch test is advised before topical use.
Can lavender cause breast development in children?
Case reports have linked lavender and tea tree oil products to prepubertal gynecomastia and premature thelarche, and lavender oil shows estrogen-like and antiandrogen-like activity in vitro. The link is disputed: a 2022 study found no excess of endocrine disorders and a 2023 review concluded it is not established. Caution and avoiding repeated use in prepubertal children are still recommended.
What is the difference between lavender and lavandin?
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). Its oil contains about 6 to 8% camphor and it is grown intensively, for example on the Valensole plateau, whereas true lavender oil, with high linalyl acetate and linalool, carries the French AOC (appellation) since 1981.
What parts and forms of lavender are used?
The flowers and flowering tops are used, along with the essential oil distilled from the flowers. Forms include herbal infusion, mother tincture of flowering tops, and essential oil, which is used orally in capsules, topically, and by inhalation.
Sources

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