What is the most important information I should know about lavender?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. At
higher doses, lavender may cause
drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol while taking lavender. Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by lavender.
At higher doses, lavender may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Do not take lavender with other
medications that may also cause drowsiness.
Lavender has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of lavender may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What is lavender?
The use of lavender in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Lavender is also known as Lavandula angustifolia, aspic, lavandin, spike lavender, and true
lavender.
Lavender has been used for many purposes including loss of appetite, nervousness, insomnia,
acne, headaches, diabetes, rheumatic pain, nerve pain, and colds.
Lavender has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of lavender may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Lavender may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using lavender?
Before taking lavender, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Lavender may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take lavender without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether lavender will harm an unborn baby.
Do not take lavender without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether lavender will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of lavender by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
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