lavender
General
Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.
Pronunciation:
lav-uhn-der
Trade Name(s)
- Lavandula angustifolia
- alhucema
Ther. Class.
hair regrowth stimulants
Common Uses
- Alopecia areata.
- Depression.
- Insomnia.
Action
Lavender decreases EEG potentials and decreases alertness and seems to induce relaxation and sedation. Lavender's stimulant effect on hair growth is not fully understood.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
- Improved hair growth.
- Improved sleep.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Unknown
Distribution: Unknown
Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown
Half-life: Unknown
TIME/ACTION PROFILE
ONSET | PEAK | DURATION | |
---|---|---|---|
PO, topical | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Contraindication/Precautions
Contraindicated in:
- Hypersensitivity.
- Pregnancy.
Use Cautiously in:
- Children (topical use in prepubertal boys may result in gynecomastia).
- Discontinue use 2 wk prior to elective surgical procedures (additive CNS depressant effects with anesthetic agents).
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
CNS: headache
Derm: dermatitis (with topical use)
GI: constipation, increased appetite
Endo: gynecomastia (with topical use in prepubertal boys)
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
Interactions
Natural Drug Interaction
Lavender can potentiate the therapeutics effects of barbiturates, and CNS depressants..
Natural-Natural:
None.
Route/Dosage
PO (Adults): Depression –60 drops/day tincture of lavender (1:5 in 50% alcohol) for 4 weeks.
Topical (Adults): Alopecia areata– 3 drops (108 mg) of lavender oil.
Inhaln (Adults): Insomnia– vaporized lavender oil has been used as aromatherapy.
Availability
Dried flower
Essential oil
Assessment
- Assess mood and sleep pattern periodically during therapy.
Lab Test Considerations:
Monitor lipid levels and coagulation panel periodically during therapy.
Potential Diagnoses
- Sleep deprivation (Indications)
Implementation
- PO Diluted tincture may be taken in alcohol or tea.
- Topical Combine with other essential oils and massage into scalp nightly for 2 minutes with a warm towel around head to increase absorption.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct patient to dilute and take as directed. Undiluted essential oil of lavender may be poisonous if taken by mouth.
- Instruct patient in correct technique for use for alopecia.
- Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
- Improvement in sleep pattern and mood.
- Reduction of alopecia.
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