lavender

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Indications ⬇

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.

REMS

Alopecia areata.
Depression.
Insomnia.

Contraind./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).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: dermatitis (with topical use)

Endo: gynecomastia (with topical use in prepubertal boys)

GI: constipation, increased appetite

Neuro: headache

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

Lavender can potentiate the therapeutics effects of barbiturates,andCNS depressants..

Natural-Natural Products:

None.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Dried flower: Essential oil

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): Depression–60 drops/day tincture of lavender (1:5 in 50% alcohol) for 4 weeks.
(Adults ): Alopecia areata: 3 drops (108 mg) of lavender oil.
Inhaln (Adults ): Insomnia: vaporized lavender oil has been used as aromatherapy.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Lavandula angustifolia, alhucema

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 effects:

Improved hair growth.
Improved sleep.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: hair regrowth stimulants, antidepressants

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown

Distribution: Unknown

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown

Half-Life: Unknown

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO, topical	unknown	unknown	unknown

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.

Pronunciation ⬆

LAV-uhn-der