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.

• Alopecia areata.
• Depression.
• Insomnia.

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).

Derm: dermatitis (with topical use).

Endo: gynecomastia (with topical use in prepubertal boys).

GI: constipation, increased appetite.

Neuro: headache.

Natural-Drug Products:

• Lavender can potentiate the therapeutics effects of barbiturates, and CNS depressants..

Natural-Natural Products:

• None.

• Dried flower: Essential oil: ;

• 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.

Lavandula angustifolia, alhucema

• 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.

• Improved hair growth.
• Improved sleep.

Therapeutic Classification: hair regrowth stimulants, antidepressants

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

• 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.

LAV-uhn-der