Lavandula includes about 34 species of fragrant shrubs native to warm parts of the Old World. Most of the seven European species are of commercial value; L. angustifolia, L. latifolia Medik. (Spike Lavender), and the hybrid of the two (Lavandin) are the most popular, with much Lavandin being sold as English lavender. All three are shrubs with small grayish, hairy leaves (adapted to minimize water loss in dry Mediterranean habitats) and whorls of blue to purple flowers. They are widely used as ornamentals and to scent products ranging from potpourris to perfumed soaps. Lavender oil is traditionally used as a topical treatment for burns and is thought to have an antiseptic activity; it is widely used in aromatherapy to provide a calming effect. Lavender products such as teas and tinctures are similarly used as a mild sedative and to treat various nervous disorders; lavender flowers placed in herbal pillows are thought to act as soporifics. Lavender is also used as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory and topically for wounds.

Both human studies using healthy people and a study in dogs have confirmed that the aroma of lavender has a relaxing effect. Human studies have also indicated that massage with oil containing lavender essential oil reduces anxiety in dental patients and new mothers and may alleviate menstrual cramps. Studies using lavender aromatherapy to improve behavior in patients with dementia have had variable results: most studies that used massage with lavender-scented oil have shown significant benefits, whereas most that used odor alone have not. It has been suggested that direct skin contact may be necessary because demented patients have a reduced sense of smell. Although the relaxation induced by lavender may impair immediate performance on mental tasks, exposure to lavender aroma during work breaks may improve later concentration. Lavender oil has been confirmed to have antiparasitic and antifungal activity.

Selected References

D?Auria, F. D., M. Tecca, V. Strippoli, G. Salvatore, L. Battinelli, and G. Mazzanti. 2005. Antifungal activity of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil against Candida albicans yeast and mycelial form. Med. Mycol. 43:391-396.

Guinea, E. 1972. Lavandula. Pp. 187-188 in: T. G. Tutin et al., eds. Flora Europaea, vol. 3. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.

Han, S. H., M. H. Hur, J. Buckle, J. Choi, and M. S. Lee. 2006. Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 12:535-541.

Lehrner, J., G. Marwinski, S. Lehr, P. Johren, and L. Deecke. 2005. Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Physiol. Behav. 86:92-95.

Lis Balchin, M. 2002. The taxonomy of the genus Lavandula. Pp. 2-34 in M. Lis Balchin, ed., Lavender: the genus Lavandula. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Industrial Profiles, vol. 29. Taylor and Francis: London.

Miller, A. G. 1985. The genus Lavandula in Arabia and tropical NE Africa. Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 42:503-528.

Sakamoto, R., K. Minoura, A. Usui, Y. Ishizuka, and S. Kanba. 2005. Effectiveness of aroma on work efficiency: lavender aroma during recesses prevents deterioration of work performance. Chem. Senses 30:683-691.

Tucker, A. O. 1981. The correct name of lavandin and its cultivars (Labiatae). Baileya 21:131-133.

Upson, T., and S. Andrews. 2004. The genus Lavandula. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Kew.

Upson, T. M., and S. L. Jury. 2002. A revision of native Moroccan species of Lavandula L. section Pterostoechas Ging. (Lamiaceae). Taxon 51:309-327.

Wells, D. L. 2006. Aromatherapy for travel-induced excitement in dogs. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 229:964-967.