Lavender Oil & Cell Damage

Lavender oil has been used for centuries to heal myriad aches, illnesses and discomforts, but it has come under scrutiny because it has been known to irritate skin. Studies have been done to determine whether or not lavender oil can cause cell damage and to learn whether or not other issues regarding its use should be of concern.

Cell Damage

• A study by the University of Westminster's School of Biosciences in London, United Kingdom, determined that lavender oil should not be used by pregnant women because of the cellular damage that can occur to a fetus during development. In the study, the oil negatively affected endothelial cells and fibroblasts. The researchers also stated, however, that lavender oil is one of the mildest botanical essential oils and has been used to heal wounds for years.

Estrogen Receptive Genes

• A study reported in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in 2007 investigated the formation of breasts on three young boys ages 4 to 10 years. Researchers discovered that all three boys had regularly used different topical products containing both lavender and tea tree essential oils prior to the growth of breast tissue. By introducing lavender and tree tree oils to human breast cancer cells that express estrogen receptors, the researchers determined that both of these essential oils have the ability to trigger the estrogen-receptive genes on a cellular level and affect the endocrine system. Fortunately for the boys, their condition was not permanent and everything went back to normal for them after a few months of discontinuing use of the products. Researchers were concerned about the easy access of these oils in over-the-counter products.

Side Effects

• Because lavender oil can react on a cellular level and has relaxant qualities, patients taking central nervous depressants (CNDs) or sedatives should be cautious about using lavender products because they may intensify the effectiveness of these narcotics-based medications, including morphine, oxycodone, lorazepam, diazepam and alprazolam. Lavender oil products could have the same effect with cholesterol and blood pressure medication.

Benefits

• Lavender has many benefits.

  While lavender oil shows negative aspects in the previously mentioned case studies and side effects, it also has many benefits when used correctly. Lavender oil and dried lavender can be used as an alternative medicine to help insomnia, agitation, headaches, nervous disorders and exhaustion when taken under the care of a health-care professional trained in botanical medicine. Lavender oil also contributed to hair growth when used in combination with other essential oils in a study of people with an auto-immune disorder that caused hair loss.

  Case studies found that lavender oil is beneficial for muscle relaxation, depression, high blood pressure, appetite enhancement, pain relief and cancer risk reduction. The oil also has antibacterial qualities.

Negative Reactions

• Lavender can be beneficial in many ways. Like other natural and chemically engineered medications, however, it has dangerous side effects that must be considered, especially when it is taken orally. Negative reactions to lavender oil or other lavender products can be directed to 911 or the National Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. The ingredients in lavender oil that may cause a reaction are linalyl acetate and linalool. Possible symptoms include blurred vision, burning or pain in the throat, eye burning, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and skin rash. The afflicted person should not vomit unless advised to do so by a health-care professional.