Lavender Plant Benefits

Sometimes called Lavandula officinalis, the flowering plant lavender originated in Africa, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and India. Herbalists utilize parts of the lavender flower and oil derived from the plant for a variety of purposes.

Function

• Lavender relaxes muscle tissues and slows down your central nervous system, producing a calming effect.

Uses

• Lavendar may help with hair loss, depression, insomnia, agitation, wounds, skin infections, acne and pain control, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Clinical Evidence

• A 1998 study conducted at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Foresterhill, Scotland, and published in the "Archives of Dermatology" found that patients suffering from hair loss or alopecia who used a topical solution containing lavender had significant improvement of symptoms when compared to those who did not use lavender. A 2006 study conducted at the Keukdong College in Chungcheongbuk-Do and published in the Korean medical journal "Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi" found that the use of lavender reduced symptoms of insomnia and depression in female college students.

Side Effects

• Side effects from lavender are uncommon, but include nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Considerations

• Pregnant women should not use lavender as a form of medicine. Because of its effects on the central nervous system, you should avoid using lavender with alcohol, barbiturates, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives and anti-anxiety medications, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center.