Lavender
Lavender is an aromatic, evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean region. Small studies suggest oral lavender might help with anxiety and possibly depression, but more high-quality research is needed.
Lavender is an aromatic, evergreen plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a long history as an herbal remedy in traditional medicine to improve mood and as a sleep aid.
Research & evidence
Strong support Some support Weak or no supportColours show how well the sources back each point. The reason is next to each one.
NCCIH says more high-quality research is needed to reach reliable conclusions about lavender's effectiveness.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NCCIH: "more high-quality research is needed to reach reliable conclusions about its effectiveness."
Source: NCCIH, Lavender (Last Updated February 2025), What Have We Learned? View source
Small studies suggest an oral lavender oil product might help with anxiety, including anxiety with symptoms of depression, but NCCIH notes the studies were small and lacked independent funding. MSK says some oral formulations have been shown to relieve anxiety, but more studies are needed.
Limited evidenceSome support. Based on one or a few small trials
Study details
MSK: "Some oral lavender formulations have been shown to relieve anxiety," NCCIH: "might be beneficial for anxiety, including anxiety with co-occurring symptoms of depression."
Source: MSK About Herbs, Lavender (Updated Friday, June 4, 2021), For Patients & Caregivers: What are the potential uses and benefits?; NCCIH, Lavender (Last Updated February 2025), What Have We Learned? View source
Small, preliminary reports suggest oral lavender capsules or lavender tea might reduce symptoms of depression in some people, while topical lavender doesn't seem to have an effect (NCCIH). MSK says several studies show lavender may help with depression, but more studies are needed.
Limited evidenceSome support. Based on one or a few small trials
Study details
NCCIH: "does not seem to have an effect on symptoms of depression." MSK: "Several studies show that lavender may help with depression,"
Source: NCCIH, Lavender (Last Updated February 2025), What Have We Learned?; MSK About Herbs, Lavender (Updated Friday, June 4, 2021), For Patients & Caregivers: What are the potential uses and benefits? View source
MSK says several studies show lavender can improve sleep, but NCCIH says it's unclear whether aromatherapy with lavender oil helps sleep quality or insomnia.
Mixed evidenceSome support. Results are mixed
Study details
MSK: "Several studies show that lavender can improve sleep."
Source: MSK About Herbs, Lavender (Updated Friday, June 4, 2021), For Patients & Caregivers: What are the potential uses and benefits? View source
MSK says a few studies show lavender oil is effective for chronic pain, but the effects are not long-lasting; NCCIH says it's unclear whether aromatherapy with lavender oil helps some types of pain.
Mixed evidenceSome support. Results are mixed
Study details
MSK: "A few studies show that lavender oil is effective in treating chronic pain, but the effects are not long-lasting."
Source: MSK About Herbs, Lavender (Updated Friday, June 4, 2021), For Patients & Caregivers: What are the potential uses and benefits? View source
One study showed that inhaling lavender oil may reduce migraine headaches.
Limited evidenceSome support. Based on one or a few small trials
Study details
MSK: "One study showed that inhaling lavender oil may reduce migraine headaches."
Source: MSK About Herbs, Lavender (Updated Friday, June 4, 2021), For Patients & Caregivers: What are the potential uses and benefits? View source
One study showed inhaled lavender relieved menstrual cramps and emotional symptoms, but the effects did not last long.
Limited evidenceSome support. Based on one or a few small trials
Study details
MSK: "One study showed inhaled lavender relieved menstrual cramps and emotional symptoms, but the effects did not last long."
Source: MSK About Herbs, Lavender (Updated Friday, June 4, 2021), For Patients & Caregivers: What are the potential uses and benefits? View source
One preliminary study in 72 postmenopausal women suggested an oral lavender oil product might offer some relief for menopause-related sexual dysfunction; NCCIH says more reliable evidence is needed.
Limited evidenceSome support. Based on one or a few small trials
Study details
NCCIH: "might offer some relief for menopause-related sexual dysfunction."
Source: NCCIH, Lavender (Last Updated February 2025), What Have We Learned? View source
Lab experiments have identified some properties in lavender that may be helpful against cancer.
Preclinical onlyWeak or no support. Mostly lab or animal studies
Study details
MSK: "Lab experiments have identified some properties in lavender that may be helpful against cancer."
Source: MSK About Herbs, Lavender (Updated Friday, June 4, 2021), For Patients & Caregivers: What are the potential uses and benefits? View source
Dosage
| Form | Amount |
|---|---|
| Any form | No standard dose is listed by our sources. |
Side effects
Oral lavender can cause nausea, belching, diarrhea or headache, and topical lavender can cause skin reactions and sun sensitivity. A few cases of breast swelling have been reported in children using topical lavender, though it's unclear whether lavender caused them. MSK says people with hormonal cancers should avoid long-term use.
Well documented Reported (case reports, anecdotal or one study) None reportedThe circle shows how well documented an effect is, not how serious it is. A rarely reported effect can still be serious, so always read ‘When to stop’.
| Effect | Frequency | When to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea, belching or confusion (oral); NCCIH also lists diarrhea and headacheWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated | Stop and talk to a doctor if it persists. |
| Allergic skin reactions, including skin rashWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated | Stop using it and see a doctor if a rash appears. |
| Sensitivity to sunlight (topical use)Well documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated | Stop using it on your skin if you react to sunlight; see a doctor if the reaction is severe. |
| Breast swelling in children who used topical lavender products (MSK's reports involved lavender and tea tree oils)ReportedCase reports only | A few reported cases; NCCIH says it's unclear whether lavender was the cause | Stop using it and see a doctor. |
Safety & interactions
Safety
NCCIH says lavender is likely safe in the amounts used in foods, and oral lavender products might be safe in the short term and in the amounts tested in studies; some people may get diarrhea, headache, nausea or burping. Aromatherapy with lavender oil is considered possibly safe but may cause headache or coughing. MSK says that although lavender appears to be well tolerated, it may have weak hormonal effects, and that long-term oral use or topical application should be avoided in people with hormonal cancers.
Contraindications
MSK says that if you are pregnant and nursing, excessive internal use of lavender should be avoided. NCCIH says little is known about whether it's safe to use lavender during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. MSK says long-term oral use or topical application should be avoided in people with hormonal cancers.
Drug interactions
NCCIH says there are theoretical reasons to suspect lavender might interact with some sedative drugs or herbs, which is especially important before surgery. MSK says lavender may increase the effects of sedatives, other central nervous system depressants and anticonvulsants.
Established: stated plainly by an authoritative source. Documented: supported by case reports or trial data. Theoretical: based on mechanism, animal data, or a cautious listing. Always check with your pharmacist or prescriber.