Lavandula angustifolia
[span class=alert]In regards to the Traditional Use and Therapeutic Action sections of Essential Oils, the oils are rated as is standard practice in the French school of aromatherapy and others. The ratings ranked from one (+) to four (++++) with four indicating the highest value, indicate the oil’s therapeutic value from a practicing clinician’s point of view. The French rating system mentioned are obtained from this book reference entitle ‘Les Cahiers Pratiques D'Aromatherapie Selon L'Ecole Francaise’ (Authors: Francine Baudry, Pascal Debauche & Dominique Baudoux). However, further clarification might be required and will be updated once additional information of the rating system is obtained.[/span]
Lamiaceae
Lavandula
Lavander, english lavender, lavendar, lavande officinale ou vraie.
Lavandula angustifolia is commonly known as English lavender and is an aromatic shrub that is native to parts of southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The plant reaches a height of less than one metre and takes several years to become fully established after which it can last for up to three decades. English lavender grows well in dry, well-drained soil in full sun. It cannot tolerate full shade.[1]
Flowering tops
Lavender is extensively used in foods, beverages, candies and alcoholic drinks. It is also used equally extensively in body care products, perfumes, deodorisers and flower waters. It is used in aromatherapy as a single oil and in formulations.
The thin essential oil of L. angustifolia is steam-distilled from the flowers and tops which must be harvested when in full bloom. It may also be solvent extracted. The oil is almost colourless with a sweet, floral scent and top note.
Terpenes (5%) and sesquiterpenes (5%)
Terpene alcohols: Linalol (35-45%), terpinen-4-ol (3-4%), alpha terpineol (0.5%), borneol (1-1.5%)
Terpenic esters: Linalyl acetate 42-52%)
Lavandulyl acetate (2-4%)
Terpenic oxides 1.8 cineole (1-2.5%) terpenic ketones (3-4%)
Terpenic aldehyde, lactones and coumarins (feeble %) [2][3][4]
Antispasmodic, muscular relaxant ++++
Calmant, sedative, hypotensive +++
Anti-inflammatory, antalgic ++
Anti-infectious ++
Cicatrizing ++
Antifungal– The essential oil of L. angustifolia has been examined against Candida albicans in laboratory studies. While not as effective for this purpose as T. vulgaris, [5] L. angustifolia does demonstrate effectiveness against Candida albicans dimorphism and may therefore reduce fungal progression.[6] It has also been positively evaluated against Rhizopus stolonifer, Botrytis cinerea and Aspergillus niger in vitro demonstrating complete growth inhibition of all three fungi.[4][7]
Antibacterial- While there is limited scientific information available on the anti-bacterial effects of L. angustifolia, it has demonstrated promise in preliminary studies against Methicillin-Sensitive and -Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.[8]
Anxiolytic– Sedative and anxiolytic properties have been demonstrated in small animal studies.[9][10][11]
Cramps +++
Nervousness, sleeping disorders, anxiety, insomnia +++
Burns, itching, scabs, wounds, varicose ulcers ++
Allergic, infected and scar dermatosis ++ [12]
The number of human studies on the various uses and applications has increased in recent years with a focus on demonstrating the validity of traditional use.
Stress reduction– A small pilot study of intensive care nurses resulted in a perceived lower level of stress consistently in three 12-hour work shifts.[13] Two human studies, one a cross-over randomized trial of agitated dementia patients, and another a placebo controlled trial, demonstrated a calming effects of Lavender essential oil used as adjunct therapy with no side effects.[14][15] While the effects on stress and mood are positive, one study found that exposure to the scent of Lavender essential oil reduced cognitive skills as compared to a control group.[16]
The reduction in coritisol levels as a result of inhaling L. angustifolium has been verified in a small human study of 22 subjects, measuring cortisol in saliva. Researchers assume this action to be the result of free radical scavenging activity.[17]
A separate placebo control study found that use of essential oils of Lavender, Bergamot and Ylang Ylang produced a statistically significant difference in pulse, blood pressure, stress response and cortisol levels in subjects tested.[18] Lavender alone or in combination with other essential oils has been studied in hospice patients who reported an improved sense of well-being [19] and in dental patients who reported decreased anxiety and improved mood while waiting for dental treatment.[20] Lavender essential oil has also demonstrated a moderate level of efficacy in treatment of mild insomnia over time.[21]
Analgesic– A human randomized placebo control study of 54 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric band surgery examined the patient’s pain perception and use of opoid medications post-anesthesia. Significantly more of the patients in the control group required analgesic intervention (82%) than the group treated with the Lavender inhalation, (46%).[22] In a separate study, post-operative patients using Lavender essential oil aromatherapy as adjunct therapy to pain medication expressed a higher satisfaction rate regarding the effectiveness of their analgesic therapy.[23]
Insect repellent/insecticidal– Lavender essential oil has been studied as an insect repellant against ticks demonstrating 100% repellency when diluted to 30%.[24] In a separate laboratory study, Lavender essential oil compared favorably to DEET against Hyalomma marginatum rufipes.[25]
Antiparasitic- L. angustifolia was also found to demonstrate effectiveness against human protozoaic pathogens and at a low dosage can completely eliminate T. vaginalis, G. duodenalis and H. inflata in vitro.[26] It has also demonstrated miticidal properties.[27]
L. angustifolia is generally safe when used as directed although it is considered to be a mild irritant.[28]
Not to be use by pregnant or nursing women unless under the direction of a health care professional.
[span class=alert]Keep out of reach of children as oils are highly concentrated.Essential oils are irritating to the eyes. Avoid contact with eye area.Always dilute essential oils with carrier oil, lotion, cream or gel even when using in diffuser or bath.Essential oils are sometimes prescribed to be used internally, but should only be used internally under professional supervision.[/span]