Background

• Lavender is a Perennial herb of the Mint family (Lamiaceae).
• The plant is widespread from the Mediterranean to India especially in Arabia
• In UAE it is found in rocky habitats, hillsides and wadi banks.

Part(s) Used

• Aerial & flowering parts 
• Oil obtained from floral tips

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

The lavenders are known in medicine from the earliest times. Lavender is used to flavor foods and beverages and as a fragrance ingredient in soaps and cosmetics. It has been used as/for:

How Much Do We Know?

Studies have been done on the use of lavender for a variety of conditions, but there hasn’t been enough high-quality research to allow definite conclusions to be reached about its effectiveness.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Consumption of lavender in the amounts typically used in foods is likely to be safe.
• Short-term oral use in the amounts tested in studies of lavender for anxiety or other conditions may also be safe.
• The topical use of products containing lavender may cause allergic skin reactions in some people.
• A few cases of swelling of breast tissue have been reported in children who used topical products containing lavender. However, it’s unclear whether the lavender was responsible for the breast swelling, a condition that can have many causes.

Using Lavender by

Mouth

Decoction of aerial parts

Topical

Oil for massage

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding

Little is known about whether it’s safe to use lavender during pregnancy or while breast-feeding, avoid use.

Keep in Mind

• Do not hesitate to speak with your health care provider before starting to use any supplements.
• Discuss potential benefits and risks, especially if you are suffering from any health problems.