Lavender Oil is considered a versatile and must-have essential oil because of its numerous health and beauty benefits. The scientific name of Lavender is Lavandula angustifolia. Lavender Essential Oil is extracted by the process of steam distillation method. This essential oil has got a fresh, floral, herbaceous, camphor-like and slightly fruity fragrance. It is because of its enchanting fragrance that this oil is widely used in aromatherapy.
Lavender essential oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effectively used to treat acne prone skin, dry scalp, minor cuts and wounds because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This essential oil is loaded with antioxidants to protect and nourish your skin. Lavender essential oil has got a relaxing, soothing, calming and sedative effect on your mind and body which helps to fight stress, anxiety, depression, relax your nervous system and promote sleep. It is known to effectively treat various health conditions like insomnia, depression, stress, nausea, headache, menstrual pain and high blood pressure. Lavender Oil is also used in many beauty products.
6 Lavender Oil Side Effects
Lavender Oil is widely used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes and Lavender essential oil is generally considered safe when used with recommended dilution and recipes. However, like any other essential oil, an overuse can have side effects and reactions. Also, some people may be allergic to lavender oil so it is best to test a diluted form of it on a small patch of the skin before extended usage. Some cases of its side effects have been reported. Let’s discuss some common side effects of Lavender oil
Allergic Reactions When Using Lavender Oil
People with sensitive skin are known to have allergic reactions to Lavender Oil. The allergens in Lavender Oil- geraniol, linalool, linalyl acetate are known to cause contact dermatitis. People get usually exposed to Lavender Oil through cosmetics or fragrance containing oils. Before using Lavender Oil always ensure that you do a patch test on your skin (usually behind your ears or elbow) to check for any allergic reaction. Other allergic reactions caused by Lavender oil include burning sensation in eyes, throat, blurred vision, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting and in rare cases breathing problems.
Medical Interactions with Lavender Oil
- Lavender Oil is known to have side effects if you are on specific medications like- it is known to cause sleepiness and drowsiness if you are taking chloral hydrate, as lavender oil increases the effect of chloral hydrate.
- If you are taking any medication for high blood pressure, using Lavender Oil along with the medicine used for lowering blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
- If you are taking any sedative medicines, then taking Lavender Oil along with sedative medicine can cause too much of drowsiness.
- Avoid using Lavender Oil if you having any severe medical condition and you are seeking medical treatment for it as Lavender Oil is known to have medical interaction.
Acne & Skin Issues from Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is known to bind with the fat on the skin surface and likely to remain there even after washing your face unless you wash with an oil-based cleanser. Lavender Oil reacts with the nervous system which controls the automatic functions of the body. There are nerves in the skin that get excited when the skin is irritated and Lavender Oil when applied on this irritated, acne prone skin triggers the release of CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone). This hormone stimulates the release of histamine which is known to cause allergic reactions on your skin. Applying Lavender Oil on the acne prone skin can make the condition even worse as Lavender oil helps to relax the smooth muscles around the blood vessels so that they supply more blood to the face, making the acne and pimple look more prominent and red and can actually trigger an outbreak of rosacea.
Surgery
It is advised that people under severe medical stress or case do not use essential oils unless advised by a doctor or expert. Lavender Essential Oil and some other commonly used essential oils (Peppermint, Thyme, Cinnamon) act as blood thinners which interfere with your body’s blood clotting mechanism. Proper blood clotting mechanism is crucial both during and after surgery, helping the blood to clot from incisions. Presence of blood thinners in the body can cause severe complications like internal bleeding and impaired wound healing. Another side effect of using Lavender Oil during surgery is that it may react with other sedatives drugs used during anaesthesia. Moreover, this essential oil may contain substances which may interact with post-operative pain medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It is always advisable to avoid using Lavender Oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Lavender Oil has estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity so topical application around the breast should be avoided.
Rare Cases of Hormonal Problems in Males
In rare cases of hormonal problems in males have been reported after topical application of Lavender Oil. When Lavender Oil is applied topically, it is known to generates breast tissue expansion in males in few cases. As per a recent study, Lavender Oil is an Endocrine disruptor i.e a chemical compound which bonds with hormone production. Lavender Oil limits the effects of androgen (a hormone which is responsible for masculine traits) and increases the effects of estrogen (a female hormone which is responsible for the growth of breast tissue). This rare condition in which a person develops enlarged breast prior to puberty is known as pre-pubertal gynecomastia. Gynecomastia generally subsides after the discontinued use of Lavender Oil or Lavender oil-laden products.
Unsafe for Children
Though no harmful effect of Lavender Oil on kids has been reported but use of Lavender essential oil or any other essential oil is not recommended for kids under the age of 2. As these essential oils are in their pure and concentrated form, it is not a good idea to overload their little system with these powerful, concentrated essential oils. These essential oils should never be used undiluted.
Conclusion
As the use of essential oil is gaining popularity and considered as a natural alternative to the harmful and toxic chemicals products/medicines, it is very important that you understand the correct usage of this essential oil. The lavender essential oil is generally not considered as a harmful essential oil, in fact, if used properly helps to treat many beauty and health problems. As the usage and demand for Lavender Essential oil is increasing, you should also be aware of the fact that the market is flooded with Lavender Essential oils which differ in consistency, ingredient quality, and potency, so make sure you buy the best and high-grade quality of this essential oil which has the certificate of authenticity. You should also remember that all things that come naturally are not always safe. So, ensure that you use these essential oils are used in limited quantity as they contain highly concentrated and active compounds which may interfere with the regular functioning of the body if used in excess.
So, before you start using any essential oil, have a thorough knowledge about the usage of that essential oil and enjoy the benefits of it.
Also read:
8 Benefits of Lavender Oil for Skin and Hair (Infographic)
Benefits & Usage of Lavender Oil for Skin
Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil – Benefits, Uses and Side Effects
