Lavandula angustifolia
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Related to Common Lavender: Lavandula, True lavender
lavender
(lav-uhn-der) ,Lavandula angustifolia
(trade name),alhucema
(trade name)Classification
Therapeutic: hair regrowth stimulantsAction
Lavender decreases EEG potentials and decreases alertness and seems to induce relaxation and sedation. Lavender's stimulant effect on hair growth is not fully understood.
Therapeutic effects
Improved hair growth.
Improved sleep.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Unknown
Distribution: Unknown
Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown
Half-life: Unknown
Time/action profile
ONSET | PEAK | DURATION | |
---|---|---|---|
PO, topical | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Contraindications/Precautions
Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity.Pregnancy.
Use Cautiously in: Children (topical use in prepubertal boys may result in gynecomastia).Discontinue use 2 weeks prior to elective surgical procedures (additive CNS depressant effects with anesthetic agents).
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Central nervous system
- headache
Dermatologic
- dermatitis (with topical use)
Gastrointestinal
- constipation
- increased appetite
Endocrinologic
- gynecomastia (with topical use in prepubertal boys)
Interactions
Lavender can potentiate the therapeutics effects of barbiturates,chloral hydrate, andCNS depressants. None.Oral (Adults) Depression–60 drops/day tincture of lavender (1:5 in 50% alcohol) for 4 weeks.
Topical (Adults) Alopecia areata—3 drops (108 mg) of lavender oil
Inhalation (Adults) Insomnia—vaporized lavender oil has been used as aromatherapy
Availability
Dried flower: Essential oil:
Nursing implications
Nursing assessment
- Assess mood and sleep pattern periodically during therapy.
- Lab Test Considerations: Monitor lipid levels and coagulation panel periodically during therapy.
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Sleep deprivation (Indications)Implementation
- Oral: Diluted tincture may be taken in alcohol or tea.
- Topical: Combine with other essential oils and massage into scalp nightly for 2 minutes with a warm towel around head to increase absorption.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct patient to dilute and take as directed. Undiluted essential oil of lavender may be poisonous if taken by mouth.
- Instruct patient in correct technique for use for alopecia.
- Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
- Improvement in sleep pattern and mood.
- Reduction of alopecia.
Drug Guide, © 2015 Farlex and Partners
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.