Lavandula angustifolia

lavender

(lav-uhn-der) ,

Lavandula angustifolia

(trade name),

alhucema

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: hair regrowth stimulants

Alopecia areata.Depression.Insomnia.

Action

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.

A perennial herb that contains coumarins—e.g., coumarin and umbelliferone, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and volatile oils. Lavender is said to have antibacterial, carminative and sedative effects

Lavandula angustifolia,

n See lavender.