Contraindications
Cautious use or avoidance is warranted in patients with known allergy/hypersensitivity to lavender. 2
Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Lavender may possess emmenagogue properties, and excessive internal use should be avoided in pregnancy. 2
Interactions
CNS depressants and anticonvulsants may increase or potentiate narcotic and sedative effects when given in combination with lavender-containing products. 1 Anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding when given concomitantly with lavender. 1 Lavender may also cause additive cholesterol-lowering effects when given along with other drugs that lower cholesterol (eg, statins, nicotinic acid, fibric acid derivatives). 2
Adverse Reactions
Lavender may cause allergic contact dermatitis and photosensitization. 1 Large oral doses have been associated with nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. 2 Additionally, 3 case reports suggest a possible association between topical application of lavender and tea tree oils and prepubertal gynecomastia. 5
Toxicology
A case report describes an accidental ingestion of lavandin resulting in central nervous system depression in an 18-month-old child. The child's neurological state normalized within 6 hours of ingestion. 6