Lavender (Lavandula (no direct Sanskrit name available))
Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).
About
Lavender is a fragrant flowering plant known for its calming and therapeutic properties. It is commonly used in aromatherapy, skincare, and traditional medicine to promote relaxation, improve sleep, and alleviate anxiety.
Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia. Also known as: English Lavender, Common Lavender, Garden Lavender.
Properties
Serotonergic neurotransmission, GABA receptor modulation, Anti-inflammatory effects
Dosage
1-2 cups of tea daily
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)
- Virya: ["শীতল (Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Vatahara (reduces Vata)
- Pittahara (reduces Pitta)
- Kaphahara (reduces Kapha)
- Nidrakara (induces sleep)
- Shoolaghna (analgesic)
- Manasadoshahara (clears mental imbalances)
Traditional uses
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nervousness
- Depression
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Contraindications
- Low blood pressure
- Early pregnancy
- Lavender allergy
Side effects
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
Interactions
- Sedative medications
- Anticoagulants
Active compounds
- Linalool
- Linalyl acetate
- Terpinen-4-ol
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 5 RCTs and databases tracking 15+ RCTs show that lavender, particularly Silexan, is effective for anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Studies also suggest benefits for pain management.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vatahara (reduces Vata)
- Pittahara (reduces Pitta)
- Kaphahara (reduces Kapha)
- Nidrakara (induces sleep)
- Shoolaghna (analgesic)
- Manasadoshahara (clears mental imbalances)
Classical clinical indications
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nervousness
- Depression
Frequently asked questions
What is Lavender?
Lavender is a fragrant flowering plant known for its calming and therapeutic properties. It is commonly used in aromatherapy, skincare, and traditional medicine to promote relaxation, improve sleep, and alleviate anxiety.
What are the benefits of Lavender?
Vatahara (reduces Vata). Pittahara (reduces Pitta). Kaphahara (reduces Kapha)
How is Lavender used in Ayurveda?
Anxiety
Classical & Scientific References
- Classical monographs on Lavender in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and Dravyaguna Vijnana.
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana Ch. 4 — Dravyadi Sangrahaniya) & Sushruta Samhita.
Published by herbs.directory