Lavender is most beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, in particular subthreshold anxiety (i.e., anxiety whose symptoms are clearly present, but are not sufficient to meet the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder).[1][2][3][4]
Supplementation with oral lavender may improve sleep, decrease fatigue symptoms, and reduce stress. It could also improve heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and lower cortisol in those with anxiety.[5][2][6][4][7][8]
Lavender may also improve some of the symptoms of depression, particularly in mild cases, and may be worth considering for people who prefer not to use antidepressants.[6][9]
Another possible use is for pain management, since it seems that lavender might improve lower back pain, although this evidence is not yet conclusive.[10][11]
Lavender might help to alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea, particularly pain.[12] Lavender aromatherapy can also be used to treat labor pains, although more evidence is needed to confirm this effect.[13]
Side effects of lavender are generally mild and uncommon. Prescription medications used for anxiety often have side effects that are unacceptable for many patients. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can cause drowsiness, weight gain and sexual dysfunction, and benzodiazepines, which often cause sedation. There is also the risk of dependency and the potential for abuse with these medicines. Lavender could therefore offer an alternative treatment in mild cases.[11][1][14]