Epilepsy is generally caused by electrical impulses in the brain firing too fast. Therefore, one approach to treating epilepsy is the use of substances which have a relaxing effect upon the brain and central nervous system. Lavender is one such substance which has been proved to act as a CNS relaxant and anticonvulsant. Lavender is a long-standing folk remedy, and is reportedly beneficial for some people with epilepsy. However, it is also possible that lavender can act as a seizure trigger, and it may interact with your existing anti-epileptic medications. You should consider the positive and negative effects of lavender before using lavender, and always follow qualified medical advice.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurring epileptic seizures. During an epileptic seizure, a person may drop to the ground, convulse, and lose consciousness. Partial seizures may occur without a loss of consciousness, and can involve sensory confusion, automatic physical gestures, and a feeling of mental absence. There are many forms of epilepsy, and the symptoms and characteristics of each are different. Typically, epilepsy is managed with anti-epileptic medications, but there are also many lifestyle changes and alternative therapies which can complement a regime of medication.
Lavender
Lavender is also known as Lavandula angustifolia, and is frequently used as an ingredient in soap, shampoo and scented sachets for the home. The name of lavender originates from the Latin word "lavare," meaning "to wash" or "to clean." Lavender oil, which is extracted from the lavender plant's fresh flowers, has often been used as a cleaning or disinfecting agent. Additionally, lavender is used in alternative medicine for ailments ranging from fatigue to insomnia.
Benefits
Research into the medicinal properties is ongoing, but studies have already proved lavender to produce small sedative, calming and soothing effects when its scent is inhaled. A scientific study conducted in 2007, "Autonomic Nervous Function and Localization of Cerebral Activity During Lavender Aromatic Immersion," found that lavender fragrance had a positive effect on relaxation. This finding was based on positron emission tomography of female subjects' brain sections. It is believed that lavender possesses anticonvulsant properties relating to the neurotransmitter GABA. These anticonvulsant properties were noted by a 1994 study which showed that inhalation of lavender oil reduced seizure activity. Because of its calming effect on the central nervous system, lavender is used to treat insomnia. This aspect of lavender could provide an indirect benefit if you suffer from both epilepsy and insomnia. As sleep deprivation is a common trigger for epileptic seizures, treating the insomnia with lavender would likely lead to a reduction in seizures caused by lack of sleep. More generally, the soothing effects of lavender might be of help to you if anxiety or panic attacks currently exacerbate your epileptic symptoms.
Negative Effects
There is only anecdotal evidence to suggest that common lavender can act as a seizure trigger. However, each person's experience of epilepsy is different -- it is entirely possible that the scent of lavender may cause seizures in susceptible individuals. One form of lavender -- spike lavender or Lavandula latifolia -- is known to contain seizure-causing compounds, and therefore should be avoided by people with epilepsy. Other essential oils containing convulsant compounds include camphor, rosemary, fennel, sage and wormwood -- products containing lavender in combination with any of these oils should also be avoided.
Precautions
Lavender should not be used by women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding, as the herb poses potential dangers to the fetus or newborn. Some people are allergic to lavender -- signs of an allergic reaction include headache, chills, nausea and vomiting. Finally, the sedative effect of lavender may intensify the effects of any central nervous system depressants. Lavender has the potential to increase the effects of the prescription drugs lorazepam -- Ativan -- and diazepam -- Valium. Lorazepam is commonly prescribed as an anti-seizure medication, and diazepam is often used to stop an epileptic seizure in progress. Individuals taking such central nervous system depressants for epilepsy symptoms should consult a doctor before using lavender.
References
- "Technology and Health Care"; Autonomic Nervous Function and Localization of Cerebral Activity During Lavender Aromatic Immersion; X. Duan et al.; 2007
- Epilepsy Action: Complementary Treatment
- Epilepsy and Essential Oils in Aromatherapy
- "Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin"; Anticonvulsive Effects of Inhaling Lavender Oil Vapour; K. Yamada et al.; February 1994
- "Izvestiia na Instituta po Fiziologiia"; On Certain Central Neurotropic Effects of Lavender Essential Oil; S. Atanassova-Shopova et al.; 1970
