High stress levels are a pervasive health problem in modern times. The purple flowers of the lavender family have long been reputed to have stress-relieving properties. Recent research has shown that essential oils of lavender can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels can cause weight gain as well as loss of bone and muscle.
About Lavender
Native to the Mediterranean region, lavender plants grow in sunny, stony soil across the globe in areas including Europe, Australia and the United States. Lavender grows as a woody bush that bears blue or violet flowers on thin, upright stalks. Essential oils of lavender are used in many aromatherapy products including bath gels, soaps, lotions, teas and tinctures. Although many products claim to be lavender-scented, they may not contain the essential oil that has been used in research studies.
About Cortisol
Cortisol is a stress hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that sit above the kidneys. Cortisol levels are increased by physical stress such as dehydration or mental stress such as anxiety, depression or worry. Cortisol may also be increased by disease and drugs such as estrogen and corticosteroids. Cortisol levels are diurnal, rising rapidly upon waking during the day and decreasing during sleep. High cortisol levels decrease bone formation, increase water retention, change the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and can affect the nervous and immune systems.
Effectiveness
Aromatherapy using essential oil derived from lavender has been conclusively shown to reduce cortisol levels as measured in the saliva by a 2007 study in the journal "Psychiatry Research." A 2008 study found that lavender essential oil decreased stress hormone levels during a math challenge task. A long history of use of lavender in herbalism and natural medicine has shown lavender to have a soothing, calming and sedating effect.
Safe Use
Essential oils are not regulated for purity by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory agency. Some people may develop allergies to lavender. It may be possible for lavender to multiply the effects of central nervous system depressants. It has not been demonstrated that use of lavender essential oil is safe during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
References
- "Psychiatry Research"; Smelling Lavender and Rosemary Increases Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Decreases Cortisol Level in Saliva; Atsumi & Tonosaki; 2007
- "Archives of Oral Biology"; Effect of Lavender Aroma on Salivary Endocrinological Stress Markers; Toda & Morimoto; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Medical Reference: Complementary Medicine: Lavender
- Medline Plus: Cortisol Level
