Lavender has historical roots as a mental health aid. It is still used in aromatherapy today to combat depression as well as other conditions not related to mental health, including hair loss, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. However, not much clinical evidence regarding aromatherapy's benefit for depression exists, though some early research looks promising, according to the American Cancer Society.
Function
Lavender is among the most commonly used essential oils used in aromatherapy, according to ACS. Aromatherapy involves using fragrant essential oils to improve mood or health. The essential oils are applied to the skin or inhaled. Other popular aromatherapy oils include rosemary, peppermint, lemon, jasmine eucalyptus, chamomile and marjoram.
Significance
Using lavender aromatherapy can improve a person's quality of life, including providing help coping with depression, according to the ACS. A study published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, "Kanho Hakhoe Chi," concluded that lavender's fragrance has a beneficial effect on depression as well as insomnia. However, study authors I.S. Lee and G.J Lee also note that repeated studies are needed to confirm these findings. Other studies reveal conflicting results and suggest the positive effect may be due to the power of suggestion, advises the ACS.
Expert Insight
Several theories explain how aromatherapy might work for depression and other ailments, according to the ACS. One theory is that scent receptors in a person's nose to send chemical messages to the brain's limbic region. This influences emotional responses as well as blood pressure and heart rate. Another theory is that oils work as they are absorbed into a person's system via her skin.
Types
Lavender comes in several types of preparations that utilize dried flowers and essential oils from the plant. These include aromatherapy oil, extracts, bath gels, infusions, soaps and lotions, teas and tinctures. People may also purchase whole, dried flowers, according to the UMMC. With aromatherapy, lavender oil might be applied to a person's skin during a massage or added to bathwater, according to the ACS. Lavender also might be inhaled after a few drops of the essential oil are put in steaming water or an atomizer.
Considerations
Some have an allergic reaction to lavender. Some people also report vomiting, nausea, headache or chills after absorbing lavender through the skin or inhaling it, according to the UMMC. Also, people who want to use lavender to treat depression need to consult a health-care provider who is well-versed in botanical medicine because herbs like lavender have active components that can interact with medications, supplements or other herbs.
