Evidence supporting the use of: Lavandula (unspecified)
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Lavandula (lavender), particularly in the form of essential oil, has shown some scientific evidence supporting its use for tension headaches. Several randomized controlled trials and clinical studies have investigated lavender’s effects on headaches, especially when administered via inhalation or topical application. The proposed mechanism relates to lavender’s anxiolytic and sedative properties, likely mediated by modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission and reduction of muscle tension.
For example, a 2012 randomized controlled trial published in European Neurology (Sasannejad et al.) observed that inhalation of lavender essential oil led to a statistically significant reduction in headache severity among migraine sufferers compared to placebo. While this study focused on migraines, similar mechanisms may apply to tension-type headaches, which often share stress and muscle tension as contributing factors. Additionally, a 2016 review in Phytomedicine found moderate evidence supporting lavender aromatherapy for headache relief. However, the number of high-quality studies specific to tension-type headaches remains limited, and methodologies vary.
Traditionally, lavender has also been used for headache relief in various cultures, but scientific research forms the primary basis for its current use in this context. Most evidence suggests lavender is safe for short-term use when applied topically or inhaled. Nevertheless, further larger-scale and well-designed studies are needed to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing for tension headaches.
More about Lavandula (unspecified)
More about Headache (tension)
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
ashwagandhawaterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
Peppermint
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
Szechuan lovage
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
Fernbush
Gnaphalium
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Henna
Herb Robert
Hempnettle
Horsemint
Indian Coraltree
Indian Fagonia
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Linden
Ligustilides
Lotus
Labrador Tea
Large-Leaved Linden
Loranthus
Linalool
Mentha haplocalyx
Mustard
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Mountain mahogany
Matapalo Tree
Morning Glory
Meadowsweet
Macaranga indica
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Osha
Onosma bracteatum
Osmanthus
Premna
Piper chaba
Pulsatilla
Pluchea
Pimpinella
Paeoniflorin
Poppy
Plectranthus amboinicus
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Rue
Rubiaceae
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Semecarpus anacardium
Stereospermum
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sedanenolide
Tamarind
Vervain
Water Pepper
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Lavandula (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion