Evidence supporting the use of: Lavender
For the health condition: Jet Lag
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a long history of traditional use for promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality, which are symptoms often affected by jet lag. Aromatherapy, especially using lavender essential oil, is commonly employed to aid sleep onset and reduce anxiety. The logic behind its use for jet lag is that by facilitating restful sleep and relaxation, lavender may help individuals adapt more quickly to new time zones. However, the direct use of lavender specifically for jet lag is anchored more in tradition and extrapolation from its general sleep-promoting effects, rather than robust scientific evidence targeting jet lag itself.
Some small clinical studies have demonstrated that lavender aromatherapy can modestly improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. For example, a 2015 systematic review found lavender oil may have a positive effect on mild sleep disturbances, though studies were generally low-quality and not focused on jet lag. Lavender does not directly address the circadian rhythm disruption that characterizes jet lag, but may offer symptomatic relief by helping travelers sleep in new environments. In summary, while lavender is widely used traditionally for sleep and relaxation and may offer mild benefit to jet-lagged travelers, there is limited scientific validation specifically for jet lag, and its efficacy is likely modest at best.
Other health conditions supported by lavender
AbrasionsAbscesses
Abuse and Trauma
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Anger (excessive)
Bites and Stings
Boils
Carbuncles
Depression
Grief and Sadness
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hysteria
Insect Repellant
Insomnia
Irritability
Jet Lag
Lice
Migraine
Nervousness
Neurosis
Nightmares
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Phobias
Stress
Tension
Worry
Wounds and Sores