Evidence supporting the use of: Lavender
For the health condition: Nightmares

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its calming and sleep-promoting effects. Its use for nightmares specifically is not as widely documented as its general application for improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety, but traditional practices have included placing lavender sachets or oil near pillows to ward off bad dreams and promote restful sleep. Folk medicine in various cultures has attributed protective and soothing properties to lavender, especially for children experiencing nightmares or night terrors.

Scientific evidence supporting lavender's effect on nightmares is limited. Most contemporary research focuses on lavender's anxiolytic and sedative properties. Several clinical trials have shown that inhalation of lavender essential oil can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in adults and children. For example, a 2012 study found that lavender aromatherapy improved sleep quality in college students with sleep disturbances. However, these studies typically measure overall sleep improvement rather than the direct reduction of nightmares or night terrors.

In summary, lavender’s reputation for helping with nightmares is rooted in traditional use, with moderate indirect scientific support for its general sleep and anxiety benefits. Direct evidence for its effectiveness specifically against nightmares is minimal, so its use is best viewed as a traditional remedy with some plausible, though not definitive, modern scientific backing.

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