Lavender Safety: How to Use Lavender the Right Way
This article is part of our Lavender Safety Series. In this post, we’ll cover general lavender safety, and in Part 2, we’ll take a closer look at specific lavender precautions.
Lavender has been cherished for centuries—not just for its beauty and fragrance, but also for its many uses in wellness, cooking, and daily life. From calming teas to soothing aromatherapy, lavender has earned its reputation as a versatile herb. But like any plant with powerful properties, using it safely is key.
This guide walks you through the safe ways to enjoy lavender—from your kitchen to your skincare routine—so you can experience its benefits with peace of mind.
Culinary Lavender: Safe and Flavorful
Adding lavender to food in small amounts is generally recognized as safe. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that lavender is well-tolerated when used in teas, baked goods, or as a culinary herb in moderation.
Important tip: Not all lavender is suitable for eating. Always choose culinary-grade lavender labeled for food use to avoid contamination or overly bitter varieties.
Lavender Supplements: What You Should Know
Lavender capsules, such as standardized extracts like Silexan, are sometimes used for anxiety or sleep support. Clinical studies suggest that doses of 80–160 mg daily for up to 10 weeks are generally well tolerated.
Possible side effects may include:
- Mild nausea or stomach upset
- Headache
- Allergic skin reaction in sensitive individuals
⚠️ Never ingest lavender essential oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if swallowed, even in small amounts. The American Association of Poison Control Centers warns that ingestion can lead to nausea, vomiting, or worse.
Topical Use & Aromatherapy
Lavender essential oil is widely used on the skin and in diffusers—but it should be handled carefully:
- Dilute before use: The American College of Healthcare Sciences recommends a 2% dilution (about 12 drops per ounce of carrier oil).
- Patch test: Always test on a small area of skin before broader use. Some people may experience dermatitis or allergic reactions.
- Inhalation caution: Aromatherapy is generally safe, but those with asthma or respiratory sensitivities should proceed carefully, as essential oils can sometimes trigger airway irritation (American Lung Association).
Pregnancy & Nursing
The Mayo Clinic advises against essential oil ingestion during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to safety concerns.
- No ingestion: Essential oils, including lavender, should never be ingested during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Topical/aromatherapy use: May be safe if properly diluted, but always check with your healthcare provider.
- Third trimester caution: Lavender’s mild relaxing effect may influence hormones or muscle tone, so extra care is advised.
Medication Interactions
Lavender has natural sedative qualities, meaning it can enhance the effects of medications that already cause drowsiness, such as:
- Sleep aids
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antidepressants
- Alcohol
The Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine caution that combining lavender oil with sedatives may amplify drowsiness or interfere with medications. If you are scheduled for surgery or anesthesia, discontinue lavender essential oils beforehand.
Children & Lavender
Lavender products are popular for calming routines in children, but safety guidelines matter:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that essential oils should be stored securely, as ingestion can be toxic.
- Limited studies suggest lavender oil may affect hormone levels in prepubescent boys, though evidence is not conclusive. Until more is known, use lavender oil sparingly on children, and avoid daily or long-term use.
Key Takeaways for Safe Lavender Use
- ✅ Use only culinary lavender in foods.
- ✅ Enjoy lavender tea or small amounts in baking safely.
- ✅ Dilute essential oils before applying to skin.
- ✅ Perform a patch test before use.
- ✅ Consult your healthcare provider if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
- ❌ Never ingest lavender essential oil.
- ❌ Keep essential oils away from children.
Lavender can be a safe, soothing addition to your home and wellness routine—as long as you use it with knowledge and care.
💜 Ready to dig deeper? Head over to Lavender Precautions: A Closer Look at Safe Use to learn practical do’s and don’ts for safe lavender use.