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Does Lavender Produce Calming Effects?

Does Lavender Produce Calming Effects?. By Hannah Brown. Background information. Name comes from the Latin root “ lavare ” meaning “to wash”. Used in baths, as it was believed to purify body and spirit.

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Does Lavender Produce Calming Effects?

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  1. Does Lavender Produce Calming Effects? By Hannah Brown

  2. Background information • Name comes from the Latin root “lavare” meaning “to wash”. • Used in baths, as it was believed to purify body and spirit. • Now commonly used for its aromatic fragrance, soaps, shampoos, and soothing and sedative effects.

  3. Plant Information • Lavandulaangustifoliaor Lavandulaofficinalis • Native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean • Grows in sunny, stony habitats • Today, it flourishes in Southern Europe, Australia, and the United States.

  4. Plant info continued… • Heavily branched shrub that is a member of the mint family • The oil in the lavender plant’s flowers give it it’s fragrant scent. • This oil is extracted from fresh flowers and used for medical and relaxation purposes.

  5. Uses • In folklore, pillows were filled with lavender to help the restless sleep • There is now scientific evidence that aromatherapy with lavender slows the activity of the nervous system • Lavender flowers have been approved in Germany to make tea for insomnia, restlessness, and stomach irritations

  6. More Uses • Lavender is used together with therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation • Used for depression, headaches, and anxiety disorders • There are, however, precautions to be taken when combining with other conventional medicines

  7. Evidence • A study from the University of Miami followed brain activity with an EEG machine. • Found more brainwaves suggesting drowsiness • University of Northumbria in the UK did a similar study with mood results, and found those exposed to lavender with notably better moods

  8. My experiment • Can be used to calm children or pets • In theory, this can calm dogs that are fearful, agitated, and hyperactive. • 10 dogs of all ages, sizes, and disposition • 5 exposed to lavender oils • Recorded stress levels before and after treatment (1 hour) • Stress=barking, pacing, jumping, etc

  9. Results • 5 not exposed to lavender: 2 showed a drop in stress displays • 5 exposed to lavender: 4 showed major reduction in stress

  10. Sources • Natural Health Web. Kristen Bell. 11 November 2009. http://www.naturalhealthweb.com/articles/bell3.html • Soothe Your Senses. Psychology Today. 11 November 2009. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200606/soothe-your-senses-lavender • Lavender. University of Maryland. 2008. 13 November 2009. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lavender-000260.htm

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