The common lavender plant, Lavandula angustifolia, is widely recognized for its soothing fragrance, often used in perfumes, soaps, and traditional remedies. This aromatic oil has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and address various ailments. For people experiencing stomach distress or the unpleasant sensation of nausea, the query often arises whether this fragrant plant offers a gentle, natural form of relief. Traditional use and modern clinical applications suggest that lavender may indeed be a helpful complementary approach for managing feelings of sickness.
How Lavender Interacts with the Nervous System
Lavender’s potential to calm digestive upset is largely attributed to its primary chemical constituents, Linalool and Linalyl Acetate. These compounds are readily absorbed into the bloodstream, particularly when inhaled, and can interact with the central nervous system. Linalool is known to possess properties that modify nervous system activity and help reduce spasms.
The oil’s action is thought to involve stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” functions. By promoting this state of relaxation, lavender can indirectly soothe the body’s stress response, a factor that often exacerbates nausea. Linalool also exhibits sedative qualities, which contribute to a general calming effect.
Beyond its systemic calming effects, lavender oil is traditionally used for its anti-spasmodic properties on the digestive tract. The compounds may help prevent the spasm of smooth muscles in the intestine, an action that could help alleviate the cramping and discomfort associated with gastrointestinal distress. Some research suggests this mechanism may involve increasing a signaling molecule called intracellular cyclic AMP, which causes muscle relaxation.
Effective Ways to Use Lavender for Nausea Relief
The most effective and safest method for using lavender to alleviate nausea is through inhalation, often referred to as aromatherapy. To use this method, a few drops of the essential oil can be placed on a cotton ball, a tissue, or a personal inhalation device. The scent should be held close to the nose and inhaled slowly for several minutes, repeating the process as needed for relief. This allows the aromatic compounds to enter the lungs and quickly affect the nervous system.
Another practical application involves topical use, where the essential oil is diluted and applied to the skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated and must always be mixed with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sweet almond, or fractionated coconut oil, before skin application to prevent irritation.
For general adult use, a safe dilution rate is typically 2 to 3%, which corresponds to 12 to 18 drops of lavender essential oil per one ounce (30 milliliters) of carrier oil. The diluted mixture can then be gently massaged onto pulse points, such as the temples or wrists, or directly onto the abdomen to target digestive discomfort.
For those with highly sensitive skin, or for use on children, a more conservative 1% dilution rate is recommended. This is about 6 drops per ounce of carrier oil. It is advisable to perform a small patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before applying the mixture to a larger area.
Clinical Findings and Important Safety Warnings
Clinical studies have explored lavender’s potential to reduce feelings of sickness in specific populations, with some positive results. For example, research has suggested that inhaling lavender can help mitigate postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients recovering from surgery. Other studies have also shown that lavender aromatherapy may decrease the severity of nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
While these findings are encouraging, it is important to note that many studies in this area often use lavender in combination with other antiemetic oils, such as peppermint, making it difficult to isolate lavender’s sole effect. Furthermore, aromatherapy is generally considered a complementary therapy and should not replace conventional medical treatment for persistent or severe nausea.
Lavender essential oil should never be ingested unless under the strict guidance of a qualified medical professional, as swallowing the concentrated oil is toxic. Ingestion, especially in small children, can lead to severe symptoms including gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and neurologic effects like lethargy or confusion. Undiluted oil applied to the skin can cause irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and photosensitivity.
Caution is also advised for certain groups. While some studies show benefit during pregnancy, it is generally recommended to avoid essential oils during the first trimester, and pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use. Children are more susceptible to the toxic effects of essential oils due to their thinner skin and developing organ systems. Regular, chronic skin application of lavender in children has also been associated with hormonal effects.