Lavender, a fragrant herb recognized for its calming properties, has been used for centuries in aromatherapy and traditional medicine. Its scent is commonly associated with relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep quality. This reputation has led to a growing trend where individuals are attempting to smoke dried lavender, often seeking a nicotine-free alternative to tobacco or a direct route to its calming effects. The practice involves inhaling the smoke from the burning plant material. This article examines the practice of smoking lavender, evaluating its safety and the physiological consequences based on current scientific understanding.
Direct Assessment of Safety
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim of safety or health benefits from smoking lavender. Smoking any substance carries inherent risks to the respiratory system, and combustion generates harmful byproducts regardless of the material being burned. Dried lavender flowers intended for culinary or ornamental use are not regulated for inhalation.
A major concern is the sourcing of the herb, as commercially available lavender may contain chemical residues. Lavender grown for non-inhalation purposes can be treated with pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides that become concentrated and toxic when subjected to high heat and inhaled. Furthermore, there is a lack of clinical research investigating the long-term effects of inhaling burned lavender.
Chemical Changes During Combustion
When dried lavender is ignited, it undergoes pyrolysis, the chemical decomposition of organic material by heat. This high-heat process fundamentally alters the herb’s beneficial compounds into irritating and toxic substances. Lavender’s calming effects are primarily attributed to its high concentration of essential oils, such as linalool and linalyl acetate.
When these delicate terpenes and esters are burned, they break down into a complex mixture of combustion byproducts. These byproducts include ultrafine particulate matter, known as tar, and various irritating gases. Incomplete combustion, typical of burning plant matter, also produces carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless poisonous gas. These newly formed compounds are what the user inhales, rather than the intended calming essential oils.
Physiological Impact of Inhaling Smoke
Inhaling the smoke produced by burning lavender introduces irritants and toxins directly into the respiratory system. The particulate matter, or tar, created during combustion deposits along the airways and accumulates in the small air sacs within the lungs, called alveoli. This deposition can lead to cumulative damage over time, reducing the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The gaseous byproducts, particularly carbon monoxide, pose a more immediate threat by entering the bloodstream. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells far more readily than oxygen, displacing oxygen and depriving tissues and organs of what they need to function. Acute exposure to smoke irritants can cause inflammation and irritation of the throat and bronchial tubes, resulting in a persistent cough, increased mucus production, and wheezing. For individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inhaling any smoke can exacerbate symptoms.
Non-Combustion Methods for Using Lavender
The relaxing benefits of lavender can be safely achieved without combustion and the associated respiratory risks. Aromatherapy is the most popular and scientifically supported method for harnessing its anxiolytic properties. Using a diffuser to disperse lavender essential oil into the air allows for inhalation of the volatile compounds, such as linalool, without the harmful byproducts of smoke.
Topical application is another effective alternative, where lavender essential oil is diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the skin. Lavender can also be consumed safely as an herbal tea, made from dried flowers, which is a traditional method for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety. When using essential oils, it is important to always dilute them for topical use and avoid ingesting the concentrated oil.