Lavender (scientific name: Lavandula angustifolia) has long been prized for its calming aroma and therapeutic properties. Many people enjoy lavender tea for relaxation or to help with sleep. However, like any herb, lavender contains active compounds that can influence the body's systems and potentially interact with medications. The key to safe consumption lies in understanding these physiological effects and discussing them with a healthcare provider.
How Lavender Affects the Body
Several active compounds in lavender, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, are known to have a direct impact on the nervous system. These compounds interact with neurotransmitters, leading to two primary physiological effects that are important for understanding medication interactions:
- Sedative Properties: Lavender can slow down the central nervous system, producing a calming, soothing, and sedative effect. This is believed to be related to its effect on the neurotransmitter GABA. For individuals already taking sedative medications, this can lead to an additive or synergistic effect, increasing drowsiness to a dangerous level.
- Hypotensive Properties: Some research has shown that lavender can lower blood pressure. It does this by influencing the autonomic nervous system and potentially causing vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. This effect is of particular concern for people taking blood pressure medication, as the combined effect could lead to hypotension.
Key Medication Interactions to Consider
Because of its sedative and blood pressure-lowering effects, lavender tea should be approached with caution when combined with several classes of medications. Always consult a healthcare provider before introducing lavender tea or any new herbal product into your routine.
Sedative and Anti-Anxiety Medications
The most significant and well-documented interaction is with central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These are medications that cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Combining them with lavender can enhance these effects, potentially leading to excessive sleepiness, dizziness, or breathing problems.
Types of medications to watch out for include:
- Benzodiazepines: Drugs like alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
- Barbiturates: Drugs such as phenobarbital.
- Sleep Aids: Prescription sleep medications like zolpidem (Ambien).
- Narcotics/Opioids: Pain medications like morphine and oxycodone.
Blood Pressure Medications (Antihypertensives)
For those managing high blood pressure, combining lavender tea with medication can be risky. The additive effect of lavender's hypotensive properties and your prescribed medication could cause your blood pressure to drop too low, a condition called hypotension. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting.
Common blood pressure medications that may be affected include:
- ACE Inhibitors: Captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec).
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: Losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan).
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem).
- Diuretics: Furosemide (Lasix).
Surgery-Related Medications
If you have a scheduled surgery, it is critically important to stop all lavender consumption at least two weeks beforehand. Lavender's effect on the central nervous system can interfere with anesthesia and other medications administered during and after the procedure, potentially slowing the CNS down too much.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
Limited sources suggest a theoretical risk of interaction with blood-thinning medications. If lavender were to affect blood clotting, it could increase the risk of bleeding. While not as well-documented as other interactions, individuals on anticoagulants should exercise caution and consult their doctor before using lavender tea.
Comparison of Lavender Tea vs. Chamomile Tea Interactions
Many people turn to herbal teas for relaxation. Here is a comparison of potential interactions between lavender and another popular calming herb, chamomile.
| Feature | Lavender Tea (Lavandula angustifolia) | Chamomile Tea (Matricaria recutita) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Effect | Sedative, relaxing, and hypotensive properties. | Mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties [Not in sources]. |
| CNS Depressant Interaction | Known interaction. Increases the effect of sedatives, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids. | Possible interaction. Can cause increased sedation when combined with sedatives, although generally considered less potent than lavender [Not in sources]. |
| Blood Pressure Interaction | Possible interaction. May cause hypotension when combined with blood pressure medication. | Unknown/Minimal Interaction. No strong evidence of an interaction with blood pressure medications, but moderation is advised [Not in sources]. |
| Surgery Precaution | Advised to stop 2 weeks prior due to CNS effects. | Advised to stop before surgery, as some sources mention possible anticoagulant effects [Not in sources]. |
| Anticoagulant Interaction | Possible risk of increased bleeding. | Possible risk due to coumarin compounds, especially in larger amounts [Not in sources]. |
Conclusion
While lavender tea is a beloved beverage for its soothing qualities, its natural pharmacological effects warrant careful consideration, especially for those on medication. The most significant risks involve interactions with sedatives, which can lead to over-sedation, and blood pressure medication, which can cause excessively low blood pressure. Additionally, caution is needed before surgery and with blood-thinning agents. As with any herbal supplement, transparency with your healthcare provider is the safest approach to ensure your wellness routine is not putting you at risk. For more information, you can visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
