Herbs That Can Be Used During Pregnancy: Lavandula angustifolia / Lavender
Lavender is a pregnancy-friendly herb that should usually be administered as an aromatherapy treatment.
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Lavender has not been studied extensively in scientific circles during pregnancy. Most studies that have been done have been conducted on the effects of lavender as a topical treatment or as aromatherapy. Indeed, it’s anti-anxiety effects are most pronounced when it is administered as an inhalant.
Lavender and Rose Essential Oils for Conflict Resolution During Pregnancy
Let’s face it. It’s common for parents to have conflict during pregnancy. The non-pregnant parent can seek out ways to deal with conflict that the pregnant parent can’t access without hurting the fetus. So it’s important to note here that Lavender and Rose essential oils (as aromatherapy agents) actually have anti-conflict effects in animal models of conflict.What does this mean? Well, conflict typically involves two sides of a matter that are hitting up against each other in a non-productive way that does not result in resolution (at least at first). Conflict might involve two people, but sometimes conflict is something that’s internal and that represents two sides of a matter that we argue with ourselves. In any case, lavender and rose essential oils are able to reduce conflicted feelings to help us resolve issues.
Studies have shown that mice who are exposed to lavender or rose essential oils behave in a significantly less conflicted manner. These essential oils produce effects that are similar to the effects produced by diazepam.
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Lavender is both an anti-spasmodic and an anti-anxiety herb. In other words, it works by calming the muscles as well as the mind. During pregnancy, you can make a lavender tea according to the recipe at the bottom of the page and administer lavender in bathwater.
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Lavender Cream and Foot Bath for Depression, Stress, and Anxiety During Pregnancy
One scientific study examined the use of a pure lavender cream (without fragrances or other toxic ingredients) along with the administration of foot baths as a treatment for maternal depression, anxiety, and stress. In the study, 141 women between 25 to 28 weeks gestation were assigned to one of three of the following groups:- Lavender cream only
- Lavender cream plus foot bath
- Placebo
Women in the lavender groups received 2 grams of lavender via topical application each night for two months. Results demonstrated that women who received lavender cream treatments alone or lavender cream and foot bath treatments were able to significantly reduce their stress, anxiety, and depression.
Lavender: Medicinal Effects
- Anti-spasmodic
- Sedative
- Anxiolytic
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-convulsive / Seizure Treatment
- Neuroprotective
- Carminative / Reduces Gas
- Astringent
- Anti-rheumatic
- Treats Muscle Spasms
- Analgesic
- Cholagogue / Gallbladder tonic
- Antibacterial
- Headache
- Digestive disturbances
- Combines with rosemary for depression
- Use as an inhalant for anti-spasmodic effect.
- Insect bites
- Burn treatment
- Parasite infection treatment
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Lavender Dosing During Pregnancy
Lavender flowers are the medicinal part of the plant.
Tea / Infusion
Administer 2-6 grams of lavender flowers via infusion per day. Put the proper dose in a mug. Bring 8 ounces of water to a boil. Pour the hot water over the lavender flowers and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes.
Though lavender can be administered orally, it is generally recommended that pregnant women administer the tea via a bath. Lavender as an aromatherapy agent is actually more powerful than lavender as an orally administered medicine. Because some studies have shown that lavender can act as an emmenagogue, it is best to avoid drinking lavender tea in the first trimester and consider using lavender primarily as an aromatherapy treatment.
Tincture
Administer 2-12 mL of tincture daily during pregnancy. Again, lavender can act as an emmenagogue that spurs menstruation when it is taken orally. As such, oral administration should be avoided during the first trimester. Instead, administer lavender as an aromatherapy agent during pregnancy.
Lavender Essential Oil
Administer lavender essential oil as an aromatherapy agent during pregnancy. Note that essential oils, when applied to the skin, soak into the skin. As such, you should avoid putting the lavender essential oil on your skin during pregnancy.
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Resources:
• Guyett, C. (2022). The Herbalist’s Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Beyond: Herbal Therapeutics for the Childbearing Year. Aeon Books.
• Effati-Daryani, F. et al. (2015). Effect of Lavender Cream with or without Foot-bath on Anxiety, Stress, and Depression in Pregnancy: a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Retrieved July 6, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4363653/
• Koulivand, P. H. et al. (2013). Lavender and the Nervous System. Retrieved July 6, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/
• Umezu, T. (2000). Behavioral effects of plant-derived essential oils in the geller type conflict test in mice. Retrieved July 6, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10928328/
• Umezu, T. et al. (2006). Anticonflict effects of lavender oil and identification of its active constituents. Retrieved July 6, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17173962/
