Lavandula angustifolia

• TeaFlowerInternalTraditional use

  Calming tea for restlessness and mild difficulty falling asleep.

  Preparation & dosage

  Pour 150–200 ml boiling water over 1–2 tsp (~1–2 g) dried lavender flowers, cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink 2–3 cups a day, last cup ~30 min before bedtime.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years.

  Sources: [1]

• BathFlowerExternalTraditional use

  Relaxation bath for nervous tension and sleep problems.

  Preparation & dosage

  For a relaxing full bath: 100 g dried lavender flowers + 2 L boiling water, steep 10 min, strain and add to bath water. Temperature 35–38 °C, duration 10–20 minutes. Max once daily. Rest afterwards.

  Dry amount

  100–100 g

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years.

  Sources: [1]

• Essential oilFlowerInternalEMA well-established

  Standardised lavender oil (Silexan, 80–160 mg/day) for subsyndromal anxiety and stress-related restlessness — the only lavender application with clinical evidence (EMA well-established use). Several RCTs show effects comparable to low-dose lorazepam, without dependence potential.

  Preparation & dosage

  Use only as an authorised finished medicine (e.g. Silexan soft capsules): 1 capsule of 80 mg standardised lavender oil per day, if needed 2 (160 mg/day). Swallow with liquid at a meal. IMPORTANT: Never take pure essential oil by the spoon. Effect after 1–2 weeks, trials over 10 weeks.

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  10 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Internal use of Silexan capsules only for adults from 18 years.

  Sources: [2]

• Essential oilFlowerExternalTraditional use

  Diluted lavender oil for relaxation massage in muscle tension and nervous restlessness. Traditional use.

  Preparation & dosage

  For a relaxing massage: ALWAYS dilute essential oil in a carrier oil. Maximum 1–3 % (5–15 drops per 50 ml). NEVER apply undiluted. Patch test on inner arm before first use. Massage in gently 1–2 times a day.

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — In children under 12 — especially prepubertal boys — avoid skin-contact use of lavender oil.

  Sources: [2]

• InhalationFlowerExternalTraditional use

  Aromatherapy for calming and as a sleep aid — traditional use.

  Preparation & dosage

  As a sleep aid: 1–2 drops on a handkerchief beside the pillow — not on bedding or skin. Alternatively 2–4 drops in a diffuser ~30 min before bedtime, max 1 hour. Air the room well.

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — In children under 12, no essential oils in bedroom diffusers.

  Sources: [2]

Never apply lavender essential oil undiluted to the skin. Maximum 1–3 % in carrier oil. IMPORTANT for parents: Case reports exist of prepubertal breast tissue swelling (gynaecomastia) in boys after regular external use of lavender-oil-containing care products. In children under 12 — especially prepubertal boys — avoid skin-contact use of lavender oil. Tea preparation is not affected. ASPCA classification (accessed 2026-08-10): toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

⏱ Max continuous use: 10 weeks