Meta Information
ID:lavender
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
Central Nervous System Depressants (e.g., Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Opioids, Sleep Aids)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lavender has sedative properties that can add to the effects of other central nervous system depressants, leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using oral lavender with other sedative medications unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Target id:
/intervention/alcohol
Target name:
Alcohol
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Combining lavender with alcohol can significantly increase drowsiness and sedation, impairing judgment and motor skills.
Actionable advice:
Do not consume alcohol when taking oral lavender for sedative effects.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery-anesthesia
Target name:
Surgery with Anesthesia
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Lavender can slow down the central nervous system, and when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during surgery, it might dangerously amplify these effects.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue all forms of lavender supplements at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
The safety of oral lavender during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally not recommended due to a lack of data on potential effects on the fetus.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using oral lavender supplements during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
It is unknown if lavender's components pass into breast milk or what effects they might have on a nursing infant; therefore, its use is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using oral lavender supplements while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lavender may lower blood pressure, and when taken with medications for high blood pressure, it could cause an additive effect leading to hypotension (blood pressure dropping too low).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure closely if combining, and consult your doctor before starting.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
Other Sedative Herbs (Valerian, Chamomile, Kava, Passionflower)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Combining lavender with other herbs that cause sleepiness can result in excessive sedation and drowsiness, impairing daytime function.
Actionable advice:
Be cautious when combining lavender with other calming herbs; start with low doses of one at a time.
Target id:
/condition/pediatric-male-prepubertal
Target name:
Prepubertal Boys
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Topical application of lavender oil has been linked in case reports to prepubertal gynecomastia (breast tissue development) due to potential estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity.
Actionable advice:
Avoid repeated topical application of undiluted lavender oil on prepubertal boys.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Lavender's anxiolytic and sedative properties can help promote relaxation and improve sleep onset, making it beneficial when taken before bedtime.
Actionable advice:
Take oral lavender 30-60 minutes before your intended bedtime for sleep support.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lavender contains compounds (coumarins) that may have a mild blood-thinning effect, theoretically increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult a healthcare provider if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Target id:
/condition/hormone-sensitive-cancers
Target name:
Hormone-Sensitive Conditions (e.g., breast, uterine, ovarian cancer)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lavender has shown weak estrogen-like and anti-androgen effects in lab studies, so there is a theoretical concern it could affect hormone-sensitive conditions.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult an oncologist if you have a history of hormone-sensitive cancer.
Target id:
/class/serotonergic-agents
Target name:
Serotonergic Medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, Triptans)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
While not well-documented, there is a theoretical potential for lavender to have additive sedative effects with serotonergic drugs, possibly increasing side effects like drowsiness.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor for increased sedation if combining with serotonergic medications.