Can Lavender Get You High? The Soothing Properties and Safe Usage of This Calming Herb

The Soothing Properties of Lavender

Lavender is well-known for its calming and relaxing properties. With its pleasant floral aroma and vibrant purple color, this aromatic herb has been used for centuries to help promote tranquility and wellbeing. But can lavender actually get you high? Let's take a closer look at this intriguing plant.

What Is Lavender?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. Today, it is grown all over the world for its essential oil which is extracted from the flower spikes. Lavender oil has a light and clean floral scent and is included in many personal care products like soaps, shampoos, and skin lotions.

The phytochemicals (plant-based compounds) found in lavender are likely responsible for many of its therapeutic benefits. Phytochemicals like linalool and linalyl acetate have displayed calming effects in studies.

Lavender's Calming Benefits

For centuries, lavender has been used to help ease nervousness, irritability, and anxiety while also promoting healthy sleep. Modern research confirms its relaxing properties:

• Inhaling lavender essential oil may help slow down racing thoughts while also inducing relaxation.
• Lavender aromatherapy before bed can help improve quality of sleep.
• Massaging lavender oil into the skin may help lower stress hormone levels.
• Taking lavender supplements may reduce anxiety levels in anxious individuals.

Thanks to findings like these, lavender is considered a safe and gentle alternative remedy for supporting a calm mood and restfulness.

The Intoxicating Question

With its soothing, sedative-like effects, some people wonder if lavender can get you genuinely high like other substances. The answer is no - lavender is not intoxicating in that way. It does not contain substances like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, that causes the euphoric high associated with marijuana.

While very high doses of lavender essential oil may cause complications like nausea or headaches in some people, typical dosages used for aromatherapy, skin applications, or dietary supplements do not cause psychoactive side effects or a high feeling.

Safe Enjoyment of Lavender’s Benefits

When used moderately, lavender is considered extremely safe. Some people choose to grow their own lavender plants so they can enjoy the sight and scent daily or use the fresh or dried flowers for DIY crafts and natural remedies.

Others keep a bottle of essential oil on hand. A few drops added to lotions, baths, or diffusers is an easy way to incorporate lavender's benefits into your routine. Massaging diluted lavender oil directly onto pressure points can promote relaxation. And lavender-scented candles can fill a room with its stress-relieving fragrance while creating a soothing ambiance.

You can also frequently consume lavender by adding the flowers or essential oil to foods and drinks. Lavender lemonade, lavender shortbread cookies, and lavender tea are just a few yummy ways to leverage this aromatic herb.

Using Lavender Safely and Responsibly

While lavender is generally very safe for adults when used appropriately, you still need to take precautions when working with this versatile plant. Like any therapeutic product, understand proper guidelines will allow you to enjoy lavender's perks without unwanted issues.

Usage Considerations

When using lavender, keep this usage advice in mind:

• Do not ingest lavender essential oil without first diluting in a carrier oil.
• Discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur like skin irritation.
• Talk to your doctor before using lavender supplements if taking any medications.
• Use caution when driving or operating machinery when first using until you understand your reactions.
• Consider possible medication interactions by talking with a health practitioner first.

While many people enjoy lavender worry-free, it always wise to exercise some caution when trying any new herb or plant-based product.

Special Populations

There are two groups who should use extra precautions with lavender products:

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

There is insufficient research on lavender usage for pregnant or nursing women. To be safe, avoid supplements and essential oils and stick to occasional culinary use until you discuss with your OB-GYN or pediatrician.

Children

Lavender essential oil and teas may be unsafe for babies and young children due to concerns over hormone effects and sensitivity. As a general rule, introduce lavender slowly under medical guidance in small children.

Sourcing Responsible Lavender

With rising popularity as a natural anxiety remedy, there are concerns over lavender harvest sustainability and habitat loss. When buying lavender products, look for quality stamps from reputable sources. If gardening, be sparing pruning lavender plants through their growing season.

Choosing organic lavender is ideal as well. Conventionally farmed plants may be treated with pesticides you don’t want in therapeutic products. Research farmers’ markets or specialty shops to find sustainably grown lavender.

The Takeaway

While lavender may elicit profoundly relaxing effects, it is not intoxicating like addictive substances that people use to get high. Moderate usage through aromatherapy, topicals, foods, and drink is considered extremely low-risk for most healthy adults.

However, special care should be taken around pregnant women, babies, young children. And always talk to your healthcare provider about supplement use if taking medications.

Overall, lavender is a safe, gentle way to enrich your wellness routing. Let its elegant appearance and soothing fragrance transport your senses and provide therapeutic plant-based calm.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.