Lavender

Synonym(s): carvacrol, thymol

Nutrient group: plant extracts & active ingredients

Sources

Dietary sources

The narrow-leaved lavender, also known as real lavender, is a plant of the labiate family (Lamiaceae). It is located in the coastal regions of the Mediterranean, but is now also found north of the Alps. Its leaves and soft shoots refine Mediterranean dishes and are part of the herbal blend “Herbs of Provence“. But it is also used as an extravagant spice for sweet desserts. In some regions it is rubbed with sugar and used as lavender sugar instead of vanilla sugar. Dried lavender flowers and lavender oil are used for phytotherapy.

Detailed information

Lavender

Lavender extract and the essential oils it contains provide a mixture of active ingredients which help fight Candida albicans and gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial monoterpenes are especially responsible for the good results against these pathogens (1).

Indications

Dosage	Indication	Dosage
Physiological effects at a low intake	For general strengthening of the immune system against undesirable microorganisms and for improvement of health status	100 – 200 mg/d
	If the microecological balance is impaired by bacterial or fungal infestation, especially in gram-positive bacterial strains and Candida albicans	250 – 300 mg/d

Administration

General mode of administration
When	Lavender extract should be taken between meals.
Side effects
No side effects are known to date.
Contraindications
No contraindications are known to date.

Interactions

Drug interactions
None	No interactions are known to date.
Nutrient interactions
None	No interactions are known to date.

References

1) Baldovini, N. et al. 2005. Necrodane monoterpenoids from Lavendula luisieri. Phytochemistry. 66(14):1651-5

References Interactions
Stargrove, M. B. et al. Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1. Auflage. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.
Gröber, U. Mikronährstoffe: Metabolic Tuning –Prävention –Therapie, 3. Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2011.
Gröber, U. Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe: Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung, 3. aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2014.