- According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lavender comes from the Latin word "lavare" which means "to wash." People use lavender because it smells good, but also because it clams, soothes and relieves depression. Lavender is antibacterial and antiviral. Research also shows lavender works against alopecia, or hair loss.
- Lavender is on the FDA's GRAS list. It is "generally regarded as safe." In Mrs. Grieves "A Modern Botanical," she notes that copious amounts of lavender essential oil will cause convulsions. As Dr. James Duke notes, however, in "The Handbook of Medicinal Herbs" any essential oil taken in copious amounts is a bad idea. Still, lavender should not be used internally with children in any amount, according to Duke.
- A study of 86 people suffering from alopecia areata showed that those who massaged lavender oil into their hair had better results than those who did not. Hair regrew faster in those who used the essential oil. In the study, participants used lavender in combination with other essential oils. It is not clear whether it was the lavender that produced the effect, or the combination of oils.
- Essential oils work together. Hair oils often contain lavender but also often contain other essential oils as well. Many of these oils, when properly diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil, can be used on children's hair. However, it is always a good idea to proceed with caution when using essential oils on children.
- According to organicfacts.com, lavender can be effective on lice as well as their eggs and nits. Used in combination with citronella, tea tree oil and neem oil, lice can be killed safely and without harm to the child. Lice are difficult to detect, but usually you notice them from the itching. They are common in schools, where infestations usually break out in fall.
