Lavandula angustifolia · Mint family (Lamiaceae)
Hi, I'm Lavender! Breathe in… breathe out… I smell like a calm purple cloud.
Smelling lavender may help some people feel less worried. Scientists think so, but studies are small.
🟡 Scientists think so
A lavender smell at bedtime is an old tradition to feel sleepy and calm.
🔵 Grandma's wisdom
For kids OK in normal food Pills, powders & oils: ask a grown-up first
Smelling lavender flowers is fine for kids. Lavender oil is for grown-ups: never drink it, and don't put it on kids' skin without a doctor's OK.
⛔ Avoid
Never drink lavender oil from a bottle. Only grown-ups use it.
⚠️ Ask a doctor first
Lavender creams and oils on kids' skin should be used only if a doctor says it's OK.
⚠️ Ask a doctor first
Before an operation, tell the doctor about any lavender pills.
👀 Be careful
Mums expecting a baby should ask a doctor before lavender pills or oils.
👀 Be careful
Some people get an itchy rash from lavender creams.
Natural does not always mean safe. Always ask a grown-up before trying something new, and a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement. Try the safety check →
Lavender is a small bush with long stems of tiny purple flowers. The flowers smell sweet and fresh.
People put dried lavender in little bags to make clothes smell nice. Its oil is used in soaps and creams, and many people like its smell to relax.
🔵 Grandma's wisdom — not proven by science
Lavender's name may come from the Latin word lavare, “to wash”, because people put it in bath water.
Bees and butterflies love lavender flowers.
Whole fields turn purple when lavender blooms in summer.
Answer 3 questions. Get 2 right to win this plant’s badge for your garden!
What colour are lavender flowers?
Lavender has tiny purple flowers on long stems.
What should kids never do with lavender oil?
Lavender oil is strong. Never drink it — it is for grown-ups to use.
Why do people put lavender bags in drawers?
Dried lavender keeps clothes smelling fresh.
🏅 You earned the Lavender badge!
Almost! Read the page again and retry — you can do it! 💪
Print it, cut it out and collect them all!
Lavandula angustifolia
Calm & worry
Sleep
🤩 Lavender's name may come from the Latin word lavare, “to wash”, because people put it in bath water.
General information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal supplement — especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children, before surgery, or if you take medicines. Medical disclaimer
| Use | Evidence | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Calm & worry | 🟡 Some evidence (small human studies) | A 2019 meta-analysis found that inhaled lavender reduced anxiety scores across randomised trials[3]. NCCIH notes that an oral lavender oil product might help anxiety, but studies are small with other limitations, and it is unclear whether aromatherapy helps stress or depression[1]. |
| Sleep | 🔵 Traditional use (not scientifically confirmed) | The EU herbal committee recognises lavender oil for mild stress, exhaustion and to aid sleep as a traditional use in adults and children over 12[2]. Whether aromatherapy improves sleep is unclear[1]. |
✅ Reviewed by sm_owner on September 26, 2026.
Last updated September 25, 2026. How we write and check our pages
Herbs
If you have too much…
Natural does not always mean safe. Always ask a grown-up before trying something new, and a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement. 
How people use it
In the kitchen
Traditional uses
On skin & body
Home & garden
Fun facts
