Is Lavender Tea Safe for Humans? What You Need to Know

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Lavender, with its distinctive fragrance, has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, but its safety for consumption is a modern-day concern. So, is lavender tea safe for humans? For most healthy adults, consuming culinary-grade lavender tea in moderation is considered likely safe, although caution is advised for specific populations.

Quick Summary

For most healthy adults, consuming culinary-grade lavender tea in moderation is considered safe, offering benefits like improved sleep and reduced anxiety. It is vital to distinguish between ingestible tea and toxic essential oil, and certain groups should exercise caution.

Key Points

Culinary-Grade Only: Only use culinary-grade lavender buds for tea; essential oil is toxic if ingested.
Moderate Consumption: For healthy adults, 1-3 cups of lavender tea per day is generally considered safe.
Avoid If Pregnant/Nursing: Lack of safety data means pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid lavender tea.
Drug Interactions: Lavender can amplify the effects of sedative medications, requiring caution and medical advice.
Possible Side Effects: Overconsumption may lead to mild side effects like headache, constipation, or drowsiness.
Children Not Recommended: Most sources recommend against lavender tea for children under 12 due to potential health concerns.

Understanding Lavender and Its Forms

Lavender (most commonly Lavandula angustifolia for culinary use) is a popular evergreen plant known for its soothing scent and therapeutic properties. The safety of lavender for human consumption largely depends on its form and how it is prepared. Many people confuse food-grade lavender tea with highly concentrated essential oils, which are not meant for internal consumption and can be toxic if ingested. Always use culinary-grade lavender, grown without pesticides, when preparing a tea to ensure it is safe to drink.

Benefits of Drinking Lavender Tea

When consumed responsibly, lavender tea offers several potential health benefits, supported by research:

Promotes Sleep: Lavender tea's calming effects on the nervous system can help improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia, and promote more deep, slow-wave sleep. Studies have shown it may boost melatonin levels and help individuals wake up feeling more refreshed.
Reduces Anxiety and Stress: The compounds linalool and linalyl acetate found in lavender have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. Research has demonstrated that drinking lavender tea can significantly lower anxiety levels, with effects comparable to some anti-anxiety medications.
Aids Digestion: With its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, lavender tea can soothe digestive issues like bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and indigestion. The aroma can also stimulate bile production, which aids in more efficient food breakdown.
Boosts Immune Health: Rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds like eucalyptol, lavender tea can help support the immune system and protect against certain infections. Its anti-inflammatory effects help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Relieves Menstrual Cramps: The relaxing and analgesic actions of lavender tea's compounds can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe in moderation, some individuals may experience adverse effects from lavender tea, especially with excessive consumption. Common side effects can include constipation, headaches, or increased appetite. More severe reactions, though rare, can occur if a person is allergic to lavender or other flowering plants.

Populations That Should Exercise Caution

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: There is insufficient reliable information on the safety of lavender tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Reviews highlight that herbal compounds can cross the placental barrier and that unsupervised use carries unpredictable risks.
Children: Lavender tea is generally not recommended for children under 12. Additionally, applying topical products with lavender oil to prepubescent males has been linked to potential hormonal disruptions, though this risk is not directly related to tea consumption.
Individuals on Sedative Medication: Because of its sedative properties, lavender can amplify the effects of central nervous system depressants, including certain medications for anxiety, insomnia, or pain. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before combining them.
Pre-Surgery Patients: Lavender can slow down the central nervous system, so it is recommended to stop using it at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Lavender Essential Oil vs. Lavender Tea

It is critical to understand the stark difference between lavender essential oil and lavender tea. Misusing one for the other can be dangerous.


Feature	Lavender Essential Oil	Lavender Tea
Preparation	Highly concentrated, steam-distilled from flowers.	Infusion made by steeping dried culinary buds in hot water.
Concentration	Extremely high concentration of compounds.	Much lower, safer concentration of beneficial compounds.
Ingestion	Toxic and dangerous to ingest orally.	Safe for oral consumption when made with culinary-grade buds.
Purpose	Aromatherapy, topical application (diluted).	Oral beverage for relaxation, digestion, and other benefits.
Usage Note	Should never be swallowed; can cause intestinal cramping and nausea.	Safe for moderate, daily consumption when properly prepared.

Proper Preparation and Dosage

To prepare safe lavender tea, use culinary-grade lavender buds, which are explicitly intended for consumption. A simple recipe involves steeping about 1 teaspoon of dried buds in hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. Excessive steeping or using too many buds can result in a bitter, soapy taste. A moderate intake of 1-3 cups per day is generally considered safe for most adults. If you have any underlying health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before incorporating it into your routine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, for the majority of healthy adults, drinking culinary-grade lavender tea in moderation is likely safe and can offer a range of health benefits, including better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved digestion. However, it is crucial to use the correct, ingestible form of lavender, not the essential oil, and to be mindful of potential interactions, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and those on sedative medication. As with any herbal remedy, personal sensitivity and overall health should be considered. To ensure safe consumption, consult a healthcare professional before making lavender tea a regular part of your wellness routine.

Outbound link: For further reading on herbal product safety, visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never drink lavender essential oil. It is a highly concentrated and toxic substance intended for topical use (diluted) or aromatherapy only. Ingesting essential oils can cause severe adverse effects, such as intestinal cramping and nausea.

For most healthy adults, moderate consumption of 1-2 cups of culinary-grade lavender tea daily is considered safe and can offer benefits like relaxation and improved sleep. However, excessive daily intake could potentially lead to side effects like headaches or constipation in sensitive individuals.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 12, individuals taking sedative medications, and those with a known allergy to lavender should avoid drinking lavender tea. Consulting a healthcare provider is always recommended, especially if you have existing health conditions.

While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects from excessive consumption can include constipation, headaches, drowsiness, or nausea. Allergic reactions, such as skin irritation or respiratory issues, can occur in sensitive individuals.

You should only use culinary-grade lavender, most commonly Lavandula angustifolia, for making tea. This ensures the buds are free of pesticides and specifically processed for safe consumption. Avoid using decorative or florist-sourced lavender.

To prepare safe lavender tea, use 1 teaspoon of dried culinary-grade lavender buds per cup. Steep the buds in hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. Steeping for too long can result in a bitter taste. Add honey or lemon to taste if desired.

Some evidence suggests that while lavender tea can help with migraine symptoms, it might trigger a flare-up rather than preventing one. For this reason, it should not be relied upon as a preventative measure.