Tag: Lavender toxicity

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it is likely safe to consume lavender in the small amounts typically used in foods. So, can humans consume lavender? The key to enjoying this versatile herb safely is to understand the crucial difference between culinary and ornamental varieties.

Lavender is celebrated for its calming aroma, but when it comes to chewing the buds, safety depends entirely on the type of lavender and how it was grown. Only culinary-grade varieties of certain species, like English lavender, are considered safe for consumption.

While English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been evaluated as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA for use in food when used in small quantities, many other ornamental lavender varieties are not recommended for culinary use. Knowing what lavender is not edible is crucial to avoid an unpleasantly bitter flavor or, in the case of essential oils, potential toxicity.