The term “adaptogen” has many meanings: to have a
‘normalizing effect’, to adapt or adjust (from the Greek adapto). An adaptogen that has different results depending upon the
need seems to be an unusual meaning of the term. Lavender essential oil is the
perfect example for the two opposing adaptations we discuss below.
Lavender is known worldwide to calm and relax. Babies crying
with colic were soothed by abdominal massage and lavender oil in a study
conducted at the Department of Pediatric Nursing at Pemkkale University in
Turkey1. Dental patients in London
who nervously awaited appointments were found to be calmer and less
apprehensive after lavender was diffused in the office waiting room, in a
randomized controlled trial2. Additionally, in a Thai study to
assess the effects of lavender oil on emotional states and other bodily systems
in healthy adults, the group that inhaled lavender oil categorized themselves
as “more active, fresher, relaxed than subjects just inhaling base oil”.
But what happens to lavender’s famous calming and relaxing
abilities when given to people who are experiencing a bone-weary fatigue? This
is where the “Swiss Army Knife” of essential oils earns its nickname.
Researchers at Sanyo Hospital
in Japan gave
fatigued subjects aromatherapy, a footsoak in warm water containing lavender
for 10 minutes, and reflexology with jojoba oil containing lavender for 10
minutes. Fatigue scores improved
significantly.
No matter how to define “adaptogen”, lavender seems to be
able to adapt to the needs of the person who uses it.
References
1.
Centrikaya B. Basbakkal Z. Int J Nurs Pract.
2012 Apr;18(2):164-9
2.
Kritsidima M., et al., Community Dent Oral
Epidemiol. 2010 Feb;28(1):83-7.
3.
Sayorwan W. et al., J Med Assoc Thai.
2012 Apr;95(4):598-606.
4.
Kohara H., et al., J Pallit Med. 2004
Dec;7(6):791-6.
