Some people claim that lavender tea may help calm nerves, improve sleep and skin health, and provide other benefits. But the research is limited and mostly focuses on lavender extracts.
Lavender tea is made by brewing the purple buds of the Lavandula angustifolia plant with hot water.
Here are 4 possible benefits of lavender tea and extract, and the science behind them.
Lavender is widely used as an aromatherapy agent and supplement to help with anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Some research suggests that compounds in lavender may stimulate activity in specific areas of the brain and influence the transmission of impulses between brain cells, thereby boosting mood and producing a calming effect.
While both the scent of lavender extract and oral lavender oil preparations have been shown to improve mood and calm the mind, it’s less clear if lavender tea can offer similar benefits.
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However, there were similar reports of fatigue and depression between the two groups after 4 weeks, suggesting that benefits are most helpful early on.
The calming effect of lavender in the body may also help improve sleep quality, but there are no specific studies on lavender tea’s effect on sleep quality.
That said, studies on other types of lavender are promising.
A 2025 study examined the effects of lavender oil aromatherapy on fatigue and sleep quality in 100 people undergoing chemotherapy who also had hematological malignancies. Participants either inhaled a lavender essential oil or a placebo solution for 20 minutes before bedtime for 5 nights.
On day 6, the researchers assessed fatigue and sleep quality parameters. They found that those in the lavender oil group had significantly less fatigue and better sleep quality than those in the placebo group.
A 2015 study in 158 new mothers in the postpartum period suggests that those who took 10 deep breaths of lavender fragrance 4 days a week for 8 weeks had significantly better sleep quality than those in the placebo group.
Based on these results, it’s possible that enjoying a cup of lavender tea before bed may help you sleep better.
Abdominal cramping is one of the most common symptoms that occurs before or during a menstrual period.
A 2021 review found that lavender oil aromatherapy was particularly beneficial at relieving feelings of discomfort, such as menstrual cramping, especially when combined with abdominal massage.
That said, there have been no studies on the ingestion of lavender in tea or supplements.
Still, drinking lavender tea and appreciating its scent may be beneficial, although more extensive research is needed.
Lavender oil has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidative, and pro-aging effects.
In particular, a 2025 study found that the topical application of lavender oil may help:
- enhance the health, function, and number of skin cells
- reduce oxidative stress
- boost skin cell recovery and wound healing
- strengthen the skin barrier
Lavender may also have antimicrobial properties.
A 2025 test-tube study found that combining lavender essential oil with lavender hydrosol helped reduce levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.
These results suggest that certain forms of lavender may help promote skin healing and support skin health.
Research on the possible benefits of lavender tea is limited, but drinking a cup of this tea can be soothing and offer some benefits.
To make lavender tea, you can steep store-bought tea bags in hot water or brew your own. Pour 1 cup (250 mL) of water over 1/2 teaspoon of loose lavender buds, and let it steep for a few minutes.
For topical use, mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before gently massaging it into your skin. Consider doing a patch test to see how your skin reacts to the diluted lavender oil before using it more freely.
Lastly, to use lavender oil for aromatherapy, put a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and inhale. You can also use an essential oil diffuser.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional before drinking lavender tea or applying essential oil to your skin to help prevent any complications.
As with most herbal teas and essential oils, there are some precautions to consider with lavender.
Lavender extracts are available in oil and supplement forms, but there are
Some symptoms of consuming lavender products like tea or supplements may
Aromatherapy with lavender oil may also cause coughing or headaches.
Severe side effects of drinking tea are rare, but a
Applying undiluted oil to your skin may cause skin irritation and inflammation, so it’s important to dilute it properly with a carrier oil.
It’s unknown whether lavender oils or teas are safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Due to its potential effects on the nervous system, connect with a healthcare professional before using lavender tea or essential oils if you have an underlying health condition or are taking medications. Lavender may interact with some sedatives, but more research is needed to understand this possible link.
Limited research has examined the effects of lavender tea on blood pressure. However, some research suggests that lavender aromatherapy may help relieve high blood pressure.
Yes, drinking loose-leaf lavender tea or lavender tea from teabags you would normally find at a grocery store is generally considered safe to drink.
No, pure lavender tea is naturally caffeine-free.
Lavender tea and extracts may help promote sleep, support skin health, boost mood, and soothe anxiety.
However, limited research exists on the possible benefits of the tea specifically. If anything, appreciating the smell of lavender tea may have the most potential benefit, as most studies point to lavender’s use in aromatherapy.
Still, drinking lavender tea can be soothing and a great way to unwind.