Neurological disorders are diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. These disorders affect hundreds of millions of people all over the world. Globally, there are 47.5 million people with dementia. Dementia is the major cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 7.7 million new cases who develop the disease every year. The prevalence of migraine is more than 10% worldwide. Patients with neurological problems may experience depression or anxiety. Herbal medicine has long been used to cure these diseases. One of these plants is lavender, which is composed of various compounds, including terpenes, such as linalool, limonene, triterpenes, linalyl acetate, alcohols, ketones, polyphenols, coumarins, cineole, and flavonoids.
Essential oils are abundant and volatile compounds obtained from plant parts, like leaves, seeds, and flowers through different methods, such as distillation. The flowers of this plant are used in decoration in ceremonies and its oil is also used in the cosmetics and perfume industry. This plant, especially as an essential oil, has various applications in medicine to treat psychological diseases, such as calming the nervous system, particularly in cases with depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Its positive effects on the nervous system are related to the impact of its volatile compounds on the hippocampus and amygdala.
Aromatherapy using its oil, especially in anxiety and sleep disorders, has been found with very promising results. Lavender has been employed using various methods in different studies, including inhalation, massage therapy, combined massage therapy with aromatherapy, and oral administration. It has also been used for the treatment of bloating and for wound healing (as an antibacterial and antifungal agent) and the treatment of insect bites. Lavender has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects, as well.
