🌿 Lavender

{"conditions_treated": ["Anxiety and stress (one of the most studied aromatherapy anxiolytics)", "Insomnia (well-documented sleep aid; linalool and linalyl acetate are sedative)", "Headaches and migraines (especially tension headaches; topical application to temples)", "Minor burns and wounds (antimicrobial and wound-healing)", "Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne \u2014 anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial)", "Insect bites and stings (anti-inflammatory, reduces itching)", "Muscle pain and tension (antispasmodic)", "Fungal infections (ringworm, candida, athlete's foot)", "Hair loss (alopecia areata \u2014 some clinical evidence for lavender oil massage)"], "preparation_methods": ["Aromatherapy: 3-5 drops lavender essential oil in diffuser for anxiety and insomnia", "Lavender tea: 1-2 tsp dried flowers steeped 10 min (mild sedative \u2014 less potent than essential oil)", "Topical oil: 2-5% lavender essential oil in carrier oil; massage into temples for headache, chest for anxiety", "Burn care: 2-3 drops lavender oil in 1 tbsp carrier oil applied to minor burns (after cooling with water)", "Sleep pillow: Dried lavender flowers in sachet under pillow", "Bath: Handful of dried flowers or 5-10 drops essential oil in bath for relaxation and muscle tension", "Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol; 1-2ml for mild anxiety (less common than aromatherapy)", "Facial toner: Lavender hydrosol (floral water) for acne-prone skin", "Insect bite relief: 1 drop neat lavender oil on mosquito bites (one of few oils safe for neat application on small areas)"], "active_compounds": ["Linalool", "Linalyl acetate", "1,8-cineole", "Camphor", "Terpinen-4-ol"], "toxicity_warnings": "Generally safe. Lavender essential oil may cause skin irritation in some \u2014 always patch test. Some evidence that lavender oil may have weak estrogenic effects (controversial \u2014 linked to prepubertal gynecomastia in a few case reports; not confirmed in broader studies). Avoid internal use of essential oil. Pregnant women should use essential oil sparingly and diluted. Do not apply undiluted to large areas."}